In addition to regular safety and maintenance tips, there are a number of items of caution or note that you should be aware of; to make things easy for you, we're providing a summary of them here.
CAUTION. Do not exceed the maximum weight rating on your trailer. Exceeding the maximum rating voids the manufacturer’s warranty and may lead to premature failure of the trailer causing damage to the boat and creating an unsafe towing condition.
CAUTION. Use only the ball diameter indicated on your coupler - any other ball diameter will create an extremely dangerous condition that may result in separation from the coupler or ball failure.
NOTE. When attached, your boat and tow vehicle should be parallel to the road surface. It you have questions concerning the load, see your dealer.
CAUTION. When placing a swivel jack in the down position (positioned to support the weight of the tongue) ensure the swivel pin is engaged BEFORE adding weight to the jack or removing the trailer from the tow vehicle. Not verifying that the swivel jack pin is engaged could cause the jack to collapse under the weight of the tongue.
NOTE. The winch / winch strap is not designed to be the only line securing a boat to a trailer while towing. Tie-down straps (bow – eye and transom) must be used to properly secure your boat while towing.
CAUTION. Failure to properly secure your boat with tie down straps can cause damage to your boat trailer, boat and boat contents. In addition, an improperly secured boat can create a dangerous road condition. In many states, towing a boat without tie down straps is illegal. See your dealer to get the proper tie down straps and learn their correct use.
CAUTION. The following are signs of bearing failure or other wheel problems:
- Bearing grease splattered on the rim. This could be a sign of rear seal failure, bearing lock-up or loss of grease in the bearing.
- Smoke from a wheel. This could indicate a dragging tire (possible brake lock-up).
WARNING. Maintain proper torque on lug nuts. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or damage.
WARNING. Keep wheel bearings properly lubricated and in good condition. Failure to do so may cause failure and possible wheel loss resulting in serious injury and / or property damage.
WARNING. Keep tires properly inflated. Failure to maintain correct pressure may result in tire
wear, tire failure and loss of control resulting in serious injury or property damage.
WARNING. If your tires have bubbles, deep cracks, insufficient tread or show signs of tread separation – DO NOT OPERATE YOUR TRAILER until replacing all defective tires.
NOTE. To prolong the life of your brakes – after you back up your trailer to park the trailer -- ease forward approximately two inches. This will pull the actuator forward,
relieving the pressure on the brake components.
NOTE. Disconnecting the wire harness connections prior to submerging the trailer may reduce the risk of light bulb failure, fuse failure or other electrical problems.
WARNING. Operating a trailer without working lights is both dangerous and illegal. Always ensure your lights are working before taking your trailer on the road.
NOTE. When parking or storing your trailer, keep the coupler off the ground so debris will not build up in the ball socket.
WARNING. When jacking up the trailer, ensure that all wheels are blocked in both the forward and reverse directions. Failure to block the wheels can result in personal and property damage.
WARNING. Special care must always be exercised when engaging or disengaging a swivel jack. When removing your trailer from the tow vehicle always check that the swivel jack is engaged before allowing the jack to support the weight of the trailer.
NOTE. If your trailer is not equipped with Bearing Buddies, you can purchase these components at your dealer. Never apply Bearing Buddies over Posi - Lube Spindles. The two systems are not compatible when used together.
CAUTION. Never use a pneumatic grease gun. The force of the grease gun can damage or destroy the rear seal. If your rear seal is damaged you must get it repaired before using the trailer. Even without a pneumatic grease gun, too much pressure could damage the rear seal.
WARNING. If you destroy the back seal of the hub assembly and have drum brakes. The grease can enter the brakes and erode the performance of your brakes.
CAUTION. Never re-use a tang washer. Never use anything but an actual tang washer. Reusing the tang washer or using a part other than a tang washer can cause the wheel to become separated from your trailer. This could cause serious property and personal damage.
WARNING. Keep tires properly inflated. Failure to maintain correct pressure will result in tire wear, potential tire failure and possible loss of control of your trailer. Improperly maintaining tire pressure will void your warranty but more importantly creates a very dangerous road condition.
NOTE. The most common cause of tire wear and tire problems is under inflation. Verify the tire manufacturer’s requirements by reading the tire sidewall. Even tires of the same size can have different recommended tire pressures. Always check tire pressure prior to each use (when tires are cold).
CAUTION. Brakes directly affect the safety of your vehicle and everyone else on the road. No one should attempt brake adjustment, replacement or repair of brake components if they have not been trained in the repair and maintenance of braking systems.
WARNING. Improperly bleeding brakes could cause air to be trapped inside the brake line. This air could significantly erode brake performance – or even render your brakes inoperative.
WARNING. Failure to complete brake adjustments correctly can result in diminished or loss of braking. Brakes adjusted too tightly can cause premature failure of the brakes. Any maladjustment can lead to property and / or personal damage.
NOTE. It is a good practice to activate your tow vehicles emergency flashers whenever backing your trailer. This will cause your rear lights on your trailer to illuminate.
NOTE. If water stands on bearing surfaces for as short a time as several weeks without the wheel being turned, rust and bearing damage will begin. Before storing the trailer for prolonged periods, bearings should be re-packed.
NOTE. Please pay careful attention to the selection of your boat motor and auxiliary equipment. Today’s larger horsepower motors have greatly increased the weight placed on the boat’s transom. In addition, larger fuel and water tanks, trolling motors, extra batteries and tee tops add considerable weight.