Polycraft boat, Owner'S Manual

Page: 15 / 22

15
TOWING
Never exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle.
MAINTAINING THE TRAILER
Galvanized trailers are coated in a galvanized finish. This
chemical process bonds very hot liquid zinc to the trailer
and its components. The zinc covering forms a barrier that
protects the steel under the zinc. The environment in
which the trailer is used, stored and maintained determines
the level of deterioraon of the zinc. In areas of high
humidity, high salinity or poor water quality, it is common
for the zinc finish to deteriorate very quickly. A high level of
care is required in these environments.
Trailers must be washed thoroughly aer use and stored in
a dry, well venlated area. Salt residues may drop onto
your trailer from the hull above while in storage. If this
occurs, wash as soon as possible.
It is normal as the zinc surface ages that a white powder
(calcium carbonate) forms on the galvanized components.
Calcium carbonate is normally evident in the low drainage
points of the trailer where salt residues collect.
COUPLINGS
Connect the coupling to the tow bar by placing the coupling
directly over the ball, pull up the handle and let the
coupling slide down over the ball then release the handle
le9ng it bo'om out on the top of the coupling.
Mechanical, hydraulic and standard couplings need to be
greased every six months or when there is no grease
present on the shas.
SAFETY CHAINS
Connect the safety chain to the vehicle with D shackle
supplied with the trailer. Do not use a padlock between the
safety chain and the car while travelling.
JOCKEY WHEEL
When maneuvering the trailer on either concrete, lawn or a
so surface, the jockey wheel should be in its wound down
posion. This enables easier maneuvering of the trailer.
AXLES AND SPRINGS
It is recommended that the suspension components be
inspected at least twice yearly for any evidence of loose u-
bolts, bolts and corrosion or breakage of the leaf springs.
Painted and galvanized suspension components should be
sprayed regularly with products such as lanolin based
sprays.
WHEEL BEARINGS
Wheel bearings should be checked at least every 90 days
and before pu9ng the boat away for any lengthy period.
They should be replaced every 6 months depending on
trailer use.
For a quick check, jack up the wheel and give it a wobble
from side to side.
If there is slack in the bearing you will need to reghten the
axle hex nut and give the wheel a spin.
If it is noisy you will need to change the bearings.
If you re-assemble the hub and there is evidence of water,
this will also render the bearings unfit for use and require
replacement.
Rounely check the wheel hubs whenever you stop for fuel
or refreshments. If the hub feels abnormally hot, inspect
the bearings before connuing. On extended trips, carry
spare when bearings, seals and races.
BRAKES
If your trailer is braked, the braking system is a disc brake
over-ride system with either mechanical (cable operated) or
hydraulic (fluid operated) brakes.
At any sign of deterioraon, mechanical brake cables need
to be replaced. To adjust the tension on mechanical brakes
ensure the boat, motor and all equipment are on the trailer.
The cable can then be adjusted at the front pully or the
adjustment bolt on the calliper. Remember to leave
enough slack in the cable to allow for the flex in the trailer
while underway.
Trailers with a gross mass over two tonne are fi'ed with
hydraulic electric braking system and disc braked on all four
wheels. This system needs an in-car electronic electric
brake controller to operate it correctly, owner supplied and
fi'ed by an auto electrician. The braking unit must be
mounted high over the coupling and kept clear of
submersing and high pressure cleaners at all mes.
It is important to check the trailer’s brakes for operaon
prior to departure on each trip.
TYRES
Correct tyre pressures are located on the label at the front
of your trailer and on the tyre’s side wall. Regular checks
for the correct inflaon pressure and uneven tyre wear
should be carried out. It is recommended for maximum
tyre life that the tyres be rotated on the rim every 12
months or 6 months for heavy use. It is also recommended
that a spare wheel is carried along with the tools required
to change them.
TRAILER FRAME DRAINAGE
It is important that the drain holes throughout the trailer
frame are kept clear and checked on a regular basis. This
allows for drainage of any trapped water to exit the frame.
WARNING
Wheel nut torque on the trailer wheel and the spare wheel
should be checked at regular intervals
.