Easytow FAQ

• I only use my ski boat in freshwater, is a painted trailer the way to go?
• Are there any advantages by ordering paint over galvanised as opposed to straight galvanised apart from looks?
• Can I by a multi-adjusting fishing boat trailer off you?
• I have certain storage constraints. Can you accommodate me?
• How much weight should be on the drawbar?
• What type of bearings does Easytow use?
• What is this Dura Hub bearing protectors? Aren’t they oil bath bearings?
• How often should I service my trailer?
• What stud pattern is my trailer?
• What is a GTM?
• What do I need to consider in relation to the carrying capacity?
• When does my trailer require brakes?
• Stainless Steel Calipers with Breakaway brakes, when do I need them?

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"I only use my ski boat in freshwater, is a painted trailer the way to go?

Yes – and no. Easytow does offer a ‘Painted Only’ trailer for freshwater use; however we do suggest you consider the paint over galvanised option. Not only does it provide you with a more robust product, it also increases your resale market as most ski boats in NSW and QLD are used in salt or brackish water.

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Are there any advantages by ordering paint over galvanised as opposed to straight galvanised apart from looks?

Yes. Most people think that paint over galv is purely cosmetic. Although it does look great and is a very popular option it can up to double the service life of a trailer.

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Can I by a multi-adjusting fishing boat trailer off you?

No. We custom build everything. We do have a full range of Fishing and Sports trailers, however each trailer is custom built to suit specific hulls. We keep the adjustable parts to a minimum and design the trailer so the boat sits as low as possible (amongst other things). Look at the Easytow Advantage page for more details.

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I have certain storage constraints. Can you accommodate me?

One of our strengths is that we custom build. We would endeavour in every way to meet your needs in terms of storage constraints, whether it be a removable drawbar, narrower frame, lower overall height etc.

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How much weight should be on the drawbar?

There is no set rule in relation to this however industry standards say between 5-10% of the total package weight should be on the drawbar. The tow vehicle may also have a maximum tow ball weight which should also be taken into consideration.

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What type of bearings does Easytow use?

Easytow uses only high quality Japanese NSK Bearings and 2 part marine seals. You will find a sticker on your winch post that identifies your specific bearing number.

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What is this Dura Hub bearing protectors? Aren’t they oil bath bearings?

No. When Dura Hub was first launched in Australia, it was the oil model. We use the Dura Hub Extreme which is the grease model. This product is maintenance free and has been fantastic since we introduced them to our fishing and sports range over 12 months ago. The rubber diaphragm on the Dura Hub allows the internal pressure to increase and decrease minimising the sucking action that normally draws water into the hub that causes bearing failure. The clear Perspex looking glass allows a quick visual check on whether you have moisture in your hubs – something other bearing protectors can’t offer.

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How often should I service my trailer?

The more the better. Boat trailers generally have a pretty hard life and the more maintenance you can give them, the longer you should be trouble free. We provide a suggested service log in our USER GUIDES which are now also available on line under the Downloads page.

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What stud pattern is my trailer?

As we custom build, the stud pattern may vary depending on who initially ordered the trailer. You will find you stud pattern will be labeled on your Vin plate on the drawbar.

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What is a GTM?

GTM stands for Gross Trailer Mass. Numerous different acronyms are used in relation to trailer weights however their meanings do differ. GTM relates to the carrying capacity of the trailer in terms of what weight is transferred into the ground when hooked up to the towing vehicle. This is different to ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass); however the figures can be the same.

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What do I need to consider in relation to the carrying capacity?

Everything you can think of. You must add up the weight of the boat, maximum motor or transom weight, fuel capacity and trailer weight. You must also allow for extra gear in the boat including any extra batteries, auxiliary motors, personal belongings, stereos etc. We build high quality trailers but they are weight rated. If they are overloaded to try and save some money initially, it will cost you more in the end. Please be as transparent as possible when buying your trailer or boat/motor/trailer package from a dealer so we can increase the carrying capacity while manufacturing the trailer if required.

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When does my trailer require brakes?

Any trailer under 750kgs doesn’t require brakes. Above 750kgs up to 2000kgs an effective override brake system is required by law as a minimum to one axle. Anything over 2000kgs, breakaway brakes must be fitted to all wheels. Once again, we recommend that you are as transparent as possible with your dealer as this is only a guide and specific situations may require brake upgrades regardless of the minimum legal requirement.

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Stainless Steel Calipers with Breakaway brakes, when do I need them?

All Easytow Ski Trailers with Breakaway brakes (GTM over 2000kgs) are packaged up with a high quality Dacroment Caliper as part of their standard build. Whilst they are a very good caliper, we strongly recommend you consider the Stainless Steel Caliper Upgrade. These calipers have a full Stainless Steel body and will require a lot less maintenance throughout their life. If you use your trailer in Salt or Brackish Water, these Stainless Calipers are what we recommend. Stainless Steel Calipers are standard with breakaway brakes on our Fishing Boat Trailer range.

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