Handling & Trailering
What should you check on the trailer before a trip?
Answer
Tire pressure and condition, wheel bearings, lights and signals, and that the load is secured
Before towing, check tire pressure and tread, wheel bearings (a failure cause on the road), all trailer lights and turn signals, the coupler and chains, and that the boat and gear are tied down. A pre-trip check prevents most trailer breakdowns.
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — 2026 Minnesota Boating Guide (state handbook; cited as a state example), “Boat Trailers — Before Driving,” and Lights/Brakes — https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf
Not the answer
- Just the radio
- Only the color of the boat
- Nothing; trailers need no checks
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test