Boat Trailer Care & Maintenance

Before every tow

• Wheel nuts torqued to 95 ft/lb (129 Nm)
• Wheel bearings checked for heat and excessive play
• Tyre pressure as shown on the tyre placard, including the spare
• Brake, tail, indicator and clearance lights all working
• Coupling, safety chains, winch rope and tie downs secure and in good condition

After every trip: wash it down

• Hose the whole trailer down with fresh water after every launch to remove salt and sand. Salt deposits and road grime cause corrosion over time, even on aluminium.
• Pay extra attention to the moving parts: hubs, jockey wheel and winch.
• Follow up with a soapy wash (any car, boat or truck wash) and a brush, paying extra attention to the wheels, the underside and the brakes. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Lime splashes from road works

• Wash lime off straight away. Lime can dull and discolour the anodised finish and leave permanent marks if it isn't removed quickly.

Wheel nuts

• Torque wheel nuts to 95 ft/lb (129 Nm) after the first 15, 50 and 100 km.
• Check the torque again before each trip, and whenever a wheel is removed or replaced.
• Damage caused by loose or incorrectly torqued wheel nuts isn't covered by the warranty.

Wheel bearings

• Check the wheel bearings for heat and excessive play after the first 15, 50 and 100 km, and before each trip after that.
• Check regularly for unusual noise or friction, and lubricate as needed.
• Adjust the bearings if you find excessive play.
• Repack the bearing grease every 6 months or 5,000 km, and straight away if water has got into the hub. Use a boat trailer wheel bearing grease with waterproofing and corrosion protection.
• PWC trailers built before 2026 with Knott sealed-bearing axles don't need bearing adjustment or repacking.

Bearings and your warranty

Bearing failure caused by missed servicing, or by bearings being adjusted by anyone other than Futura or an authorised Futura dealer, is not covered by the Futura Limited Warranty. Keep a record of each bearing repack (every 6 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first), because we will ask for it if you make a bearing claim. See the Limited Warranty for full terms.

Brakes (if fitted)

• Hose the brakes down with fresh water after every immersion.
• Check the brake pads regularly for thickness and wear, and the discs for excessive wear.
• Have the brakes fully serviced every year, especially if the trailer sits unused for long periods.
• Replace the brake fluid every year. It absorbs moisture over time and becomes less effective.
• Futura boat trailers use stainless steel rotors and calipers.

Tyres

• Check tyre pressure before each tow, set to the pressure on your trailer's tyre placard. Check the spare too, if you carry one.
• Look for tread wear, sidewall cracks and bulges on both sides, especially on older tyres or if the trailer is stored outside.

Lights

• Before each tow, check the brake, tail, indicator and clearance lights all work, and inspect the wiring and the plug that connects to your tow vehicle.

Coupling, safety chains and winch

• Check the coupling and safety chains for anything loose, broken or worn, and put a dab of grease on the tow ball.
• Make sure the trailer tows level, not tilted up or down from the ball.
• Inspect the safety chains and winch rope, and replace them at any sign of damage or excessive rust.
• Check that the trailer's nuts, bolts and screws are tight.

Rollers and bunks

• Check rollers and bunks periodically for cracks or damage. They're the main point of contact with your hull.

Storage

• Chock the wheels when the trailer is parked up, and rinse and dry everything, especially the brakes, before storing it.

Keep a record

• Keep a record of the maintenance you carry out, such as receipts, service records or the log book in your owner's manual. You'll need it if you ever make a warranty claim.

Last updated: 21 October 2026