Top Causes for Boat Trailer Breakdowns

How likely is it that a boat trailer breakdown could leave you roadside? After a spring like we’ve had this year, everyone is itching to get out on the water this summer. Fortunately, some may not make it to their marine escape. Every year, our  boat trailer repair service professionals handle hundreds of calls, responding to roadside breakdown issues. Most of the top offenders could have been avoided with a quick visual inspection and routine maintenance care. What are the most common issues that could leave you stuck roadside on a busy highway?

Watch Out for these Common Boat Trailer Issues

●       Tire troubles
Tire issues cause the vast majority of roadside issues we see at Ainsworth. Underinflated tires won’t make it far, running hot and wearing down quickly, resulting in blowouts. The pros at our trailer repair shop know a  quick check with a tire gauge is an easy way to avoid low tire pressure troubles. Tires that have sat all winter are also a common issue, and more likely to blow than the tires on a frequently used trailer. Exposure to the elements destroys tires. Those with cracks and dry rot should be rapidly replaced. A spare tire is also essential, helping you make it to your destination and avoid a costly flatbed tow.

●       Wheel bearing and hub issues
The need for repacking/replacing wheel bearings depends on trailer use. To avoid the need for trailer bearing repair, check them at the start of each season. Bearings that are hot to the touch after driving several miles are on the verge of failure. Left unattended, they can get so hot they melt the hub. Hot bearings also cause cold water to be drawn into bearings, particularly those lacking grease. Though tempting to procrastinate, bearing maintenance is more easily attended in a garage or shop than on the side of the road, so addressing this in advance is a wise move.

●       Axle problems
Boat trailers are infamous for rusty axles and U-bolts. It is essential to check your boat trailer for rusty components each time you use it. After you’ve launched, when the entire trailer is visible, is a prime opportunity. Trailer axle repair is much easier to manage than accident damage. All it takes is a pothole hit at just the wrong angle to break a rusty axle, send your trailer out of control, and cause an accident.

●       Tow vehicle breakdown
Failure to maintain tow vehicles is another common cause of roadside breakdowns. Overheating in hot weather is especially common. Check your oil and coolant levels prior to departure, examining hoses for softness and bulging. Most importantly, know surpass the tow limits of your vehicle, keeping to 85% of rated capacity.

Get Back on the Road Fast

Whether you need mobile trailer repair services, or in-shop preventive maintenance, our trailer repair professionals can get you back on the road fast, providing fast, quality repairs in hours, not days. Our A+ BBB rated services are trusted by drivers nationwide, from local boating hobbyists to experienced fleet managers.

Don’t let neglected trailer maintenance ruin a day on the water. Get fast, affordable maintenance and repair. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair to schedule service in one of our trailer repair “express lanes” today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/boat-trailer-repair/top-causes-boat-trailer-breakdowns/

Tow Vehicle Maintenance Tips for the Summer

How can you protect your tow vehicle from the added stress of the summer heat? Though the weather can take a significant toll on vehicle components, proper maintenance ensures your automobile is in the best shape possible to tackle towing tasks. To get your vehicle through the season without resorting to mobile trailer repair, look to these essential maintenance tasks.

Watch Trailer & Tow Vehicle Tires

Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly to avoid blowouts. This maintenance is especially crucial in the summer heat, which causes tires to break down much faster than usual. Our trailer repair shop urges owners to be vigilant about cosmetic damage, such as melted or cracked tires. If you notice any signs of such damage, you should bring your vehicle in for trailer repair service immediately.

Lose the Winter Gear

Now that cold weather is behind you, ditch snow tires to ensure better fuel efficiency. Be sure to wash your truck and trailer, removing any salt residue that may have accumulated during your winter travels. Just as ocean salt causes more frequent boat trailer repair, so too do de-icing salts take a toll on your tow vehicle and trailer. Fortunately, you can easily and inexpensively prevent this with a simple washing.

Beware Signs of Battery Issues

Hot, humid weather can speed corrosion. Check your battery regularly, cleaning it when buildup appears. In addition, watch for bloating and cracking to prevent getting stuck mid-trip due to battery failure. 

 

Keep a Close Eye on Coolant

Maintaining the correct coolant-to-water ratio in the summer is essential to avoid overheating. Proper levels of coolant are also critical, making the rapid replenishment of existing fluids key to preventing costly radiator – or worse – engine damage.

 

Properly prepare your truck for the sizzling summer heat, addressing trailer maintenance needs now to ensure smooth sailing on your summer adventures. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair to schedule maintenance or get a trustworthy repair quote today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/tow-vehicle-maintenance-tips-summer/

Avoid Roadside Emergencies with Summer Battery Prep

How does hot weather affect the battery on your tow vehicle, and what can you do to avoid summer battery snafus? Learn why the sizzling heat is so tough on automobile batteries, ensuring a reliable start on every summertime excursion with this battery prep advice from the experts at Ainsworth trailer repair shop. 

Too Hot to Handle – Summer Heat & Vehicle Battery Chemistry

Soaring summer temperatures have a greater impact on the internal, power-generating chemistry within your car battery than winter’s chill. As heat under the hood rises, so does the potential for battery failure. Corrosion accelerates. Water evaporates from the battery liquid electrolyte. Battery performance suffers, reducing its ability to start the engine, resulting in increased strain and a shortened battery lifespan. Because of this, millions of unsuspecting motorists end up stuck roadside in the summer awaiting mobile trailer repair services annually. 

Proactive Battery Service & Maintenance in the Summer is Crucial

Routine inspection of the battery, as well as other essential tow vehicle and trailer components, is a crucial part of pre-summer maintenance. How can you maintain this seemingly “closed” component?

●       Have your battery tested.
Your battery may not give any warning signs before it fails. Make a routine battery test part of your annual boat trailer repair and maintenance checklist, particularly for batteries more than two years old. This simple test takes just minutes.

●       Clear corrosion.
Check your battery for corrosion, clearing any buildup. Ensure battery connections are tight. Your battery should also be securely mounted, as excess vibration can shorten battery life. When performing this maintenance, be sure to follow proper safety precautions for handling the battery.

●       Replace your battery.
Battery age is a strong indicator of the need for replacement. Though most batteries last 3 to 5 years, lifespan can be significantly shorter in southern regions. If your battery is old, struggling, or tests indicate it’s underperforming, have your local trailer repair service replace your battery now to avoid unplanned delays later. Nothing ruins a trip to the lake faster than a dead battery.

Beat the heat with a sound battery backup plan. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair to schedule a battery and charging system test today.

This article was previously published at: http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/avoid-roadside-emergencies-summer-battery-prep/