Maintaining Trailer Parts Helps Keep You on the Road, Off the Shoulder

If your trailer’s brakes have become worn out, be sure to replace them before returning to the road. Fortunately, trailer parts suppliers like Champion Trailers offer a variety of brake parts at reasonable prices.

Take the time to check your tire pressure before leaving on a trip and before returning home. Inflating your trailer tires improperly can result in a blown tire as you are driving down the highway. Even if you avoid such a dangerous situation, improperly inflated tires also cause trucks to overwork themselves trying to pull the load behind it, resulting in higher gas consumption.

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Acquiring Quality Boat Trailer Parts For Flawless Maintenance Runs

Taking care of your boat also means taking care of the trailer too, hence you need to familiarize yourself with all of its parts down to the last nut and bolt. You will also have to study the boat and towing vehicle’s owner’s manuals to get a correct idea of the maximum weight and beam allowed under your state’s laws. A check of your trailer parts supplier’s wares may give you what you need, especially when you must do regular safety checks.

For instance, a wheel for boat trailer bearings should be properly lubricated, wheel nuts tightened, and the vessel itself must be fully tied down and fastened. The tires will have to be inflated at the right air pressure to handle the weight. As most of the trailer is submerged when the boat is prepared for launch on the slipway, consider testing the brakes and lighting systems, and replace in case of any malfunctions.

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Tips for Proper Trailer Maintenance

A cross country trip with your good 'ol trailer does sound adventurous and the last thing you need is a road breakdown that could soil one of the greatest trips you'll ever make. To keep the trailer running smooth and well-maintained, you can start by giving it a nice wash on a regular basis. Use warm water and a special soap suitable for the auto finish. Don't use high-powered pressure washers as they may degrade your trailer's body. Remember to rinse the undercarriage as well to prevent dust build-up on the vital moving parts.

Dirt that accumulates on your trailer can bring friction and damage. To keep your trailer parts working, grease them first or keep them lubricated, especially those that come in contact with other parts, such as the ball hitch, the winch, the wheel bearings, and many others. If you need to replace any of the corroded or damaged parts, you may do so immediately to prevent road accidents.

Tires, on the other hand, play the most important role as they keep the trailer balanced and functional. To ensure a safe trip, make sure that the tires are well inflated especially if they've been unused for quite some time. Air pressure should be maintained, as well, as tire leaks air over time. 

The Nitty-Gritty: Electric Trailer Brake Care

To keep your electric trailer brakes from breaking down, it’s critical that you look after the parts meticulously. This process rules out any dangers that you may face in the future, and ensures you that your equipment is running alright.

Here are some tips to make your trailer brake parts work more efficiently and longer:

• Schedule a regular inspection and service, preferably annually. Inspection intervals may also depend on how often you use your trailer. The more you use it, the more often you should look over it.
• Replace the brake shoes if:

The lining is 1/16^th inch thick or less.

The linings are drenched with grease or oil.

The linings are impaired or scraped.

The lining detaches from the brake shoes.

• Check out the magnet arm for any unfastened parts, and the springs (shoe return, mounting, adjuster) for any dislocations. If there are signs of uneven wear, change them into new ones. You can also call reliable professionals who can help you find and replace deteriorated parts.
• Replace all the same items of the same axle even if only one side needs to be replaced. Keeping all components at the same age reduces risk of uneven wear and tear.
• Spruce them up with a soft, damp cloth or brush to eliminate dust particles which can get in the way. Don’t forget to apply a small dab of white lithium grease to lubricate the shoe on the backing plate.

Two Steps to Installing a Boat Trailer Winch

A good boat trailer winch will allow you to make pulling your boat back into its trailer a much easier task. If your boat trailer does not have a winch installed or the current winch on your trailer needs replacing, installing a new winch can be a fun do-it-yourself project you can undertake in under 15 minutes:

1. If you’re installing the new winch on a trailer that doesn’t currently have a winch on it, chances are that the necessary mounting holes will not have yet been drilled. Taking the new winch as a guide, set it three inches ahead of the boat. With it angled in the same direction as your boat’s bow, mark locations for the mounting holes with a permanent marker. Drill them out to match the size of the bolts included in the winch package.
   
   If bolts were not included with the package, drill 3/8-inch holes to mount the boat trailer winch with 3/8 inch by 3 inch Grade 5 galvanized bolts.
   
   If the trailer you own has an old winch attached, remove it using a socket and wrench to loosen the mounting bolts.
2. Using a socket and wrench, mount the new winch on the trailer, drop the necessary bolts in place, screw in matching nuts to hold them in place, and tighten them up securely. With that done, your winch is ready to be attached to the boat.

Getting to Know Common Trailer Parts

If you have the funds for some quality time above the water with family and friends, you might want to invest in a boat of suitable size. After all, the United States is a maritime nation; three prominent bodies of water lining it along with a vast number of lakes provide ample opportunities to brave the waves. When you head to the shore for the weekend, cruising up and down the coast in calm waters will definitely help ease your mind and clear it of last week’s stresses.

On another note, adequately protecting a vessel while it is off the water requires equipping the boat with trailer parts available through reputable suppliers.

Taking care of your boat also means taking care of the trailer too, hence you need to familiarize yourself with all of its parts down to the last nut and bolt. You will also have to study the boat and towing vehicle’s user manuals.

Take note that a boat trailer’s bearings should be properly lubricated, wheel nuts tightened, and the vessel itself must be fully tied down and fastened. The tires will have to be inflated at the right level of air pressure. As most of the trailer is submerged when the boat is prepared for launch on the slipway, consider testing the brakes and lighting systems, and replace them in case of any malfunctions or defects.