Electric Trailer Brakes: Essential Info for New Recreational Boaters

    “If you’re not comfortable with bundles of wires, you might want to have a trained professional take care of your brake controller installation; however, if you know what you’re doing and follow the directions provided by the device’s manufacturer, installing a brake controller shouldn’t be a problem.”

Regardless of whether you decide to take your boat trailer to a professional or opt to handle trailer repairs by yourself, you simply can’t afford to scrimp on quality, particularly in relation to replacement trailer parts. To ensure the best results, you may want to look for a trusted vendor like Champion Trailers.

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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.

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.