Maintenance Guide

Looking after your trailer is key to keeping your boat towing smooth and trouble free because we all know there is nothing worse than something going wrong of the way out to the local boat ramp early in the morning or on the way home. Check out the list of information below on how to best look after your boat trailer and keep it rust and problem free and get the most out of your fishing trips.

About Galvanising:

The galvanized coating on every MR Trailer is made up of 99.5% zinc and works in the same way as an anode attached to your motor.  It means the galvanized coating is sacrificial to the steel it protects.  This coating will slowly deteriorate in the presence of an electrolyte such as saltwater. This is the reason why the galvanizing will “dull off” after a short period of time. It’s doing its job of protecting the steel chassis and components.  If left unwashed, the zinc coating will eventually disappear.

Caring for Galvanising:

To prevent premature corrosion to your MR Trailer it’s best to wash it with a solution of warm water and detergent – brushed or sponged on.

The inside of the chassis and cross-members can be cleaned out by inserting a hose into the drain holes.  If at all possible, one of the best ways to protect your MR Trailer is to immerse it in fresh water (river or lake) after use in saltwater.

As wheel bearings are a very important part of your trailer maintenance, they should be checked at least twice a year.  This can be done by jacking up the trailer and spinning the wheels – checking for noise, vibration and excessive endplay.

Remove bearing caps or – buddies to check the condition of the grease for water contamination or overheating.  Always use a good quality wheel bearing grease.  Do not use water soluble grease.  This can make all the difference.  Should you find water, replace hub seals and/or wheel bearing caps.  If you are using bearing buddies keep them pumped up with grease.  If they are not serviced frequently, they will allow water in.  Do not over-pressurise, this may cause seal damage.

Couplings and Safety Chains:

Couplings and safety chains are vital for safe trailer operation. When fitted to your vehicle, coupling play should be checked. It is also important to ensure the correct size ball-and-coupling combination has been used.
Regularly check securing bolts for rust; make sure they are tight. These bolts must be high tensile. The chain should not be welded but bolted to the trailer with a high-tensile bolt – this should be sufficient to hold the boat and trailer if it breaks away.

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