We spend a lot of time and effort (or money) making sure our PWC's are in tip top running condition. But what about the trailers? Let's take a look at some tips for making sure you have the right trailer and how to care for it.
Your trailer appears to have a long tongue. The longer the trailer's wheelbase, the easier backing will be and you won't be as likely to have to back your tow vehicle into the water to get it deep enough to launch. Another great video!
Great check list! Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with us. People added in the comments about fluid film. Since I ride only in salt water I'm using it on all parts that are not aluminum,,, excluding the tire nuts of course ;)
Great stuff. Especially the tip to check the heat on the hubs at every stop - I need to do that more often. One other thing I also am a bit crazy about - the bunk angles. Every time I get a new trailer, I drive the guys at the dealership a bit nuts because I want the angle of the bunks and the placement of the bunks to be perfect, with as much surface area as possible on the skis. Thanks again for the video.
I carry a laser heat gun and shoot all the hubs on tow vehicle and trailers, tires too because you can tell if one is going low if it is warmer than the others. I drive a dually with a 5th wheel and then the ski behind that, so have 14 tires on the ground
Good vid! I carry pretty much everything you do (two spare bearing kits and pins, because I’m slightly paranoid), but also include additional ratchet straps. You know, I’m case I somehow manage to damage one while loading or unloading, or if I notice excess wear.
I always pin the fold down tongue / ball latch when hooked up, so there is no chance of it becoming unattached. I also spray Fluid Film on the fold down tongue lock. Spraying from the top and also from the bottom will lubricate those parts and make them very easy to move. Auto Zone carries Fluid Film locally. Nice video!
Good idea. I do always put a lock on mine but I have never used the Fluid Film. I'm sure that helps make sure it will keep operating properly for years to come. I'll have to get some.
Hey mate, Just a heads up, I’ve seen jet skis slide sideways off the trailer by tying up to the towing cleat, It doesn’t have any sideways support as the strap can simply slide in the cleat while still being fastened and the jet ski comes off around a corner, Also Yamaha states that the towing cleat is just for towing. It’s not to be used for lifting or for strapping down to a trailer. There is a reason there are two reinforced tie down points on the rear to equalise the force on either side while it completely eliminates any chance of sideways movement, Why would you risk damaging the cleat and also not securing the ski properly to the trailer to save a couple of seconds tying up a second strap!! Please be safe, don’t risk it mate!!
This is one of those questions where everyone has a different opinion. Personally, if I am just taking my ski from my house to the lake, I do not use a cover. If I am going long distance, I do use a cover to try to keep the ski clean through whatever conditions I may tow in on a long trip
@@TheShipsLogg you are begging for that ski to slide sideways !. the rear tie down eye's are for straps, they won't allow the ski to go sideways, and they won't allow the ski to slide backwards. most name brand trailers already have these buckle straps bolted to the trailer.
@@alanshaw4655 you can do it either way. After thousands of miles of towing, my ski has never budged. The key is to ensure that you have strapped it tight enough and check it periodically.
@@TheShipsLogg you may be right ?, but the way you are doing it, you are running the risk of scratching the ski where that strap rest ?. personally, i use the strap eyes, that is what they are for. a little tip: get you some boat buckles that bolt to the back end of the trailer, takes less than 2 min's to remove them from the ski
Yes they can take 90. It is also important to not under inflate or over inflate the tires. 40 psi may be a bit low but that does depend on the weight that you are carrying. I usually keep mine between 55 and 60. I find that at 90, The ski bounces around a lot.
There are a lot of good brands out there. The real question, in my opinion, is whether you get aluminum, galvanized, or painted steel. Personally, I would not buy a painted steel trailer. They will just eventually rust away, especially if you ever go in salt water. Aluminum is the best option but it is also the most expensive. If you don't want to spend the money for an aluminum trailer, a galvanized trailer is the next best thing.
@@Sazonman a galvanized trailer is made of steel but it has gone through a galvanization process to prevent rust. This is way better at rust prevention than painting is.
I find with a jetski trailer, crossing the chains is pointless, both chains connect in the same point in the center of the trailer. Crossing the chains does not form a basket.
I don’t think the difference in efficiency is enough of an issue for someone to use as a reason to prevent one from getting a supercharged ski. The purchase price may be an issue for some people but not the gas mileage.
@@ocasion3051 as long as it is a good quality grease you are good. The key is making sure it is a marine grease and not regular grease. I bought a basic great gun from Walmart and it works great.
You do have to pick something that is a happy medium. My personal opinion is that 8 inch wheels are way too small but the larger you get, the further down the ramp you have to back it to get your ski in the water. My trailer has 12 in wheels and that works fine for me. My tow vehicle wheels do get wet at most ramps but I don't have to back it in too far. Not sure I'd like 14 inch wheels for that reason.
@@CP-kb1du no, actually, they are 12 inch. Maybe they look small on video to you. They have also proven to be more than adequate for the job. On the trip from Atlanta to Ft Lauderdale at highway speeds for long periods of time, the hubs never even got warm.
