Towing & Trailers
Many think that towing, launching, recovering and maintaining a trailer is an art. It is in fact science. The following covers:
- Legalities of towing
- Launching and recovering
- Maintaining your trailer's wheel bearings
- Breakdown recovery services
Towing
The law governing trailers and towing is complex. Click here for a summary of the Department for Transport guide. Another good reference source is the National Trailer and Towing Association.
Launching and Recovering
If you launch and recover your RIB using your own vehicle it is best to avoid immersing any part of your vehicle in salt water. If the slipway is step enough then you will be able to keep the trailer attached to the vehicle. If not, then the best approach is to use a strong and inelastic rope. A 10m length of 12mm Marlow HMPE rope with a breaking strain of 6,500Kg is ideal. Nylon rope is best avoided due to its high elaticity. Should it fail, the tension will be violently released and cause the rope to fly around dangerously.
Click here for the definitive guide to RIB launch sites, slipways, public hards, marinas, etc
Maintaining your trailer's wheel bearings
Warning - Wheel bearing on trailers that are immersed in water, especially salt water need regular servicing!
A wheel bearing failure while towing could cause a serious accident, not to mention the cost to repair. Wheel bearings should be inspected and repacked with grease every six months. Your friendly breakdown recovery service might not cover you if your trailer fails.
A good guide on how to replace your wheel bearings is here.
Breakdown Recovery Services
Breakdown cover, including limitations, etc. The major breakdown and recovery companies are the AA, RAC, Green Flag and Britannia. All provide a very good and comprehensive service, however, note that only Britannia and Green Flag will recover your trailer free of charge if the trailer is faulty. The AA and RAC will only recover your tow vehicle and trailer free of charge if the tow vehicle is faulty.