Trailer Trouble Shooting

NOTE: This guide outlines basic maintenance procedures. These procedures should only be completed by someone experienced in mechanical maintenance and repair. Trailer owners are strongly encouraged to use their dealer for any repair - especially with the components that effect safety (such as brakes and bearings), we urge trailer owners to have that maintenance completed by their dealer.

Trailer Troubleshooting Guide

Boat loading

Boat is difficult to load

Verify that your trailer is partially submerged. You should not be using your winch to forcefully pull your boat onto your trailer.
Check for obstructions on your boat (hull or equipment).
Check for obstructions on your trailer.
See your dealer - they may be able to adjust your trailer for your unique boating needs.

Boat unloading

Boat is difficult to unload

Verify that your trailer is partially submerged - your boat should partially float off your trailer.
Verify you have unhooked winch strap and tie-down straps.
Verify your motor is not impacting the ramp and / or ground.
See your dealer - they may be able to adjust your trailer for your unique boating needs.

Overweight

Trailer is overloaded

NOTE: Please pay careful attention to the selection of your boat motor and auxiliary equipment. Today’s larger horsepower motors have greatly increased the weight placed on the boat’s transom. In addition, larger fuel and water tanks, trolling motors, extra batteries and tee tops add considerable weight.

Remove excess gear while towing your boat

Verify that the hull is structurally sound as this may be the first sign that the water has entered into the hull lining or is trapped in one of the holds.
Contact your dealer. Your dealer will work with Rocket International to determine if you trailer can be modified (with larger axles, different tires) to accommodate your unique needs.

Coupler

Improper coupler fit

Verify the hitch ball and coupler are the same size.
Verify the coupler is free from debris.
Verify that the hitch ball is securely fastened to the tow vehicle.
For hand-wheel coupler only, verify operation of hand-wheel and attached pawl.
See your dealer - You should not attempt additional adjustments to the hitch.

Winch

Fails to operate

Verify handle is securely fasten to winch and engaged.
Extend cable, rope or strap completely and verify that it is securely fastened to the winch barrel.
Visually inspect gears for signs of wear and replace gears as necessary.

Wheels / Hubs

Excessive heat

Note: You should never attempt to touch any vehicle's hubs - all hubs get warm during operation. Only test with an appropriate tester (e.g. temple stick).

After the hub has cooled:

Try adding grease via Posi-Lube or Buddy Bearing.
Verify brake fluid levels.
Verify reverse solenoid (if equipped with disc brakes) is properly secured.
Have your dealer inspect and repack your bearings.
Have your dealer verify your brake adjustment.
Free spinning / cross-threaded / damaged lugs.
Have your dealer replace damaged lugs and lug nuts.

Tires

Tire wear / Uneven tire wear

Check tire pressure.
Check to see if an object (such as the fender) is rubbing against the tire when the boat is on the trailer.
Check to see that the hubs do not have excessive wobble. This could indicate improperly packed hubs or wear on hub components.
Check trailer capacity versus towing load.
Check trailer alignment.

Brakes

WARNING: Brake maintenance should only be accomplished by a trained mechanic. Improper adjustment repair or maintenance voids the manufacturer’s warranty and may cause serious personal and property damage.

Lock-up

See your dealer immediately. Your dealer will investigate whether the problem has been caused by:

a. low fluid and air in the system - replace fluid and bleed system.

b. actuator malfunction - repair or replace actuator.

c. cylinder malfunction - replace defective cylinders.

d. individual component damage - repair or replace as needed.

e. inadvertent backing without the reverse lockout solenoid hooked up - repair or replace as needed.

Poor brake performance.

See your dealer immediately. Your dealer will investigate whether the problem has been caused by:

a. brakes out of adjustment - adjust brakes.

b. foreign material in brake line - flush and clean thoroughly, re-bleed system.

c. low fluid level - fill and bleed brakes to eliminate any trapped air.

d. broken or pinched brake lines - replace or repair as required.

e. actuator malfunction - repair or replace actuator.

f. residual pressure in brake line - the older hydraulic drum brake systems required that 10-12 psi residual pressure be maintained in order to keep the wheel cylinder piston seals seated. To accomplish this, many surge brake actuators have a small diaphragm type check valve installed just inside of master cylinder output port.

Unable to back-up (disc brakes).

Reverse solenoid valve is inoperative.

Check connection to tow vehicle back-up light circuit. Connection should be free from dirt, water and debris.
Check trailer ground connection (do not depend on hitch ball connection to provide ground). Trailer should have dedicated ground wire (white) connected to grounding screw.
Check tow vehicle back-up light circuit. You should be able to hear a ‘click’ when 12 v. DC is applied to lead wire.

Electrical

Lights don’t work

Verify wire harnesses are free of dirt, debris and water and are properly attached. Verify that the two harnesses properly mate - are the same type.
Check vehicle, that towing vehicle lights work
Check ground on trailer and and ground on tail lights (if equipped with separate tail light ground circuit).
Look for any pinched, frays or cut wires and replace as necessary. Before replacing, disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle and verify that there is no charge in the trailer circuitry.
Check bulbs and replace as necessary. Many trailers are equipped with snap-out inserts. These inserts allow you to easily access the bulbs by removing the insert.

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Trailer Troubleshooting Guide

DEALER FORMS