BRP MOVE watercraft trailer with iCatch
For many Sea-Doo watercraft and boats most of their time is spent resting on a trailer. Lets look at the numbers. The most fanatical boaters may accumulate 200 hours of use a year (over 5X the average, believe it or not) meaning the other 8,560 hours it is resting on your trailer. Also consider that gelcoat glides over water smoothly but over asphalt, not so much. The bottom line take care of your trailer as it is taking care of your Sea-Doo.
Doctor Doo looks at a few common trouble areas that when addressed can help ensure your day on the water is on the “water” on not on the side of a road.
Trailer Maintenance Guide
Clean:
1. Clean trailer before storing. Different environmental elements, such as salt and mud, can cause various components of the trailer to corrode of rust. – Rinse off with fresh water after every use. For hard to remove debris it may require a cleaning solution
Wheels/Tires:
1. Check for rim disaffirmation. This includes bent, dents or cracks.
-If any signs of damage are present, the rim should be replaced as the structural integrity could be jeopardized.
2. Check wheel for loose or rusted lugs.
– Replace rusting lug nuts
– Be sure to tighten lugs when trailer tire is rested on the ground
– Be sure to tighten lugs in a criss cross pattern
-Tip: If replacing lug nuts, clean the threads of the studs with a wire brush to remove corrosion and debris.
Check your tread...or you may not have any to check!
3. Check tire for worn, flat, bald or missing tread. Inspect to make sure nothing is stuck in the tire
– Replace any tires that have excessive ware
– Tip: proper tire pressure at all times will extend the life of your trailer tire and also help the trailer track in a safe straight line
4. Check tire pressure for proper air.
– This should be preformed while trailer is resting on the ground
– Check tire pressure cold (before the trailer is being used) Proper tire pressure can be found on the wall of the tire. Proper air pressure not only minimizes tire failure but also ensures you will gain the best possible mpg (kpl).
Hubs / Bearings:
1. Remove dust cap or bearing buddy to inspect grease for water inside the hub.
– If hubs have water present you will need to re grease and repack bearings (front and back) to prevent bearings from rusting (use marine grade grease)
– If bearings have signs of rust, cracks or extensive ware the bearings should also be replaced or you could end up wheel less!
– If storing trailer for a prolong period of time, the bearings should be repacked to prevent moisture rusting the bearings (use marine grade grease)
– Trailer bearings should be repacked at least twice a year.
– Tip: to prevent water in the hubs of your trailer let trailer bearings cool before entering the water. When trailer bearings are hot and then rapidly cooled by water the bearings will draw in water
Lighting:
1. Inspect for cracked or frayed wiring and corrosion on connectors
Keep your wiring tight and connected
– Replace any wiring that may be cracked or frayed
– Replace any connectors that are badly corroded
– If a connector has little corrosion this can be removed with a small wire brush.
– Tip: Using dialectic grease on connectors will help prevent corrosion
You can help ensure proper light connection with dielectric grease
2. Check for lights that may not be working properly.
– Remove lens caps to make sure bulbs are not burnt out, broken or badly corroded. Replace any bulbs that show any of these signs, even if the light is still working.
– Check to make sure all wires running to the light is still intact and not corroded
Replace cracked lens to ensure maximum visibility
– Replace and cracked lens as this will result in problems in the future.
– Tip: Unplugging your lights before submerging your trailer in the water will help prevent shorts not only on your trailers lighting system but also your vehicle. Also any opening on the lens that stores the bulb should be properly sealed. This may require the use of silicone.
Bunks: Think of the bunks of your trailer as the mattress of your Sea-Doo, keep it comfortable!
Bad Bunk, Good Bunk, Best Bunk - BRP MOVE trailer roller bunks
1. Make sure all bunks (roller and wood) have not cracked, broken or have any missing hardware.
-Wood bunks:
– Check that all carpet on the bunks are still intact and not exposing any wood
– Replace any rotten, cracked or broken bunks (make sure to measure old bunks and replace them with a pressure treated wood)
– Inspect and replace any missing, broken or rusted hardware connecting the bunks to the bunk mounts
-Roller bunks:
– Replace any rollers that may be cracked, broken or missing
– Inspect and replace any hardware that may be missing, broken or rusting.
Other items to check during maintenance:
1. Safety chains are still intact and not wearing or heavily rusted
2. Grease wheel jack if one has been installed on trailer.
3. Check that your tag is not missing and registration sticker is up to date
When you trailer from point A to point B with your Sea-Doo watercraft or boat, following these tips can ensure your focus is having fun on the water and getting home safe. For more information on BRP’s line of MOVE watercraft trailers click on “MOVE”.
