Boat owners who regularly use a trailer in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina know that small mistakes when disconnecting a boat trailer can lead to significant consequences. The process of removing the trailer from the tow vehicle is not a challenging proposition but must be done with care and paying close attention. Here are five tips for disconnecting a boat trailer from the tow vehicle. 

Putting The Vehicle In Park

After the boat and trailer or just the trailer is in position to be disconnected, remember to put the truck in park. Often backing in the tow into a spot requires a significant amount of changing gears from forward to reverse. As a result, shifting to the vehicle to park can be forgotten. 

Failure to put the tow vehicle in park can result in dangerous if not deadly circumstances. The truck’s movement can strike someone or another object, and it happens more than you think. A good habit is also to apply the parking brake as a backup as an additional safety measure. 

Wheel Blocks

One of he key steps when it comes to how to take boat off trailer at home similar to shifting a car to park is placing wheel blocks to prevent the trailer from rolling. I am sure you have seen a person chasing a runaway boat trailer parked even on the slightest incline on TV. The driveways in the southeastern states can be steep, causing a boat trailer Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina to roll. The best way to avoid this is by blocking the trailer tires on the front and the backside.

When the boat trailer is in tow, stow the blocks in the back of the tow vehicle or inside of the boat. Make sure that you either purchase chocks designed for tailer tires or large blocks of lumber that will not drag or allow the tire to roll over it. 

Locking The Trailer Jack In Place

Once the vehicle is secured so it will not roll, head back to the hitch to disconnect the trailer. The trailer jack lifts the trailer’s tongue off of the ball on the tow hitch most often by spinning a crank. For a trailer jack to effectively do its job, the trailer jack locking pin must be securely in place. 

The wheel of a trailer jack adjusts to align with the trailer’s frame while it is being towed and can be put into position by pulling the lock pin out before securing back in place. 

An unsecured pin can lead to the front of the trailer collapsing to the ground. Not only can the hull of the boat hit the ground, but more importantly, people can become trapped underneath the trailer. Ensure the trailer jack is secure every time. 

Disconnecting The Chains And Electrical

One of the commonly asked questions is how to jack a boat off a trailer? When we say this we are referring to removing the trailer tongue from the ball. While you’re positioned at the tongue of the trailer, lock the jack in place. Crank the handle raising it above the trailer ball. Remember to remove the chains and electrical wiring.

Many have gone to pull away only to realize the trailer is still attached by a chain. When it comes to the wiring harness, it will typically pull free from the socket; however, wires can become damaged or broken, leading to the necessity of repair. 

When the chains and electrical cable are removed, hand them on the top of the tongue so you can easily see that the task is complete. 

Theft Prevention

Boat theft happens more often than you may realize. In fact, the stealing of boats is big business. When a craft is stolen, it is usually parted out overnight and sold off rapidly. A few easy measures will help to avoid the loss of your boat and trailer.

Apply a lock to the tongue of the trailer and ensure that it is adequately clasped closed. Another form of lock is a wheel lock that secures around a wheel of the trailer. Consider either one or both of these methods.

Consider what is inside of the boat when you drop it off before heading home. Remove all of the valuable gear, including fishing equipment, electronics, water sport toys, and any other item of value. 

How To Prepare The Boat And Trailer For Removing Boat From From Trailer At The Ramp

When reconnecting the trailer again remember to remain patient. The process of attaching the tongue back to the ball must be done with caution.

At the ramp, know how to remove a boat from a trailer by backing down the incline and into the water. Do this before disconnecting the crank strap attached to the bow of the vessel. Secure the boat to the dock before pulling the trailer out of the water. Lastly, park and lock the vehicle.

The process of how to remove boat from trailer is made easy by taking your time. To remove boat from trailer never disconnect the bow winch strap before it hits the water. The boat can slide off while backing down the incline.

Lastly, on rare occasions, people ask how to take boat off trailer at home. A boat is rarely removed from the trailer at home. Instead, forklifts remove vessels from trailers at marina or repair centers.

Conclusion Disconnecting a Boat Trailer

Patience is key when it comes to how to unhook a boat trailer. Don’t hurry the process of boat trailer removal. Take your time. Many times the process is done in the dark of night. Bring along a good flashlight to make the process easier. No matter if it is day or night, always take a final walk around with a physical checklist or a checklist in your head to avoid any mistakes. After a few times, it will become second nature.