1. Coupler securely engages your hitch.
2. Safety chains are safely secured to trailer and tow vehicle in a chris-cross fashion under the tongue.
3. Jack is fully cranked up.
4. All fasteners / bolts are properly tightened. Pay particular attention to the lug nuts (tightened to 85 ft-lbs).
5. 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.
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. Bias ply trailers are not designed for speeds in excess of 65 mph.
7. Brake lights and other trailer lights are working.
8. If the trailer is equipped with brakes, make sure they are functioning by lightly testing before getting on a major road.