Everything You Need To Know About Boat Trailer Parts

The frame of your trailer - also known as the chassis - is integral to the strength and structural support of the whole mechanism.

All other parts are connected to the frame, which also needs to be capable of supporting the boat itself. That's why they're usually made of steel or aluminium.

But given that it's the largest single part of the trailer, the frame can be susceptible to damage.

Signs of wear

You should inspect your trailer frame regularly for any signs of wear and tear that could cause problems down the line. In particular, keep an eye out for:

Replacement tips

Generally, frames are made of high-grade metals and should last at least 10 years. But that's not a guarantee. You should check your frame every time you use your trailer.

Axles are metal shafts that connect the frame to the wheels. A trailer axles main function is to support and align the stubs, which in turn keeps the hubs and wheels (and your trailer) running straight and true.

Keeping your axles in good working order is a must!

There are two main types of axles for trailers: torsion axles and spring axles. Torsion axles use rubber cords inside the axle housing to provide suspension, whereas spring axles use metal leaf springs attached to the axle and the trailer frame. We won't get too scientific - just know that each type has its place. Read more about them here.

Signs of wear

Here are some typical axle issues to look out for:

Replacement tips

It's generally a good idea to replace trailer axles every 3-5 years, although that depends on the amount of usage. Again, regular checks are a must.

Just like on your car, the condition of your wheels and tyres is of utmost importance.

Worn or damaged tyres can reduce your grip on the road and lead to all kinds of nasty - and completely avoidable - consequences.

Of course, all tyres serve the same purpose, but that doesn't mean they're all the same. Whether you're working with radial tyres or bias-ply tyres (or anything else), it's crucial to check them for quality before hitting the road!

Signs of wear

Tyre problems to watch out for may be obvious, but finding them isn't always easy. We recommend taking a super close look at your tyres whenever possible.

You're looking for:

Replacement tips

Regular tyre replacement (once every 3 years or so) is generally recommended.

But if you have a problem, replace them immediately. If you're not sure how to, don't hesitate to get in touch with our support team!

Assuming you want your trailer's wheels to actually spin, you need your bearings to be in full working order.

That's because bearings - the metal 'rings' inside the wheel hub assembly - are responsible for connecting the wheels to the axle in a way which allows free movement.

Bearings are specialised parts that require a deft hand to replace. Most trailer-users have either:

The differences between these are slight, though significant. You should seek professional help if you're not sure which type you have.

Signs of wear

As bearings are covered, it's not always easy to tell when there's something wrong with them. However, you can keep an eye out for:

Replacement tips

It's ideal to get your bearings 'repacked' - or at least seen to - pretty regularly, as they're one of the heavily-activated parts of the trailer. By regularly, we mean once a year, or more frequently for trailers with high-kilometre use.

We don't need to explain the critical safety function brakes play.

Not only do they prevent your trailer from swinging out of control and harming you, they keep other road users safe, too.

There are 2 types of brakes that trailers can have, either drum brakes or disc brakes.

Boat trailer brakes are typically disc brakes that are surge-operated. For larger trailers they are typically electronically controlled, hydraulic operated disc brakes.

The first two are hydraulic brakes, whereas electric brakes aren't. Though electric brakes are newer on the scene, the best type for you depends on your towing vehicle and your needs.

Signs of wear

Typically, brake issues in trailers show up in much the same way as brake issues in other vehicles.

So look out for:

Replacement tips

Just like in cars, brakes are prone to picking up dirt and debris from the road, so it's a good idea to clean them regularly. This could also increase their lifespan.

It's generally good practice to inspect your trailer brakes every 12 months or 10,000kms.

Brake replacement should be done when the friction material has worn to less than 3mm thickness - which could be every 3-5 years depending on how often you use your trailer and how far you drive.

When you're towing a heavy weight (a boat definitely counts!), high-quality suspension systems are key.

Suspension is what provides stability and keeps your drive to your favourite boating spot smooth and easy.

As with most other major components, there's more than one type of suspension for boat trailers.

Whether you have a leaf spring suspension, which uses stacked metal leaf springs attached to the axle and the trailer frame, or torsion suspension, which utilises rubber cords inside the axle housing to provide suspension without metal springs, upkeep and maintenance are essential.

Signs of wear

Similarly to brakes and axles, suspension affects the smoothness of your towing experience. Here are some key indicators of issues:

Replacement tips

While good leaf springs can be expected to last over 15 years in some cases, things can always go wrong. If you have any doubts about the condition of your suspension, get in touch with a mechanical professional.

As trailers obstruct the rear of your towing vehicle, it's super important to make sure your lights and electrical systems are on top form.

Brake lights and indicators must be visible and working at all times!

But as with all electrical systems, and unlike most other trailer parts, electrical systems on boat trailers are made up of many intricate components, including: lenses, bulbs, reflectors, plugs, sockets, wiring, and connectors.

All of these parts, even the hidden ones, need to be checked regularly for damage.

Signs of wear

It's not always easy to tell when something's on the brink in your electrical systems. Sure, if the lights aren't working, that's a dead giveaway. But there could be other issues, too.

For example:

Replacement tips

Electrical systems are delicate, so it's recommended to have a professional electrician take a look.

Trained professionals will know how best to get into the system and check that everything's in order.

No matter how much time you spend in the gym, you're unlikely to be able to heave your boat onto the trailer yourself.

That's where winches come in: they're the mechanisms by which you pull your boat onto the trailer. Pretty important, as far as boat trailers go!

Most boat trailers feature a manual winch. This is a chord-and-crank system that allows you to drag the boat simply by operating the crank. Of course, without a fully-functioning winch, you won't be able to take your boat anywhere.

Signs of wear

Winches bear a lot of load, so they can be prone to damage if not properly maintained. In particular, you'll want to keep an eye out for:

Replacement tips

Being heavy-duty mechanisms, winches are built to last. Typically, they should last over five years before needing a replacement.

Sitting a boat right on the trailer without any form of 'bed' would damage both the boat and the trailer.

That's why your trailer has either bunks or rollers on the frame. All boat trailers have either bunks or rollers.

Bunks are strips that run parallel to the hull of the boat on which the boat sits.

Rollers, on the other hand, are exactly what you'd imagine: rows of small 'wheels' which allow you to roll the boat on and off.

Rollers are often said to make moving the boat easier, although they can be less 'solid' - and therefore more prone to damage - than bunks.

Signs of wear

Any difficulty in loading could be the result of wear. Specifically, these are the things you want to look for:

Replacement tips

The wheels of a roller are the most likely part to fail, although shafts can also bend under heavy loads.

Replacing rollers can be a tricky job and professional help is recommended.

Bunk carpet, on the other hand, is fairly simple to replace - plus, you don't need to replace the whole thing.

As the device which attaches the trailer to the towing vehicle, the coupler and hitch must be kept in good working order at all times.

Again, this isn't just a matter of convenience, but of road safety.

For those not in the know, the hitch is technically part of the towing vehicle: it's the 'ball' to which you attach the trailer. The coupler is the lock system that secures the trailer to the hitch.

Signs of wear

There are a few signs that should immediately make you wary of using your trailer. For example:

Replacement tips

Hitches tend to be pretty solid chunks of steel and should last a long time. Of course, with a lot of use, they may become worn down.

Couplers, however, are slightly more complicated. They contain a locking system which should be checked regularly and professionally replaced when necessary.