Move Trailer Tip Series - Part 3: Maintaining your trailer

by BRP 30 Jun 2022 15:16 UTC

Move Trailers launches its first feature as part of an all-new trailer tips series, aimed to answer the most frequently asked questions © BRP

As the power beneath all vessels whilst on the road, trailer maintenance is just as important as maintaining your boat. A good quality, well looked after trailer ensures your prized possession is as safe on the road as it is on the water.

To achieve the most seamless and safe trailering experience possible, the most important first step is having a high-quality and strong set of wheels under your vessel.

The second step is having an accessible, trusted contact to assist with all your trailer questions and needs, including servicing, such as the Move trailer experts.

Move Trailer's has your back with an expansive lineup of high-quality builds, crafted to suit a variety of boat sizes and makes (including fibreglass, aluminium and plate), all of which have been expertly fine-tuned following decades of production.

Built on the Gold Coast from the industries best marine-grade aluminium, Move Trailer's are robust and reliable whilst the metals chemical properties achieve a lightweight, rust resistant and easy to maneuver product.

Manufactured using C-Channel and I-Beam frames, Move Trailer's guarantee water runoff, preventing water retention and logging.

With a network of the industries best marine dealers located right across the country, a Move Trailer dealer is always nearby.

Together with its impressive lineup of trailer builds and extensive dealership network, Move Trailer's look to reinvent trailering - delivering an easy, accessible, and reliable option for al boaters.

Transpired from its team of professionals, the latest series in Move's trailer tips is driven towards debunking maintenance and general care with ten tricks to ensure your trailer lasts the long haul.

Boat trailer maintenance is an important part of trailer care to extend its lifespan, below is a general checklist to simplify the process and ensure safe towing on the road.

General Check

Whether you are towing short distances to the local ramp, trekking long distances along the Highway or traversing across rugged dirt roads, any condition can take its toll. Generally over time, trailer components wear. In turn, you will always want to give your boat trailer a good once-over before hitting the road, to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Some key areas to monitor and check their condition before, after, and even during a trip:

Is the coupling fitting tight on the tow ball? Do you have an R-clip for the release handle?
Are the tyres inflated and in good condition?
Are the safety chains securely fastened?
Are the skids and rollers adjusted to the right heights and in good working order?
What condition are the suspension springs in? Are they cracked, corroded, or heavily rusted?
Always inspect the frame for stress cracks, rusted fasteners, or loose nuts/bolts.
Finally, are all your lights working, brake, indicator, and clearance lights.

General trailer checks mean safer travels. It also means you're more aware of what's going on with your trailer and to get issues resolved before they cause major damage.

The beauty of buying a new Move trailer is that you know it is in prime shape from the get-go and the above checks will simply keep your trailer in a good condition to ensure the longest lifespan possible. With its network of experienced and knowledgeable dealers located across the country, a Move Trailer expert is always at your fingertips to help make trailer maintenance easier than ever.

Maintenance points

1. Brakes - The braking system on your trailer is a disc brake system, either a mechanical override (cable operated) or hydraulic (fluid operated) braking system.

Hydraulic callipers should be sprayed with an anti-corrosion spray after each use and serviced every 6 - 12 months. For trailers fitted with hydraulic braking systems, these should be covered when stored for long periods of time to protect against the elements, they are not waterproof, never directly hose or high-pressure clean the system. It is good practice to change the hydraulic oil in the system every 12-18 months, subject to usage, as condensation can mix with the hydraulic oil.
The mechanical callipers and components are fully galvanized using stainless steel bushes and bolts. This braking system is easy to maintain and providing you wash your callipers, discs, and cables straight after use, either at the boat ramp or at home, will require minimal servicing. Mechanical brake cables generally last some time, however when you see signs of deterioration, the cable needs to be replaced. The cable can be adjusted.

Hydraulic brake systems require a higher level of maintenance than mechanical override systems. Although hydraulic brake lines are coated, the joiners and hose fittings need to be regularly sprayed with a protectant. The callipers and pads will require yearly servicing.

For the best assistance and maintenance support, contact your local Move trailer dealer. With all new Move trailers, you will have peace of mind with three years free Warranty.

2. Inspect/Replace Wheel Bearings - Your boat trailer's wheel bearings should be serviced and resealed/repacked every six months depending on use. Trailer bearings allow the wheel to spin with minimum friction under a constant supply of grease. Without grease (which should be marine grade), the bearings will generate excessive heat, which will burn out and damage the bearings, wheels and even axles. Seek help from your Move trailer dealer to replace your wheel bearings when:

Grease forms around the wheel hub's exterior. This means grease that once lubricated the bearings has seeped out through the seals and needs to be re-placed.
You hear squeaking or grinding noises while the wheels rotate.
The wheel doesn't spin freely (or there's some resistance).

Replacing, repacking, and resealing bearings should be done by a qualified mechanic or experienced person. If unsure, visit your local Move dealer for advice.

3. Manual winches - The winch fitted on your trailer is of high quality, they are particularly chosen for that trailer load capacity. Do not overload your winch, use it only for the application it has been supplied for on normal ramp conditions. All Move trailer winches are fitted with webbing straps, the same material as a vehicle seat belt. This material is designed for higher load rating and braking strain, compared to cable equivalent. When you finish with the trailer for the day check that the winch strap is dry, if it is still wet unwind the strap off the winch and let it dry out. This will avoid rusting on the winch drum. Oil the winch shafts and gears monthly or when needed, subject to use.

4. Trailer tyres condition and age - There are many types of trailer tyres on the market, the more common being light truck tyres. It's always important to do the following:

Avoid letting tyres sit on the bare ground when not in use to prevent flat spotting. Lay a sheet of plywood underneath the tyres or park the trailer on hard standing.
Check the tyre walls regularly for wear and tear.
Check for tread depth. Most tyres have wear markers, if the tread is close or past the wear markers the tyre tread is worn, and the tyre needs to be replaced.
Manufacturers recommend replacing tyres 10 years after the manufacture date printed on them, regardless of appearance, mileage, or actual wear. However, most tyres will need replacing before they reach the 10-year mark.

Move trailers are built with alloy wheels which are not only lighter but also better able to dissipate heat from the brake componentry compared to steel.

5. Tyres inflated - Trailer tyres are the unsung heroes of towing and shouldn't be ignored. A tyre blow-out, worn-out bearings and improper tyre pressures all mean trouble. As with any road vehicle, proper tyre inflation is essential. What are signs that tyre inflation is too low or too high?

Signs of low pressure (after long periods) includes wear on the inside and outside edges of the tyre.
Signs of over inflation are the opposite, the tyre will have wear on the centre of the tread.

To correct both instances, simply follow the manufacturer's recommended suggested pressure rating. Most trailers have a Vin/identification plate indicating the correct tyre size for the trailer and recommended pressure. If not, most tyres indicate this on the sidewall of the tyre. You should check the tyres before, during and after every trip. If the pressure is low, take a few minutes to inflate the tyre to the manufacturer's rating.

All new Move trailers are built with the VIN plate affixed to the frame to ensure the best and safest onroad experience.

6. Check the lights and electrical connector - There are strict laws regarding trailer lights. Each state has its own legislation but are governed by the Department of Infrastructure. Regardless of the State or territory you are in, you need them. Boat trailers are required to have stop lights, taillights, indicators, clearance lights and reflectors.

Many trailers have the wiring for lights running through the trailer frame, yet for wires that are not, they should always be securely tied down. While checking your trailer lights, wiring and Electrical Connector also double-check for:

Burnt-out bulbs on older style light clusters that need replacement.
Damaged wires or connectors.
Cracked or loose lenses.
A functioning fuse. Electricity runs from your tow vehicle to the trailer meaning that when the fuse fails, so do your trailer lights.
Electrical connector intact and pins are not corroded.

All new Move trailers come standard with LED lights and harnessing systems, which are installed inhouse by industry experts at the Queensland factory, so you can be assured that you have the essentials.

7. Axles and springs - Move recommends that trailer suspension components are inspected twice yearly, subject to use, for any evidence of loose mounting bolts, U bolts, corrosion, or broken leaf springs. Where Rocker Roller suspension is fitted, keep moving parts filled with grease at the grease points fitted. Painted suspension components should be sprayed regularly with anti-corrosion spray protectants to increase the life of the axles, springs, and hubs. Galvanized suspension requires a similar inspection and spraying with the same products, this will add to the life of the components.

8. Couplings - Connect the coupling to the tow ball on your car, if the coupling handle does not bottom out, check that the tow ball pressure bolt on the front of the coupling is not screwed too far in and stopping the coupling from going completely down over the ball. Mechanical, hydraulic, and standard couplings need to be greased every six months or when there is no grease present on the shafts, at the same time all the bolts and nuts need to be checked for tightness.

9. Wash down with fresh water - Whenever you take your boat into a marine environment, you must remember that salt water corrodes. Move trailers are well-built and can hold up against the harshest marine environments due to their aluminium build. But if you do not wash your Steel trailer with fresh water, rust will eventually catch up with it. A wash down with fresh water is even important for alloy trailers. Although alloy doesn't corrode in the same way as steel, there may still be steel components on the trailer. Without a good wash down, those components can quickly fall victim to rust.

10. Rollers and skids - Check your boat trailer rollers and skids, brackets, bolts, nuts and split pins for cracking or breaks. It is important that your rollers are spinning freely and are clean of any grease or product that may be stuck between the spindles and rollers. Skids should be in good condition with no cracks or damage. Clean working rollers and skids will allow for a quick and easy launch and retrieval, making sure rollers and skids are adjusted to the correct height to support the boat as required.

Over time, boat trailer maintenance will become almost second nature and recognising repairs - before they happen - will result in more enjoyable experiences on the road, as well as at your destination.

Regular servicing with an expert will simplify the process to keep your trailer in tip-top shape. In a nutshell, the following trailer parts should be serviced as outlined:

1. Brakes:

2. Wheel Bearings:

a. Service every 6-12 months.

3. Manual winches:

a. Ensure winch straps are dry before winding them in and storing for lengthy periods.

4. Trailer tyres age:

5. Tyre inflation:

6. Lights and electrical connectors:

7. Axles and springs:

8. Couplings:

9. Washing:

a. Wash down with fresh water after every use.