Your Boat Parts and Accessories Experts Want to Make Your Decision Making a Little Easier

Stainless Marine your boat parts and accessories analysts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding the best trailer buying and maintenance tips.

Your boat parts and accessories professionals know that boat trailers come in many varieties, so there are many decisions you need to make when purchasing a boat trailer. We've covered some topics already, such as “bunks versus rollers” (boatingmag.com/boat-trailer-buying-tips).

Painted Steel

Your boat accessories catalog experts know that painted steel trailers are excellent for freshwater use, but they readily corrode in salt or brackish water and are best avoided for those uses. Painted trailers often feature custom paint colors matched to the boat.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanization is a zinc coating applied over steel. This provides tremendous resistance to corrosion, although rust will win out eventually because the zinc is simply sacrificial.

Your cheap boat accessories specialists understand that shopping for a boat trailer can be daunting. You have to make myriad decisions. Take a look at this list, which provides a synopsis of the features you need to look for when buying a trailer for your boat or assessing the value of a trailer that comes with a new boat.

Single Axle

Trailers with one axle can cost less and require less maintenance than dual-axle trailers. They are also easier to move “manually” around driveways and into garages or other tight spots.

Lights

LED lights are more durable and waterproof than incandescent lighting and tax your tow vehicle's electrical system less (translation: you have brighter lights). Look for trailers with light brackets that protect the fixture versus those with exposed light fixtures.

Tires

Radial tires are better than bias-ply tires. Bias-ply tires transmit sidewall flex to the tread, increasing the chances for slipping. Bias-ply tires also present a smaller footprint, resulting in less grip on the road.

Brakes

Electric brakes offer low maintenance and the ability to brake the trailer prior to the tow vehicle, which is handy going downhill.

Your Boat Parts and Accessories Specialists Don't Recommend Electric Brakes for Saltwater Application

However, we do not recommend them for saltwater application. Your stainless steel tubing experts know that surge brakes, though more complex, will prove more reliable in marine service.

You can find more information as well as get assistance on stainless steel tubing and on the best trailer buying and maintenance tips at Stainless Marine.

Brakes

While laws vary by state, we, along with many trailer manufacturers, recommend that multiaxle trailers have brakes installed on all axles.

Bunks

Your boat parts and accessories catalogs professionals feel that bunk trailers can be less expensive, though they may also prove harder to launch from and load a boat onto at a ramp with a shallow angle or a low water level. The addition of glides can obviate this somewhat. Bunk maintenance is minimal. Some builders of boats with cored hulls require the use of bunk trailers for warranty.

Wiring

Look for tinned-copper wiring, especially if you will be in coastal waters. Heavy grommets and chafe protection should be used where wires enter and exit the trailer frame. Look for solid and accessible ground (white wire) points.

Trailer Tips

Grossed Out

Don't confuse the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) with the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GAWR is for each axle. The GVWR is for the entire trailer.

Rinse Protection

When using acid-base hull cleaners, be sure to cover the trailer fenders with a tarp, lest the dripping cleaner remove the zinc galvanized coating or paint.

No Alternative

Do not substitute auto tires for trailer tires: Trailer tires have thicker sidewalls.

So don't forget these helpful tips when buying or maintaining your boat trailer. 1) Painted steel trailers are excellent for freshwater use; 2) Galvanization is a zinc coating provides tremendous resistance to corrosion; and 3) make sure brakes are installed on all axles.

Stainless Marine has more information on boat parts and accessories, stainless steel tubing, group #24 battery box, and on the best trailer buying and maintenance tips.

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