These gadgets are generally not expensive but can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your boat trailer running smoothly and ensuring your boat has a safe journey from one destination to another.
Even if you don’t have any experience in working with electronics, you can install most of them in less than 30 minutes. Just follow the instructions that come with the accessory.
LED light
LED lights are an essential accessory for any boat trailer, as they provide a safe and reliable way to light up the road when traveling at night. Not only do they keep you visible to other drivers, but they also help you better see where you’re going and make the entire journey more comfortable.
LED lights are usually divided into two categories: surface-mounted lights and recessed lights.
Surface-mounted lights sit on the outside of the trailer and typically require drilling or riveting for installation. They tend to be more affordable than their recessed counterparts, but don’t have the same level of protection against dirt and debris.
Recessed lights are mounted inside the trailer’s body and are generally more expensive than surface-mounted lights. However, they offer better protection from the elements and provide a more finished look.
Guide-ons
Guide-ons are an essential gadget for any boat trailer. They are specially designed to keep the boat centered and from excessive bouncing while it is being towed. They are made of sturdy galvanized steel and covered with PVC.
Guide-ons are usually secured to the side rails of the trailer with adjustable mounting brackets.
The purpose of guide-ons is to provide an extra measure of support so that the sides of the boat do not rub against the trailer as you’re driving down the road.
This helps to prevent damage to both the boat and the trailer. In addition, guide-ons can also help to ensure that your boat stays centered in the trailer, which can be especially important if your trailer has a poar (or multiple axles).
Having guide-ons installed on your boat trailer will ultimately save you time, money, and hassle in the long run, as it will help you to avoid costly repairs due to unnecessary rubbing or bouncing off your boat during transportation.
Trailer winch
A trailer winch is a must-have accessory for any boater who needs to haul their boat. A trailer winch is used to pull the boat up the trailer when launching or landing in a soft area.
It’s also useful if you need to pull the boat out of the water and up onto the shore. The winch helps make this process easier and less expensive than other methods, like using a truck or hoisting equipment.
It is important to ensure that the winch is properly secured to the trailer frame. Be sure to purchase the right size for your trailer and boat.
Center roller
The center roller is attached to the trailer to protect the keel of the boat and to act as a guide for the boat. A center roller is a must for protecting the hull. Some even have a groove that makes the keel roll to the center as it passes over the rollers.
Trailer jack
A trailer jack is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who owns a boat trailer. It is used to raise and lower the tongue of the trailer, as well as to move it from side to side for precise alignment when hitching up.
Trailer jacks come in a variety of designs and sizes, so make sure you get one that will fit your particular trailer. Look for a jack that is heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant.
A good choice is an all-welded steel construction with a corrosion-resistant zinc coating. Also, be sure to get a trailer jack with adjustable mounting brackets so you can make sure it fits properly on your trailer.
Wheel chocks
Wheel chocks are essential for any boat trailer. They provide additional stability and help to keep your trailer and boat in place while you’re loading, unloading, or just parked.
Chocks come in many different sizes and styles, so it’s important to make sure you get the right ones for your trailer and boat. Chocks should be sturdy, durable, and made from high-quality materials like rubber or steel.
Make sure the chocks fit snugly into the trailer and boat when installing them. Be sure to check your chocks regularly for any signs of wear and tear, and replace them when needed.
Tongue jack
This device is designed to lift the trailer tongue off the ground and can be used to help align the trailer with the tow vehicle. It also makes it much easier to attach or detach the trailer from the tow vehicle.
When using a tongue jack, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and always use a jack stand for added safety. Some tongue jacks also have a built-in winch for easy positioning.
Bulldog coupler lock
Bulldog coupler locks provide an extra level of security to your trailer. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all of them attach to the coupler of the trailer, which is the area that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Bulldog coupler locks are easy to install and use; simply insert the lock into the coupler and turn the key. This will secure the coupler from thieves or from being accidentally disconnected.
Additionally, some models come with an alarm system, which will sound when someone attempts to tamper with the lock.
Trailer hitch
The trailer hitch attaches the tow vehicle to the trailer and allows the trailer to move. A good trailer hitch should be made of quality materials and have a long-lasting finish. It should also be easy to install and adjustable so you can use it with different-sized trailers.
When choosing a trailer hitch, you want to look for one that has a higher weight capacity than what your boat weighs. This will ensure that your hitch can handle the extra weight if you need to add accessories like extra fuel tanks or fishing gear.
You’ll also want to look for one that’s rated for the type of trailer you have—whether it’s a single-axle or tandem-axle design.
It’s important to keep in mind that the trailer hitch can’t do all the work itself. It needs to be paired with other trailer components such as a brake controller, surge brakes, and tongue jack. Together, these items provide the necessary stability and control when you’re on the road.
In summary, having a high-quality trailer hitch is essential when you’re towing a boat. Make sure you buy one that has a higher weight capacity than what your boat weighs, and make sure it’s compatible with your trailer type.
Bearing protectors
Bearing protectors help keep the bearings in your trailer from wearing out too quickly and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Bearing protectors are also great for reducing drag and making your trailer easier to tow.
They protect the axle bearings and hubs by preventing water, dirt, and other debris from entering. They also help keep out any corrosive elements that can damage the bearings.
They should be replaced regularly in order to ensure optimal performance and safety. The best way to do this is to check the bearing protector each time you load or unload your boat and replace it when necessary.
Surge brake actuator
The surge brake actuator is a must-have device for any boat trailer. It helps to evenly distribute the force of braking when your trailer is in motion, allowing for safer and more controlled stops.
The surge brake actuator works by utilizing a hydraulic system that transfers force from the towing vehicle to the trailer brakes. This helps keep the trailer from jackknifing or fishtailing, making it safer for you and other motorists on the road.
In addition, the surge brake actuator also helps keep your trailer level even when stopping, so that your boat stays secure and in place. Be sure to check your trailer manufacturer’s instructions for how to properly install and maintain your surge brake actuator.
Brake controller
When towing a boat trailer, a brake controller is essential for ensuring safe stopping. Brake controllers are designed to monitor the level of force being applied to the brakes and adjust it accordingly.
This ensures that when you’re slowing down, the brakes don’t lock up, resulting in a smoother and safer stop.
There are two types of brake controllers – proportional controllers, which activate the brakes proportionally to the amount of force being applied, and time-delay controllers, which activate the brakes after a predetermined amount of time has passed.
Both types offer reliable performance, but it is important to ensure the controller is installed properly and tested before hitting the road.
Retractable transom tie down
Retractable transom tie-downs are a must-have for any boat trailer. They are designed to keep your boat from bouncing and sliding on the trailer while you drive. This can help protect your boat from damage, as well as ensure that you won’t be left stranded when you arrive at your destination.
Retractable transom tie-downs are easy to install and use. They consist of two straps, one attached to the bow eye of the boat and the other attached to the trailer frame.
The straps are adjustable and retractable, so they can fit any size boat and trailer combination. Once installed, simply use a ratchet or other winching mechanism to tension the straps until they are snug.
Retractable transom tie-downs provide an extra layer of security when you’re hauling your boat on the trailer. They’re perfect for long trips, where you need to know that your boat is going to stay secure throughout the journey.
They’re also a great idea for those who like to take their boats out in rough seas or windy conditions, as they’ll help keep the boat from rocking too much.
