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Easytow Boat Trailers – User’s Guide 

           Page 13 

Components  

 

VIN Plate 

The VIN plate contains the trailer’s vehicle identification number. It also carries information about the 

trailer including gross weight and wheel specifications.

 

The VIN plate is riveted to the drawbar at the 

front of the trailer. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the information on the VIN Plate 

and ensure that the total load on the trailer is within the G.T.M. and A.T.M. parameters. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Aggregate Trailer 

Mass

. Maximum 

overall

 total mass 

allowable of boat, 

trailer, motor, fuel, 

gear, etc... (

including 

any weight imposed 

on the tow vehicle

 

Date trailer was 

manufactured 

Specification of 

tyres 

Specification of 

wheel rim size 

Recommended 

tyre pressure 

Weight of the trailer 

only (unloaded) 

Vehicle identification number 

Weight the axle group 

can carry 

Gross Trailer Mass

. Maximum 

total mass allowable transmitted 

into the ground (via the wheels) 

when coupled

 to the tow vehicle 

Trailer Model 

Summary of Contents for ski

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...rom your boating experience and avoid endangering yourself and others A little care and attention at the right time will ensure your Easytow Boat Trailer remains in top condition Your Easytow Boat Trailer has been custom designed and manufactured Its configuration and equipment are specific to your boat vessel You cannot therefore base any claims on the data illustrations or descriptions shown in ...

Page 3: ...r Our contact details Easytow Boat Trailers P O Box 421 Heathcote Victoria 3523 Telephone 03 5433 2461 Fax Number 03 5433 3488 E mail Address admin easytow com au Web www easytow com au We wish you happy boating and trouble free towing from Easytow Boat Trailers ...

Page 4: ...afely Before Each Journey and Before Each Journey Safety Checklist Regular Maintenance After Launching and Retrieving Checklist Components VIN Plate Chassis Axle Assembly Brakes Wheels Bearings and Seals Tyres Coupling Jockey Wheel Winch Lights Guide Poles Weight Distribution ...

Page 5: ...Page 4 Easytow Boat Trailers Pty Ltd Contents Continued Towing Guide and Tow Vehicle Set Up Spare Parts Service Logs Appendices Australian Design Standards Galvanising Warranty ...

Page 6: ...very Checklist 1 Boat is fitted correctly to the trailer This includes but is not limited to winch post position and height and any adjustable rollers or adjustable timbers Some un jigged trailers can have significant adjustable parts that must be fitted to the boat correctly to validate your warranty and to allow the trailer to operate properly Warning Special attention should be paid to your win...

Page 7: ...ly for launching and retrieving your boat It is not a tie down excessive pressure on this strap can result in damage to your winch which is not covered by warranty 5 Load is within maximum carrying capacity 6 Tyres are properly inflated 7 All lights are working correctly 8 Brakes are properly adjusted and working if fitted If your trailer is fitted with Dexter brakes these units are tested on ever...

Page 8: ...inspection The inspection items are shown in the Before Each Journey Safety Checklist Never tow your trailer before satisfying yourself that each item has been properly checked When purchasing your trailer ask your dealer or the previous owner to show you how to perform these safety checks These simple inspections will help you avoid towing problems and possible injury to yourself and others ...

Page 9: ...should be connected to the tow bar with a rated D shackle Do not attach the safety chains to towing vehicle with any other device 3 Wheel nuts are properly tightened Trailer wheel nuts have a tendency to loosen more readily than those on a car which has shock absorbers 4 Boat is securely tied to trailer Check that all straps are securely fastened The winch strap is purely for launching and retriev...

Page 10: ...ator lights tail lights and brake lights 8 Guide Poles Remove guide poles before towing if their width exceeds trailer maximum width requirements 2500mm 9 Brakes are properly adjusted and working if fitted If your trailer is fitted with Dexter brakes a quick visual check of the Dexter reservoir is recommended to ensure you Dexter does not run out of brake fluid ...

Page 11: ...enance to be performed on each component is described in the Components section of this manual Some maintenance should be performed semi annually and some annually It also notes which maintenance functions should be performed by qualified technicians and which functions you may consider performing yourself The service logs provide a maintenance checklist and can be used to record a history of the ...

Page 12: ...unching and Retrieving Checklist 1 Chassis is washed Wash boat and trailer at the ramp after salt water immersion Ensure the water drain holes are free of blockages 2 Carpet where fitted is hosed Remove sand and dust from fibres 3 Brakes if fitted are flushed and dried ...

Page 13: ...Page 12 Easytow Boat Trailers Pty Ltd Figure 1 Trailer Components Components ...

Page 14: ...te and ensure that the total load on the trailer is within the G T M and A T M parameters Aggregate Trailer Mass Maximum overall total mass allowable of boat trailer motor fuel gear etc including any weight imposed on the tow vehicle Date trailer was manufactured Specification of tyres Specification of wheel rim size Recommended tyre pressure Weight of the trailer only unloaded Vehicle identificat...

Page 15: ... The side rails are manufactured to reduce distortion and formed to fit the contours of your boat All the steel trailer frames are manufactured from high grade custom rolled steel sourced from Australian mills and conforming to Australian Standards For ski boat trailers there are three finishes available painted over bare metal galvanised or painted over galvanising ...

Page 16: ...g the undercoat These trailers have been made for fresh water use only and should be stored with the front of the trailer highest so that any water can drain out the rear of the side rails Maintenance As Required Touch up any stone chipping immediately Once moisture gets on to the bare steel corrosion will start Warning The life of the trailer will be substantially shortened and warranty will be v...

Page 17: ...ecially on hot days As fuel expands with heat overfilling your tank can result in fuel expelling out your fuel breather Fuel left unattended constantly dripping and drying on a painted trailer is dangerous and can have a negative effect on the finish of the trailer and boat decals Trailers parked on excessive angles can have the same consequence as an overfilled tank ...

Page 18: ...egins within a week of the trailer being manufactured This white powder is called calcium carbonate and it protects the zinc from the elements It can be removed by a wire brush or washing with a dishwashing detergent but it is best left on As galvanising involves hanging and dipping the frame and parts in to molten zinc the thickness of the zinc coating can vary slightly Any large lumps and burrs ...

Page 19: ...f the trailer Even salt residues dripping from the boat onto your trailer will cause a reaction with the zinc surface whilst drying Dry trailer before garaging in an enclosed space One of the biggest causes of zinc deterioration is washing your trailer and garaging it whilst still wet Ensure the water drain holes underneath the cross members are not blocked so the water can drain freely ...

Page 20: ...zinc is sacrificed to the corrosion process first through a cathodic reaction This process takes many years and does not require that the zinc completely cover the steel to provide protection Refer The Galvanising Process in the appendix Once galvanised the trailer and parts are prepared and finished with an undercoat and four 4 top coats of automotive two 2 pack paint These are applied directly t...

Page 21: ...the water can drain freely Warning Special attention should be given to your boat s fuel level and breather especially on hot days As fuel expands with heat overfilling your tank can result in fuel expelling out your fuel breather Fuel left unattended constantly dripping and drying on a painted over galvanized trailer is dangerous and can have a negative effect on the finish of the trailer and boa...

Page 22: ...nts Chassis Carpet On some trailers marine carpet is used to cover trailer infills and boat skids The marine carpet should last for many years Figure 2b Carpet Covered Infill Carpeted Infill Mud Guard Figure2a Carpet on Timber Skids Carpet Timber Skid ...

Page 23: ...our five 4 5 launches Hose down the carpet to remove sand and dust from the fibres Warning Do not winch your boat over carpet as dust and sand particles can scratch the hull and or burn the carpet Damage caused by winching over the carpet or burnt carpet is not covered by any warranty ...

Page 24: ...Springs Components Axle Assembly Axles Easytow uses a combination of either solid Duraflex axles or Duraflex RHS axles in order to minimise the tare weight of your trailer All Easytow axles are rated to comply with the gross trailer mass rating of your trailer Springs ...

Page 25: ...points each side For slipper leaf springs one end is bolted to the trailer frame while the other end is unattached but sits in a spring hanger welded on the frame This enables the springs to slide back and forth while carrying the weight of the boat Maintenance Every six 6 months Tighten the u bolts which connect the axles to the springs If you have been towing off road or over unsealed roads the ...

Page 26: ...ailers User s Guide Page 25 Slipper Leaf Spring bolted to chassis Slipper Leaf Spring 9 leaf U bolts attach Slipper Leaf Spring To Axle Leaf Spring Pocket Figure 3b Slipper Leaf Spring Components Axle Assembly Springs ...

Page 27: ...akes Stainless Steel Brake Calipers Hydraulic Fluid Tube Components Brakes The load weight rating of the trailer determines if brakes are fitted or not and if fitted the type of braking system installed Refer Appendix 1 Australian Design Rules Hydraulic Brakes ...

Page 28: ...ass fittings phenolic piston and brake pads with stainless steel backing The two types of calipers are interchangeable enabling Dacromet or galvanised to be upgraded to stainless steel at a later date The bundy tube has a 3 000 hour salt spray rating to resist corrosion This provides a brake system that can tolerate the harsh environment of salt water with minimal maintenance The hydraulic brake c...

Page 29: ...ilers Pty Ltd Components Brakes Hydraulic Brakes Maintenance Before each Journey Check brake fluid levels No fluid means no brakes Every year Change the brake fluid Replace worn or corroded flexible brake lines and bundy tube ...

Page 30: ...Easytow Boat Trailers User s Guide Page 29 Disc Brake Brake Cable Figure 5a Mechanical Disc Brakes Components Brakes Mechanical Brakes ...

Page 31: ...able linked to the override coupling Mechanical disc override brakes must have the correct cable adjustment for the brakes to work efficiently Adjust the brakes with your boat fully loaded on the trailer the trailer hooked on to your tow vehicle and the combination sitting on level ground There should be an 8 10 mm gap between the coupling shaft and actuation lever This is adjusted by using the ca...

Page 32: ...Easytow Boat Trailers User s Guide Page 31 Figure 5b Cable Adjustment Cable Adjuster Brake Cable Draw Bar ActivationLever Components Brakes Mechanical Brakes Maintenance ...

Page 33: ... Ltd Components Brakes Mechanical Brakes Maintenance Before each Journey Check cable adjustment Every launch retrieval Flush out brakes with fresh water immediately at the ramp if they have been immersed in salt or even brackish water ...

Page 34: ...it has a separate break away switch mounted on or in the draw bar close to the coupling The break away switch has a small steel lanyard that must be connected to the safe chain anchor point on the tow vehicle If the trailer becomes dislodged from the tow vehicle the pin will get pulled out of the break away switch and the brakes are applied The power to run the unit in break away mode comes from t...

Page 35: ...Page 34 Easytow Boat Trailers Pty Ltd Battery Power Unit Battery Charge Level Indicator Button Hydraulic Unit Figure 6a Dexter Brake Break Safe Unit Components Brakes Hydraulic Disc Break Away Brakes ...

Page 36: ...Easytow Boat Trailers User s Guide Page 35 Figure 6b Hydraulic Disc Assembly fitted with optional park brake Disc Brakes Hydraulic Fluid Lines Components Brakes Hydraulic Disc Break Away Brakes ...

Page 37: ...y Ltd Components Brakes Hydraulic Disc Break Away Brakes Maintenance Before each Journey Check brake fluid levels No fluid means no brakes Every year Change the brake fluid Replace worn or corroded flexible brake lines and bundy tube ...

Page 38: ...ay be either 15 or 17 in diameter The following table gives details for each wheel size Wheel type Diameter Width Stud pattern PCD Off set Std 15 5 1 2 Ford 114 3 23 Positive Upgrade 17 7 1 2 Ford 114 3 45 Positive Check the VIN plate for your trailer s wheel identification Easytow Boat Trailers use a general trailer hub ...

Page 39: ...Page 38 Easytow Boat Trailers Pty Ltd Components Figure 7a ET15 15 Wheels Standard Figure 7b 17 Wheels Upgrade ...

Page 40: ... fitting before purchasing alloy wheels Some Commodore and Ford AU wheels do not seat properly against the hub face and in the after market Commodore wheels come with Metric wheel nuts Trailers fitted with 7 16 unf wheel studs as stated on VIN plate may appear to fit with the metric wheel nuts but will not securely retain your wheel to the hub This may result in the wheel falling off the trailer e...

Page 41: ...ailers Pty Ltd Jacking Point Figure 8 Lift Point for Jack Components Wheels Changing Wheels When changing wheels on your trailer the contact point for locating the jack is under the U bolts connecting the springs to the axle ...

Page 42: ...t Trailers User s Guide Page 41 Figure 9 Bearings Bearing Race Bearing Cup Components Bearings and Seals Bearings and Seals Bearings connect the axle stub to the wheel hub and allow the wheel hub to rotate freely ...

Page 43: ...of the trailer generally it will be the combination listed below Part Number Description 12710NSK Outer Cup Slimline LM12749NSK Outer Bearing Slimline L68110NSK Inner Cup Slimline L68149NSK Inner Bearing Slimline SESLM82120 Marine Seal Slimline Water in the wheel hub is the most common cause of wheel bearing failure so every endeavor must be taken to keep water out ...

Page 44: ...of the protector The flexible membrane expands and contracts with various operating temperatures The clear lens enables you to monitor the condition of the grease in the hub If moisture appears on the inside replace the rear hub seal Durahub Extreme bearing protectors are available as an option on new trailers or can be purchased from our spare parts department Warning Easytow Boat Trailers recomm...

Page 45: ...Page 44 Easytow Boat Trailers Pty Ltd Figure 10 Dura Hub Bearing Protector Components Bearings and Seals ...

Page 46: ... and give it a wobble from side to side If there is slack in the bearing tighten the axle hexagonal nut Spin the wheel and if noisy replace the bearings Every year Re pack and where required replace bearings This should be done by a qualified tradesman When wheel bearings are replaced ensure that quality wheel bearings seals and grease are used Easytow recommends Valvoline optimum choice grease Gu...

Page 47: ...ation and over loading the front axle can cause uneven tyre wear Maintenance Every year Rotate tyres Warning Excessive tyre wear on the inside of the tyres occurs if the trailer is overloaded Excessive tyre wear on both the inside and outside of the tyre will occur if the tyre is under inflated For tandem trailers excessive tyre wear on the front tyres only will occur if the trailer is not being t...

Page 48: ...made to Australian Standards AS 4177 3 Couplings can come with brake fittings either mechanical or hydraulic or without brake fittings Brake Activating Lever Safety Chain Coupling Safety Locking Clip This coupling is in the unlocked position Figure 11a Mechanical Brake Coupling Reverse Lock ...

Page 49: ...Coupling fitted with park brake Park Brake Activation Lever Coupling Safety Chains Components Coupling It is important that the coupling size match that of the tow ball For safe towing there should not be any more than 5mm play when the coupling is fitted over the ball ...

Page 50: ...ulic brake couplings Grease the coupling using the two grease nipples with one or two pumps of grease Warning Ensure that the safety locking clip does not get caught in the handle and hold the handle plunger extended The coupling and ball will detach in transit causing damage to towing vehicle and trailer and possible injury Override couplings have a reverse lock mechanism that needs to be engaged...

Page 51: ... the jockey wheel almost as far as possible to reduce stress on the shaft The standard jockey wheel is designed to confirm with ADR tow ball heights If you have an excessively low or high towing position this can lead to trailer damage see Weight Distribution If you do need minor height adjustment in your jockey wheel an adjustable Fulton version can be purchased as a spare part Figure 12a Standar...

Page 52: ...rd swing up Lubricate jockey wheel by removing the handle and sliding out the inner tube to expose a thrust bearing and washer Grease with a water repellant grease Fulton F2 swing up Wash with mild soap and water along with light oil lubrication of pivot points will prolong peak performance and appearance ...

Page 53: ...lers Pty Ltd Figure 13 Bolt on Winch Winch Drawbar Strap Handle Components Winch The winch on your trailer has been calculated to match your boat size The winch has a webbing strap which is used to load the boat on the trailer ...

Page 54: ...w Boat Trailers User s Guide Page 53 Components Winch Maintenance Every year Grease winch shaft Warning Winches are not legally allowed to hold your boat on whilst travelling A chain and shackle must be used ...

Page 55: ...Page 54 Easytow Boat Trailers Pty Ltd Components Lights LED lights are fitted standard to all trailers For trailers over 2 1 meters wide LED clearance lights are fitted Figure 14 LED Lights ...

Page 56: ...nd retrieving your boat in most conditions There are numerous different guide pole designs depending on the model of your boat Standard guide poles come with a poly covering additional Wetsuit style guide pole covers are available as a spare part Figure 15a Standard Guide Pole Figure 15b Optional Wetsuit Covers ...

Page 57: ...exceeds trailer maximum width requirements 2500mm Pay special attention to the guide pole height protruding out of the water when launching and retrieving your boat If you have your trailer too far in the water or an abnormally deep ramp the guide pole height may decrease to a point where you can hit it with your boat causing damage Common sense should be used in this situation longer guide poles ...

Page 58: ...heck manufacturers max load recommendations stamped on your vehicle tow bar before towing In conjunction with the industry 5 10 standard you must ensure that your towing package is on relatively level longitudinal terms this generally relates to the tow ball height or suspension attributes of the towing vehicle Excessive draw bar weight or conversely not enough weight can cause serious car and tra...

Page 59: ... not limited to Complying with the Gross Trailer Mass Complying with the Aggregate Trailer Mass Complying with the tow vehicle s Towing Capacity Complying with the tow vehicle s Tow Bar Capacity Complying with the tow vehicle s Tongue Weight Capacity Ensuring Tongue Weight is at the correct Ensuring the Tow Ball height is correct which greatly effects points 1 4 5 6 The amount of and where you pos...

Page 60: ...rovide backup and support for the years to come The Spares section on our website http www easytow com au spares php id 1 provides a list of the spare parts available and also images of the most commonly purchased items If you have any questions about Easytow Spares speak to your dealer or contact us via our contact page ...

Page 61: ...te operators manual Hydraulic Disc Break Away Brakes only b Full Service Electric Drum Brakes only c Change the brake fluid Hydraulic brakes only c Replace worn or corroded flexible brake lines and bundy tube Hydraulic brakes only iii Wheels a Tighten wheel nuts iv Bearings and Seals re tension after first 6 months a Repack bearings and seals Replacement required v Tyres a Rotate Tyres vi Coupling...

Page 62: ...separate operators manual Hydraulic Disc Break Away Brakes only b Full Service Electric Drum Brakes only c Change the brake fluid Hydraulic brakes only c Replace worn or corroded flexible brake lines and bundy tube Hydraulic brakes only iii Wheels a Tighten wheel nuts iv Bearings and Seals re tension after first 6 months a Repack bearings and seals Replacement required v Tyres a Rotate Tyres vi Co...

Page 63: ... Trailers 2 000 kg up to 4 500 kg GTM brakes on all wheels independent brakes electric power assisted brakes with control from the driver whilst in driver s seat with breakaway system to automatically apply trailer brakes fully for at least 15 minutes Lighting All lights must comply with ADR requirements and provide an ECE approval mark on each lamp All lights used by Easytow Boat Trailers have th...

Page 64: ...oat Trailers User s Guide Page 63 Appendix 1 Coupling The coupling must comply with Australian Standard D18 1968 More information can be found from the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services ...

Page 65: ...rs are single dipped in the deepest and most modern galvanising plant in Victoria Once the trailer is dipped it starts to age evidence of this is a white powder forming on the trailer This powder is called calcium carbonate and it protects the zinc from the elements It can be removed by a wire brush or washing with a dishwashing detergent but it is best left on Trailers are galvanised to Australia...

Page 66: ...lt water immersion to prolong the life of the trailer Even salt residues dripping from your boat onto the trailer causes a reaction with the zinc surface whilst drying One of the biggest causes of zinc deteriorations is washing your trailer and garaging it whilst still wet your trailer needs to be fully dry before storing your boat in an enclosed space More information can be found at the Galvanis...

Page 67: ...rs if they fail to function properly during the warranty period Warranty service will include all labour as well as any necessary adjustments and or replacement of faulty parts as Easytow considers necessary b Easytow must be notified of any defect before repair work is undertaken All trailers requiring servicing must be at Easytow s discretion returned to Easytow or to an authorised dealer at the...

Page 68: ...ss arising due to such malfunction or defect c Easytow warrants the trailer frame and its fabricated steel components to be free of structural or welding defects for a period of 3 years d Easytow warrants the trailer coupling to be free from defects for a period of 2 years e Easytow warrants the following components to be free from defect for a period of 12 months i brakes ii carpet excluding burn...

Page 69: ... modifies any condition warranty right or remedy conferred on the purchaser by the Australian Consumer Law Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 Cth ACL or any other applicable law that cannot be excluded restricted or modified by agreement k Except where we fail to meet a consumer guarantee under the ACL and notwithstanding any other provision of these Terms we are not liable to you...

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