Trailer Information
Maintaining the trailer
Galvanised trailers are coated in a galvanised 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 deterioration
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 after use and
stored in a dry, well ventilated 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 galvanised
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 letting it bottom 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 shafts.
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 Wheels
When manoeuvring the trailer on either concrete, lawn or a soft surface, the jockey wheel should be in its wound down position. This enables easier manoeuvring 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 galvanised 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 putting 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 retighten 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.
Routinely check the wheel hubs whenever you stop for fuel or refreshments. If the hub feels abnormally hot, inspect the bearings before continuing. On extended trips, carry spare wheel 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 deterioration, 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 tonnes are fitted 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 fitted 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 times.
It is important to check the trailer’s brakes for operation prior to departure on each trip.
Alloy and Steel Wheel Stud Patterns
Alloy 9”, 10”, 13” and 14” wheels - stud size: 7/16”, pitch circle diameter: 108mm (41⁄4 commonly called HT).
Tyres
Correct tyre pressures are located on the yellow sticker at the front of your trailer and on the tyre’s side wall. Regular checks for the correct inflation 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.
Warning
- Wheel nut torque on the trailer wheel and the spare wheel should be checked at regular intervals.
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.
Trailer Lighting
Lighting and wiring need a six month inspection to ensure that there is no cracked lamp lenses, no corrosion has got into the wiring, lamps and that all functions of the lamps are working.
Check tail lights and turn signals work when attached to the towing vehicle. Before backing the trailer into the water, disconnect the light plug from the car. This will greatly reduce the chance of blowing out the
trailer lights.
Hand Winch
Never overload your winch, use it only for the application it has been supplied for on normal ramp conditions. All winches are fitted with webbing straps (the same material as seat belts). This material is designed for higher load rating and braking strain,
compared to equivalent cable.
When you finish with the trailer remember to check that the winch strap is dry to avoid rusting on the winch drum. Oil the winch shafts, bushes and gears periodically when needed.
Fitting Boats to the Trailers
The boat should sit hard on all keel rollers. Galvanised parts should not be touching any part of the hull and the side Teflon skid pads should be positioned as far out from the keel as possible then to be adjusted up firm against the hull of the boat.
If your boat doesn’t come up straight after trailer adjustment and all skid pads and roller measurements are correct, then check that the boat sits horizontal in the water. Even a very slight lean will bring the boat up to one side. Move fuel tanks, fishing gear etc to bring the hull horizontal to the water.
The boat should be fastened to the trailer by a cable or strap from the bow eye to the winch, plus a safety chain or cable from the bow eye to the winch stand or trailer tongue. The stern of the boat should be
tied down to the trailer. Tie down points are fitted to podded models. These are to be used as tie down points. The boat transom-to-trailer tie down straps and winch lines are designed for normal towing conditions on paved roadways and moderately rough secondary roads (at slow speeds only). We recommend the use of additional straps or rope tie downs for securing the boat to the trailer, particularly for longer trips or whenever you expect to encounter rough roads. The use of a motor support bracket is also recommended.
Trailering Tips
HANDY TIP
- Remember to close all hatches and doors in the boat before trailering. Store all loose equipment, so it cannot slide, fall or blow out. Ensure the canopy/bimini is down and secure and that all seating inside the boat is also secured. It is possible for seats to move while travelling – ensure all seats are strapped down and securely fastened.
- Do not use your boat as a trailer. Do not carry excess weight in the boat while trailering or travelling on the water.
- When reversing, engage the reverse lock on the trailer hitch. This will lock on the trailer hitch and stop the trailer brakes operating when reversing. Remember to disengage the lock when the reversing operations are complete.
- Too much or too little tongue weight will cause difficult steering and tow vehicle sway. Generally 5% to 10% of the boat and trailer weight should rest on the tongue.
Warranty
Trailer Warranty
Frame Warranty:
Telwater warrants each boat trailer frame and its fabricated steel components including the ball coupling and wheels (but excluding tyres and tubes) to be free of structural or welding defects for a period of three years from the date of original purchase.
One Year Limited Warranty:
Telwater warrants the hot dipped galvanized finished surface of each trailer and its components for one year from the date of manufacture on the compliance plate against red rust. This warranty extends to u-bolts, nuts, bolts, mechanical braking equipment (excluding disc brake surface, brake cables and adjusters) and the manual winch but excludes the strap or cable.
Telwater provides a general warranty as to the fitness for the purpose for the period of 12 months from the date of purchase with regard to trailer springs, winch and equipment and trailer plastic guards.
Six Month Limited Warranty:
Telwater provides a general warranty as to fitness for purpose for a period of six months from the date of original purchase with regard to trailer lighting, hydraulic and mechanical braking equipment, axles, wheel bearings (excluding water entry), seals, tyres (excluding wear), the surface finish of painted or powder coated wheels and jockey wheels.
Obligations of Telwater:
Telwater Pty Ltd: Our liability for trailers of our own manufacture is limited to making good on the above warranties, any defects by repairing the same or, at our option, by replacement after the trailer has been sold by our dealer for the first time.
Special Provisions:
- Exercise of any of the above Warranties is subject to delivery of the trailers to Telwater, to proof of purchase and the date of purchase (as to which Telwater’s records shall be conclusive in the case of disagreement).
- This warranty does not cover the cosmetic appearance of the galvanised surface of a trailer or its components. It does not extend to rust on painted and zinc coated surfaces. It does not cover wear and tear or cosmetic changes to brake pads, winch cables, winch straps, bow rollers and keel rollers
- This warranty does not extend to any trailer which is found to have been used for any purpose other than that for which it was manufactured, which is found to be overloaded, which is altered or modified in any way, or which malfunctions due to prior damage, unreasonable use or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.
- This warranty will be negated by and Telwater will not bear any responsibility for any warranty procedure or charge carried out without written authorisation by Telwater.
- There shall be no implied or actual warranty with respect to the manufacture of, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose of any Telwater trailer and Telwater shall not be liable for any transportation charges, or for any direct, special, incidental, consequential (including loss of profit) or other loss or damage, whether based in contract, tort, or arising from breach of any warranty or otherwise provided that Telwater acknowledges that this warranty does not exclude or limit the application of any provision of any statute (including the Australian Consumer Law) where to do so would contravene that Statute or cause any part of this agreement to be void (“non-excludable condition”). Telwater’s total liability hereunder for a breach of any nonexcludable condition (other than implied by Sections 51-53 of the Australian Consumer Law) is limited at its option to any one of supplying, repairing or replacing or paying the cost of supplying, repairing or replacing a trailer.
- Commercial Use or Off Road Use: Telwater Pty Ltd does not warrant trailers used commercially or off road or warrant that Telwater trailers are suitable for a particular commercial or off road application.
In the event that a claim needs to be made you should contact a Telwater Dealer. The Dealer will then process the claim on your behalf. You can find out who your nearest Dealer is by visiting www.telwater.com
Telwater Pty Ltd
53 Waterway Drive
Coomera QLD 4209
Telephone: 07 5585 9898
Email:
[email protected]