Trailer Information

Most people purchase their boat complete with a trailer. Trailers are built to conform to applicable standards at the date of manufacture.

In Canada this standard is CANADIAN MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS, (CMVSS).
In the US the standard is the FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS, (FMVSS).

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) - The GVWR is a safety standard designed to prevent overloading. Simply put it is the maximum weight your vehicle is designed to carry. This includes the net weight of the vehicle, plus the weight of passengers, fuel, cargo and any accessories added to the vehicle after purchase.

HOW IS THE GVWR DETERMINED? - Each manufacturer determines the maximum acceptable weight limit for a vehicle by considering the combined weight of the strongest weight bearing components (the axles) and the weaker components (body, frame, suspension, and tires). When these are factored in, the manufacturer sets the vehicle’s GVWR in accordance with standards set by Transport Canada.

LOADING ABOVE A VEHICLE'S GVWR RATING? - Vehicles that operate above the GVWR are a potential safety hazard because the frame, suspension, brakes and tires are not designed for weights above the rating the manufacturer has set. Overloading a vehicle can also result in increased maintenance costs. The Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia prohibits an operator from loading the vehicle in excess of its GVWR.

Hitches and Safety Chains
Trailer Classification & Coupler Designation	DESCRIPTION	BALL Diameter.	Min Breaking Force of Safety Chain or Cable
CLASS 1	All types of trailers with a trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (trailer weight including its load) not to exceed 910 kg (2000 lb.).	47.6mm (1 7/8)"	8.9 Kn. (2000 lb.)
CLASS 2	All types of trailers with a trailer GVWR of over 910 kg (2000 lb.) and not to exceed 1590 kg (3500 lb.).	50.8mm (2)"	15.6 Kn. (3500lb.)
CLASS 3	All types of trailers with a trailer GVWR of over1590 kg (3500 lb.) and not to exceed 2270 kg (5000 lb.).	50.8mm (2)"	22.2 Kn. (5000 lb.)
CLASS 4	All types of trailers with a trailer GVWR of over 2270 kg (5000 lb.) and not to exceed 4540 kg (10000 lb.).	See Note #1	The strength rating must be equal to or exceed the minimum breaking force of the GVWR of the trailer
NOTE #1 - Ball and bolt shall be of such size and strength as to conform to the minimum breaking strength requirement of the mating coupling for the specific load of class 4 trailer.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

TRAILER LIGHTS
AREA	LIGHT	PURPOSE	QTY	COLOUR	LOCATION	HEIGHT (from the ground)
1	Tail lamps	Indicate vehicle's presence and width	Min 2	RED	On the rear- symmetrical as far apart as practical	380-1830 (15-72)"
	Stop lamps	Indicate braking	Min 2	RED	On the rear- symmetrical as far apart as practical	380-1830 (15-72)"
	Rear turn signal lamps	Indicate direction of turn	Min 2	RED or YELLOW	On the rear- symmetrical as far apart as practical	380-2110 (15-83)"
	Rear reflex reflectors	Indicates vehicle presence and width	Min 2	RED	On the rear- symmetrical as far apart as practical facing rearwards	380-1530 (15-60)"
2	License plate lamp	Illuminate license plate	Min 1	WHITE	On the rear above or at the side of license plate	No Reqmt
3	Rear side marker lamps	Front and rear side marker lamps/ side reflex reflectors indicate vehicle's presence and width	Min 2	RED	Each side at rear- as far back as practicable	380-1530 (15-60)"
3	Rear side reflex reflectors		Min 2	RED	Each side at rear- as far back as practicable facing sideways	380-1530 (15-60)"
4A	Front side marker lamps		Min 2	YELLOW	Each side at front as far forward as practicable	380 (15)" MIN
4B	Front side reflex reflectors		Min 2	YELLOW	Each side at front as far forward as practicable facing sideways	380-1530 (15-60)"
ADDITIONAL LIGHTS FOR TRAILERS EXCEEDING Length 9.1m ( 30') or LONGER
5a	Intermediate side marker lamps	Indicate presence of a long vehicle	Min 2	YELLOW	Each side near center facing sideways	Min 380 (15)"
5b	Intermediate side reflex reflectors	Indicate presence of a long vehicle	Min 2	YELLOW	Each side near center facing sideways	380-1530 (15-60)"
ADDITIONAL LIGHTS FOR TRAILERS EXCEEDING Width 2.032m ( 80") or WIDER
6	Rear clearance lights	Show vehicle width, may not be combined with taillights	Min 2	RED	At the widest point - symmetrical on the rear or on the rear facing rearward	As high as practical
7	Rear identification lamps	Indicate presence of a wide vehicle	Exactly 3	RED		As high as practical
8	Front clearance lamps	Show vehicle's width	Min 2	YELLOW	At the widest point - symmetrical on the front or on the front facing forward	As high as practical

BARGMAN 7 & 9 CIRCUIT TRAILER WIRING

BRAKE REQUIREMENTS

16 (1) For the purposes of this subsection, brakes for a vehicle that tow a trailer are adequate if;

(a) The combination of the towing unit and trailer are capable of stopping within the distance and conditions set out in section 44 of the act, and
(b) The brakes are capable of controlling the safe movement of the towing unit

16 (2) Subject to subsection (3) no person shall operate a vehicle that tows a trailer unless the trailer is equipped with adequate brakes.

(a) A trailer that has a gross laden weight under 907.2 kg. / 2000 lbs.
(b) A trailer that has a gross laden weight of less than half the weight of the tow vehicle.

18 (1) A trailer shall not be operated on a highway unless it is equipped with brakes that are adequate;

(a) To control the movement of, and
(b) To stop and hold the trailer whether loaded or unloaded, under all conditions

18 (2) The brakes referred to in subsection (1) must be designed and installed so that those brakes may be applied by the operator of the towing vehicle from the cab of the tow vehicle.

(a) Subject to clause (b) and (c), to a trailer having a maximum gross weight of not more than 2300 kg.
(b) To a pole trailer (not applicable!)
(c) To a farm trailer (also not applicable!)

18 (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) (a) unless the tare weight of the tow vehicle is at least twice the weight of the trailer, the trailer must meet the requirements of subsections (1) and (2).

All trailers and car towing dollies must have brakes on all wheels when the G.V.W. (Trailer/dolly and load) exceeds 1400 kg (3086 lbs.). All trailers with brakes must have a breakaway device hooked to the trailer system.

Surge brakes may be used up to a towed vehicle gross weight (G.V.W.) of 2800 kg. (6173 lbs.).

From 2800 kg and up the towed vehicle brakes must be able to be applied by the driver of the tow vehicle.

BC regulations require that all vehicles being towed via a ball hitch must have safety chains or cables.

10 (1) No trailer shall be towed unless there are two separate means of attachment to the towing vehicle and the trailer is so attached that the failure of one attachment does not permit the trailer to become detached from the tow vehicle

10 (2) Each means of attachment must have sufficient strength to pull the towed vehicle weight.

(a) Towing the trailer so that the trailer substantially follows in the track of the towing vehicle, and
(b) Preventing the drawbar of the trailer or the primary means of attachment from contacting the road surface.

TOW VEHICLE INFORMATION

19 Towing standards: no person shall operate a vehicle that tows another motor vehicle unless the means of attachment.

(a) Is of sufficient strength to pull all weight that is being towed, and
(b) Is designed to be capable of towing the motor vehicle so that the vehicle follows in the track of the towing vehicle.

Both Alberta and BC require that the G.V.W.R. and the G.A.W.R. of the tow vehicle specified by the vehicle manufacturer must not be exceeded. The decal/label is normally attached on the drivers door post.

At this time there is no legislation in effect pertaining to the vehicle manufacturers recommended maximum towing capacity. Individual components, hitches, balls, safety chains, and G.A.W.R. must comply with regulations. Common sense should be exercised to ensure that your tow vehicle has the capacity to keep you and the rest of the motoring public safe.

PERMIT INFORMATION

The majority of boat owners do not have to obtain an over dimensional permit to transport their boat on its trailer, but for those people who have a boat wider than 2.6m (8’6") here is an overview of what is involved in getting a permit.

To obtain an over dimensional permit from the Alberta authorities, Alberta infrastructure, Motor Transport Services in RED DEER @ 1-800-662-7138, your tow vehicle must be registered as a commercial vehicle, not a private vehicle.

My discussions with Alberta. Infrastructure have indicated that new legislation will be coming to allow private citizens to obtain a permit without a commercial license, but it is not in place at the time of this writing.

Alberta Infrastructure indicated that they have a greater concern with the condition of the equipment towing the trailer and the capability of the people driving these rigs.

My personal interpretation of this conversation is this. "If your vehicle and trailer combination meets all the safety requirements of the highway traffic act and falls within the conditions requiring you to have an over dimensional permit, you will not be prosecuted for the lack of a permit. There is no policy that allows a private citizen to obtain a permit."

BC. regulations follow the same format as Alberta for dimensions requiring a permit. Despite the fact that all trucks registered in BC. are licensed as a commercial vehicle, BC will issue an over dimensional permit to an out of province passenger (private) vehicle.

An over dimensional permit can be obtained from the first weigh scale you visit in BC. Or you can phone for a permit at 1-800-559-9688. You will receive your permit via FAX. Payment may be made by Visa or Master Card.

Tow vehicle registration information.
Trailer registration information.
Overall length, width and height of tow vehicle and trailer.
Departure and destination points.
Route you wish to take.

A typical trailer up to 10’6" wide may travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The load must have flags attached at the widest point and have additional side marker lights for night travel.

The lower mainland, from Abbottsford to Vancouver, has a curfew period for loads exceeding 8’6."
This is in effect from 07:00 hrs to 09:00 hrs. and from 15:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs.

The current cost for a single trip over-dimensional permit in Alberta or BC is $15.00.

CLOSING - For our boat delivery trip from Duluth to Edmonton in November 1999, I obtained my permits from Minnesota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Fees varied, with the most expensive being Minnesota $30.00, Manitoba $6.00, Saskatchewan was free and Alberta was $15.00.

My 1998 GMC Tahoe is licensed as a commercial vehicle to qualify for an Alberta permit. At a licensed gross vehicle weight of 5300 KG it costs more than a passenger plate but the peace of mind may well be worth the extra cost.

MAXIMUM WIDTH	2.6 METERS / 8’ 6"
MAXIMUM HEIGHT	4.3 METERS / 14’ 2"
MAXIMUM LENGTH (TRAILER)	12.5 METERS / 41’ 0"
MAXIMUM LENGTH (COMBINED)	20.0 METERS / 65’ 7"