1. Coupler securely engages your hitch. The coupler and hitch ball must be rated for the same size. The size should be imprinted on both the ball and the hitch.

2. Safety Chains are safely secured to trailer and tow vehicle in a criss-cross fashion under the tongue.

3. Jack is fully cranked up (and parallel to tongue if swivel jack).

4. Boat is securely tied down with tie-down straps. Your winch strap is not a tie-down strap. A winch controls your boat in a horizontal direction. Tie-downs control your boat in the vertical direction. You must have bow-eye and transom tie down straps securely attached whenever the trailer is in use.

5. All fasteners/bolts are properly tightened. Pay particular attention to the lug nuts (tightened to 85 ft-lbs).

6. Tires are properly inflated- read the tire sidewall to determine the correct tire pressure required. This rating will be different than your tow vehicle. Also check for tire wear, cracks, bubbles or foreign objects imbedded in the tire.

7. Brake lights and other trailer lights are working.

8. If the trailer is equipped with brakes, make sure they are functioining by lightly testing before getting on a major road.

9. If the trailer is equipped with brakes, connect the breakaway cable (located on top of acuator) to the tow vehicle.