Nearly Two-thirds of Boat Trailer Failures Happen for Two 2 Reasons – BoatUS shows how you can eliminate them

TowBoatUS Trailer Assist

Aug 10, 2021

Boat owners with BoatUS Trailer Assist get the help they need when their rig breaks down.

To a boater, it’s a cringeworthy sight – a boat sitting on a disabled trailer unattended on the side of the road, typically because the boat’s owner has gone to seek help. While it’s likely many of these incidents go unnoticed by the public, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) 24-hour dispatch centers reported 6,635 requests for BoatUS Trailer Assist roadside assistance service in 2020.

With the summer boat trailering season at its peak, the national advocacy, services and safety group looked into the top five reasons boat trailers break down. Surprisingly, just two preventive measures could eliminate nearly two-thirds of all potential breakdowns.

BoatUS reports the No. 1 reason (44%) BoatUS members requested roadside assistance was for trailer tire troubles, including owners who failed to carry a spare tire. Low tire pressure is the leading cause of a trailer tire’s early demise, so check the pressure often, and never leave home without a serviceable spare. (Don’t forget to check the pressure in the spare, too!)

TowBoatUS Trailer AssistChecking trailer tire inflation frequently can help prevent the most common cause of roadside boat trailer breakdowns.

Wheel bearings (21%) were the second largest cause of roadside assistance requests. If your hubs are submerged, bearing protectors are critical to prevent water intrusion and resulting bearing failure. At a minimum, bearings need to be inspected and repacked once a year.

While focusing on these two items alone can potentially prevent 65% of all trailer mishaps, boat owners should additionally be aware that the No. 3 reason to request roadside BoatUS Trailer Assist service was trailer axle issues (11%), followed by trailer failure (6%) and tow vehicle failure (5%). Periodic inspections and routine maintenance are the best ways to reduce the chances for these types of breakdowns.

Added to a Basic BoatUS Membership ($25) for $15, BoatUS Trailer Assist will tow your towing vehicle and boat trailer to the nearest repair facility or safe location up to 100 miles from the location of breakdown. Boat launch ramp winching, fuel drop-off and lock-out services are included. Known as the Boat Owners Auto Club, BoatUS Trailer Assist also provides coverage to the tow vehicle while towing.

 

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More