BUYING YOUR TRAILER
How long will my trailer take to manufacture and ship?
How much does it cost to ship?
Is there any optional equipment available for my Precision trailer?
How do I determine the correct capacity trailer for my boat?
What's so special about the Aluminum I-Beam Frame?
What are your bunks made of?
What is the width of your trailers?
What is the overall length of your trailers?
What is a bass boat conversion?
Do your trailers come with guide posts?
Is there a warranty on your trailers?
What are your payment terms?
Do I have to pay taxes on my trailer?
BEARINGS
What kind of grease does Precision use in their trailer wheel bearings?
Do I have to use the exact same wheel bearing grease that Precision uses?
If I can?t find Shell Alvania, what type of grease does Precision recommend?
Where can I purchase grease compatible to Shell Alvania?
What is the correct greasing procedure recommended?
I have a ?bearing buddy? equipped hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
I have a Sure-Lube hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
I have a Super-Lube hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
When is the best time to check and add grease?
Do I need to add grease again at the end of the day when retrieving my boat?
What is the regularly scheduled maintenance interval for wheel bearings on a boat trailer?
What size bearings are on my trailer?
BRAKES
Do I need brakes on my trailer?
Can I get brakes on any trailer?
What are the Disc Surge breaks made off?
What are surge brakes?
How do I bleed my brakes?
How do I adjust my drum brakes?
How do I adjust my disc brakes?
HITCHES
What type of ball on the hitch do I require?
What is the correct height for my tow ball?
Is it OK to use a weight distributing hitch with my Precision boat trailer?
LUG NUTS
How often should I check the lug nuts for tightness?
Is there a pattern for tightening lug nuts?
MAINTENANCE
What can I do to assure that my boat trailer is properly maintained?
VIN and CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN INFORMATION
Where can I find the VIN on my trailer?
What is a Certificate of Origin?
BUYING YOUR TRAILER:
How
long will my trailer take to manufacture and ship?
All
Precision Boat Trailers are custom built and calibrated to fit
your specific needs and ship from our manufacturing facilities
located in central florida. Generally, your trailer can be built
and shipped within 10-15 business days from the date of your order
unless you have more specific requirements that would delay the
manufacturing process. « top
How
much does it cost to ship my trailer?
Shipping
rates are determined by the state in which your trailer will be
shipped to (FOB Florida). Click here to view shipping rates in your
area. « top
Is there any optional equipment available for my Precision boat trailer?
Yes, and probably many options. First, consider a spare tire and spare tire carrier. That is a universal option every trailer owner should consider. « top
Other options depend on trailer model but may include any number of the following: tongue jack (standard on models with brakes), brakes, brakes on the second or third axles, aluminum wheels or fenders, plastic bunk covers, keel rollers, side guides, stainless steel hardware (aluminum trailers only), and a longer tongue. « top
How do I determine the correct capacity trailer for my boat?
Begin with the exact length of your boat. Subtract the length of the bow pulpit and/or
motor transom. Determine the beam of your boat. These dimensions will determine the length and width capacity of your trailer.
Next you will need the dry hull weight*, weight of any outboard motor, fuel capacity, and water capacity. Multiply fuel by 7 pounds per gallon and water by 8 pounds per gallon. Add all of these items together and multiply the total by 1.1 for a 10% gear (batteries, electronics, coolers, tackle, etc.) allowance. This number will determine the weight capacity of the trailer you need. Always go to the next heavier available model.
* Precisoin Trailers is not responsible for errors in estimated hull weights as published by boat manufacturers. « top
What's
so special about an aluminum I-beam frame?
Our
exclusively designed rap around I-Beam construction provides maximum
strength for your trailer. Aluminum provides a lighter, stronger
and more durable frame that holds up to the elements extremely
well over time. « top
What are your bunks made of?
Our bunks are made with cypress wood NOT Pressure treated lumber, and we cover them with marine grade carpet. « top
What is the width of your trailers?
The standard width is 102?, but we can make one 12 inches narrower (or 90?) if desired. The 102? is the maximum allowed legal width. « top
What is the overall length of your trailers?
It is approximately 3 feet longer than the boat. For example if you have a PTHD/27-29, and the total length for a 28 foot boat will be 31 feet. « top
What is the bass boat conversion?
The side rails are lengthened and an extra cross beam is added for support. We also add extra support to the bottom of the trailer to support the motor when it is tilted up
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Do your trailers come with guide posts?
Yes! Every trailer comes with aluminum guide-ons with pvc covers. « top
Is
there a warranty on your trailers?
YES!
We have a limited lifetime warranty on all our trailers, and a
5 year axle and hub warranty. « top
What
are your payment terms?
10%
down and COD for the balance. We accept all major credit cards
for the initial deposit and certified check or money order upon
delivery of your new trailer. « top
Do I have to pay taxes on my trailer(s)?
Only Florida residents are required to pay sales tax of 6 1/2%in Palm beach county, and the rest is 6% elsewhere in Florida.. Everyone else will pay taxes upon reregistration in your county when you get tags for your trailer. « top
BEARINGS:
What kind of grease does Precision in their trailer wheel bearings?
Precision uses Shell Alvania grease as factory-fill on all wheel bearings. It is a lithium-complex based grease. « top
Do I have to use the exact same wheel bearing grease that Prcision uses?
Not exactly. The brand name is unimportant. What is very important is the type and
quality of the grease you choose. Precision factory-fill grease, Shell Alvania, is a
multi-purpose lithium-complex based product. It is compatible with most any
lithium-complex based grease readily available on the market today. « top
If I can?t find Shell Alvania, what type of grease does Precision recommend?
In the event that Precision factory-fill Shell Alvania is unavailable, any
lithium-complex based, high temperature wheel bearing grease with an NLGI EP #2 rating is an acceptable substitute. « top
Where can I purchase grease compatible to Shell Alvania?
Most any marine, hardware, automotive, and even most convenience stores, offer a
compatible grease available in tube form. « top
What is the correct greasing procedure recommended by Precision?
The answer depends on whether your trailer is equipped with bearing buddies, Sure-Lube, or Super Lube hub systems. « top
I have a ?bearing buddy? equipped hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
Bearing buddy-type grease caps are usually clear plastic so the grease level is visible. They are designed to be used in a ?captive lubricant? hub assembly. Bearing buddies provide a grease fitting for the purpose of topping off the lubricant. Add grease whenever the sight disc drops below the marked minimum fill line. However, the only way to eliminate contaminated grease is to remove the hub and perform a complete cleaning, inspection, and repacking of the bearings. Always replace the inner seals and outer retainer when performing this procedure. « top
I have a Sure-Lube hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
The Sure-Lube system is non-pressurized. Lubricant can be added at any time without fear of over pressurizing the hub. Remove the rubber plug on the outside of the bearing cap to expose the grease fitting. Add grease using a standard pistol grip style grease gun. Contaminated grease will be expelled past the outside of the grease gun nozzle. Fill until fresh grease is readily visible. Wipe away waste from the outside of the bearing cap and gun nozzle. Reinstall the rubber plug. « top
I have a Super-Lube hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
The Super-Lube system is non-pressurized. Lubricant can be added at any time without fear of over pressurizing the hub. The system is identified by a one piece cap with an exposed grease fitting. The cap may be all metal, or plastic with a metal grease fitting. Add grease using a standard pistol grip style grease gun. « top
Contaminated grease will be expelled out the rear of the spindle. It will lay atop the axle tube on some models, or may be forced into the interior cavity of the axle tube on others. Top off with five or six strokes of the grease gun lever. « top
When is the best time to check and add grease?
Generally, the hub is most prone to water infiltration when at operating temperature
(warm to the touch) and immersed in ambient water while launching your boat. This will most likely occur during launch after an over-the-road tow. The ambient water will
quickly cool the grease reservoir causing the hot grease to contract. Water infiltration
by siphon will ensue. Add grease to displace water on all BUT bearing buddy equipped models. If towing long distance, monitor hub condition at each rest or gasoline stop. Add grease as necessary. « top
Do I need to add grease again at the end of the day when retrieving my boat?
Generally, no. Most times the trailer has sat at the ramp and cooled to match ambient
temperatures. Very little, if any, water will intrude into the bearing cavity under these
conditions. However, if you must store your trailer several miles from the ramp it may be advantageous for you to add grease again after retrieval. « top
What is the regularly scheduled maintenance interval for wheel bearings on a boat trailer?
Boat trailer wheel bearings should be regularly maintained as per the above
recommendations based on the particular system in question. Also, at the end of each season, each hub on a trailer should be disassembled and examined for wear and contamination, regardless of trailer age. « top
What size bearings are on my trailer?
Precision trailers should have one of three bearing sizes:
1.06? x 1.06? (1)
1.06? x 1.38? (2)
1.25? x 1.75? (3)
(1) All WV, Bandit, Outlaw, snowmobile trailers (without brakes).
(2) All 5 bolt hubs on trailers with brakes or capacity over 2,700 pounds.
(3) All 6 bolt hubs.
« top
BRAKES:
Do I need brakes on my trailer?
Precision recommends brakes on all axles where available. However, laws vary by state. Consult with your local DMV if you are unsure of the requirements of the state where your trailer will be registered. « top
Can I get brakes on any trailer?
Precision offers brakes on most models exceeding 3,000 pounds gross vehicle capacity. Brakes may be available for lighter models. Please call with your exact application. « top
What are the disc surge brakes made of?
The brakes are made from Aluminum, Cadmium, and Stainless Steel. This make them extremely resistant to salt water. « top
What are surge brakes?
Most hydraulic trailer brakes operate on the surge principle. The coupler assembly is
known as an actuator and contains a master brake cylinder similar to that in an
automobile. When the brakes are applied in the tow vehicle, the trailer ?surges? against the tow ball forcing fluid through the trailer hydraulic system. « top
How do I bleed my brakes?
Bleeding trailer brakes is the same in principle as bleeding brakes on a tow vehicle.
Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle and block the trailer. Make sure the master
cylinder is full of fluid at all times. Open the bleeder screw furthest from the actuator. Apply force to the actuator slide. Hold. Tighten the bleeder screw. Release the actuator slide. « top
Repeat as necessary until all air is purged from the system. Proceed to the next furthest bleeder screw and repeat until the entire trailer has been bled. Make sure to check the master cylinder fluid level often during the operation.In addition, if a new actuator is installed, it should be bench bled, or pre-bled, before attaching the hydraulic line at the rear. « top
How do I adjust my drum brakes?
The ?free-backing? drum brakes used on Prcision trailers do not self adjust and,
therefore, require periodic manual adjustment. The correct procedure is as follows:
With the subject wheel elevated, access the adjuster by removing the rubber plug at the 6 o'clock position on the rear of the backing plate.
With the wheel rotating in the forward direction of trailer travel, tighten the adjuster
until the wheel stops and can not be rotated by hand. Then release the adjuster tension until wheel spins one full revolution after a rotational spin force is applied by hand.
Repeat the procedure for each wheel on the trailer equipped with brakes.
It is very important to adjust the brakes "regularly". Given varying amounts and types of use it is almost impossible to define "regularly" by a mileage or elapsed time
designation. Common sense and precaution are good rules of thumb in this instance.
« top
How do I adjust my disc brakes?
Disc brakes are self-adjusting and do not require manual adjustment. « top
HITHCES:
What type of ball on the hitch do I require?
Trailers 6,000 lbs. and under require a 2? ball hitch, those trailers over 7,000 lbs.
require a 2 5/16? ball. « top
What is the correct height for my tow ball?
Ideally the tow ball on your vehicle should be 18? to 21? off of the ground to the center line of the tow ball. « top
Is it OK to use a weight distributing hitch with my Precision trailer?
Precision does not advocate the use of load distributing hitches on boat trailers. Part
of the problem is the concern with brake interference. If improperly adjusted, brake
performance could be degraded.
The basic premise with a weight-distributing hitch is to transfer load between the frame of the tow vehicle and the towed unit. In effect, it can serve to lock the two frames together. The wishbone design of a boat trailer, in conjunction with the use of a load distributing hitch, places a disproportionate amount of stress on the tongue member of the boat trailer frame. The tongue, already the most highly stressed boat trailer frame member, is then required to perform above its design parameters.
*These are the main reasons Precision advises against the use of load distributing
hitches with boat trailers. « top
LUG NUTS:
How often should I check the lug nuts for tightness?
Wheel lug nuts should be checked before EACH trailer use! Using a torque wrench, make sure lugs are tightened to 85 ? 95 pound feet of torque. On longer trips, check at each fuel stop. « top
Is there a pattern for tightening lug nuts?
Yes. Always criss-cross the wheel and tighten in a star pattern. « top
MAINTENANCE:
What can I do to assure that my boat trailer is properly maintained?Precision recommends regular maintenance during the boating season as follows:
• Lights, wiring, coupler action, safety cables, winch cable, and lug nut torque should be checked before each use. « top
• Recommended lubricant, NLGI #2 EP lithium complex based high temperature wheel bearinggrease, should be applied via the grease fitting on the hub bearing cover after each submersion in water of a warm hub, or monthly, whichever comes first. The rapid cooling effect of the water could promote water permeation past the wheel seals. Application of grease at this point is intended to displace any water drawn in upon cooling. « top
• All fasteners should be checked for proper tension. All roller assemblies and winches should be checked for free movement and lubricated as necessary. « top
• Drum brakes should be adjusted. With the wheel rotating in the forward direction of
trailer travel, tighten the adjuster until the wheel stops and can not be rotated by
hand. Then release the adjuster tension until friction shoe contact with the brake drum is barely audible. Repeat the procedure for each wheel on the trailer equipped with drum brakes. It is very important to adjust drum brakes "regularly". Given varying amounts and types of use it is almost impossible to define "regularly" by a mileage or elapsed time designation. Common sense and precaution are good rules of thumb in this instance. « top
• Disc brakes require no adjustment. « top
• Annual maintenance should involve the disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and repacking of all wheel bearings with the recommended lubricant, NLGI #2 EP lithium complex based high temperature wheel bearing grease. It is recommended the inner seal and retaining hardware be replaced any time the hub assembly is removed from the trailer. « top
• All moving parts within the brake drum and sliding points on the brake caliper should
be inspected for wear and free movement, and lubricated as needed. Brake shoes or pads should be inspected to assure they are clean, dry, free of any contaminants, and not worn below their serviceable limit. Serviceable limit is commonly considered 3/32? from top of rivet to pad surface. « top
• Brake fluid should be thoroughly bled annually and replaced with fresh DOT 3 from a previously unopened container. « top
• All fasteners should be checked for proper tension. All roller assemblies and winches should be checked for free movement and lubricated as necessary. Bunk boards should be checked for internal integrity. Frames and axles should be visually inspected for rust, damage, and fractures. Load Rite recommends replacement of any structural member having been stressed beyond its range of intended service.
« top
VIN & C.O. INFORMATION:
Where can I find the VIN on my trailer?
The VIN is located on the left frame of the trailer just behind the tongue to frame
junction. « top
What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (C.O.) is similar to a Certificate of Title issued by your local
DMV. A vehicle manufacturer issues a C.O. to the original purchasing dealer. The dealer endorses it to the new vehicle owner who then submits it to their local DMV upon vehicle registration. Sometimes the dealer will handle this transaction. The local DMV then issues a Certificate of Title or some other ownership document to the new vehicle purchaser. « top
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