Skeeter Boat trailer Instructions for use

SKEETER TRAILERS

OWNERS OPERATION MANUAL

WWW.SKEETERBOATS.COM

WARNINGS 1

TRAILER LENGTH 2

ATTACHING YOUR TRAILER 2

HITCH RECOMMENDATIONS AND TIPS 4

COUPLER AND HITCH BALL OPERATION 5

USING SAFETY CABLES 6

TONGUE JACK AND CARE 6

TRAILER LIGHTS 7

LED 7

BEFORE YOU TOW 7

WINCH ADJUSTMENT 8

SWING TONGUE 8

ON THE ROAD 10

STOPPING/FOLLOWING DISTANCE 10

HILLS 10

PASSING 10

SWAY/FISHTAILING 10

ROAD SHOULDERS 11

BACKING 11

BREAKDOWNS & ACCIDENTS 11

GETTING IN AND OUT OF WATER 11

LAUNCHING AND LOADING 12

TRAILER MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE 13

TUFF COAT FINISH 13

WHEEL INSTALLATION 14

WHEEL ALIGNMENT 14

TIRE REPAIR 14

CHECK ALL NUTS AND BOLTS 14

LUG BOLT OR NUT TIGHTENING METHOD 14

TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM 15

Table of Contents

HYDRAULIC SURGE (DISK BRAKES) 15

BRAKE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 15

BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 15

TROUBLE- SHOOTING HYDRAULIC BRAKES 17

WHEEL, TIRE AND HUB CARE 18

DISC BRAKES 18

TIRE CHANGING 18

JACK PLACEMENT 18

TIRE BASICS 19

FINDING TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD

LIMITS

TIRE PRESSURE 19

MEASURING AND ADJUSTING AIR

PRESSURE

CONSEQUENCES OF UNDER INFLATION 20

TIRE FUNDAMENTALS 21

TIRE INFORMATION 21

TIRE SIZE 21

TIRE, CARE 22

DETERMINING LOAD LIMITS 22

LOCATING THE LOAD LIMIT INFORMATION 23

UNDERSTANDING HOW CARGO AFFECTS

TRAILER CAPACITY

TIRE TERMINOLOGY 24

TRAILER TERMINOLOGY 27

REPLACEMENT OF VIN TAGS 30

CANADIAN REGISTRATION RECALL

CLEARANCE DOCUMENT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 30

WARRANTY REGISTRATION & QUESTIONS 30

SAFETY DEFECTS REPORTING 31

WARNINGS

THE FOLLOWING SIGNAL WORDS AND

SYMBOLS ARE USED TO ALERT YOU TO

POTENTIAL HAZARDS. PLEASE ADHERE TO

ALL MESSAGES AND INSTRUCTIONS THAT

FOLLOW THESE WORDS TO AVOID POSSIBLE

SERIOUS INJURY, OR DEATH.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could result

in serious injury, or death.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, may result in

minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE indicates special precautions that

must be taken to avoid damage to the trailer

or other property.

CAUTION

NOTICE

WARNING

2 3

Make sure the coupler completely covers the ball and the

ball clamp inside the coupler is below the ball, not on top

of the ball. Use a padlock or supplied pin to secure the

coupler lever in the locked (down) position, failure to do

so can cause trailer to become detached from tow vehicle,

which may result in serious injury or death.

After the coupler is locked on the hitch ball, raise

the front of the trailer using the tongue jack. If the

coupler comes loose, reattach the coupler to the

hitch ball and raise the front of the trailer again. If

the coupler will not stay attached, check the hitch

ball and coupler for size and damage.

BEFORE TOWING THIS TRAILER

CHECK THAT:

•Coupler and hitch ball are the same size and

correct rating.

•Coupler is latched (Closed).

•All safety chains are attached. The trailer

safety chains are crossed under the tongue.

•All trailer lights are working correctly.

•Boat is secured to the trailer front and rear. (DO NOT use

winch line alone).

•Tongue jack is all the way up and stored.

•Wheel lug bolts or nuts are tight.

•Tires have correct pressure.

•Trailer brakes are adjusted and breakaway cable is

attached to tow vehicle

•Load in trailer is within trailer capacity, distributed

correctly, and the trailer tongue weight is correct.

This product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer and other birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

Introduction

Death, serious injury, and/or property damage can result

if you do not read and follow instructions in the owner’s

manual. Make sure all people towing this trailer read and

follow the instructions.

We would like to thank you for purchasing

a SKEETER Boat Trailer, which is National Marine

Manufacturers Association ( NMMA ®) certified,

and National Association of Trailer Manufacturers

(NATM ®) compliant.

NMMA Certification means we comply with

established industry standards and federal safety

regulations. NATM verification compliance program

verifies trailers are built to meet best practices

according to state and federal regulations.

Both organizations require annual or bi-annual

inspections of the manufacturers facility and

trailers.

Your new trailer is designed to make loading and

launching your boat easier. Read this manual

carefully before you use your trailer because

it gives important details on the trailer you

just purchased. Pay attention to and follow all

instructions and maintenance procedures in this

manual.

Trailer Length

Make sure when the boat is on the trailer, there is enough

space between the front of your boat and the back of your

tow vehicle.

The weight of the boat, as listed in the boat

manufacturer’s product brochure, may not include the

weight of the motors, fuel, water and personal gear

and should not be used alone when choosing a trailer.

Overloading can cause serious injury or property damage.

Attaching Your Trailer

Always get help to back your tow vehicle to your trailer.

NEVER move the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Before hitching your trailer to your tow vehicle,

please check the items listed on the decal located

on or near the winch stand.

Your SKEETER Dealer will provide another decal if

it is missing or illegible.

Raise the front of the trailer with the tongue jack.

Back your tow vehicle close to the trailer, then get

out and check the location of the coupler and hitch

ball. Move your tow vehicle until the coupler is over

the hitch ball. Using the tongue jack, lower the

trailer until the coupler completely covers the hitch

ball. Lock the coupler with the supplied hitch pin.

WARNING

!WARNING

NOTICE

WARNING

!NOTICE

4 5

Several models of Weight distribution hitches will

render the brakes inoperative. SKEETER cannot

assume responsibility or accept warranty claims in

such instances. Please make sure the Weight

distribution hitch you choose is compatible with

the trailer’s braking system.

Please Note: Hitch ball height is determined by

measuring from the ground to the top of the

coupler ball housing with the trailer frame level

when the trailer is on a level surface. The average

height to the top of the hitch ball is usually from

14 inches to 21 inches above the ground when

loaded. Actual height will vary from trailer to

trailer.

For proper load distribution on tandem and triple torsion

axle trailers, it is very important that the trailer is

parallel to the ground while towing

Every coupler on a SKEETER boat trailer is

permanently marked with:

•Manufacturer’s code, name or trademark;

•SAE ® coupling designation and gross

coupler rating;

•Part number or style model; and Proper

ball diameter.

Coupler and Hitch Ball Operation

Do not use a different size ball shank, or capacity than

recommended and be sure both the hitch ball and hitch

ratings are the same or more than the Gross Vehicle

Weight Rating of your trailer.

Keep the latch mechanism clean and lightly oiled.

If the latch mechanism or coupler is bent or

deformed in any manner, do not use the trailer

until a new latch assembly or coupler is installed.

Some replacement assemblies and rebuild kits are

available at your SKEETER dealer.

SKEETER trailers are equipped with XR-84

couplers. An example is shown below.

TO OPEN THE COUPLER (XR-84)

Remove hitch pin from hole on side of the coupler.

Lift handle up and toward the rear until it rests in

the open position. This coupler is self-latching and

does not require the latch handle to be in the open

position to insert the hitch ball.

TO CLOSE COUPLER (XR-84)

Coupler does not need to be in the open position

when placing on hitch ball. To latch coupler onto

hitch ball, make sure hitch pin is removed from

side of coupler and simply lower coupler over ball.

During this process, the coupler handle will rise

and then self close when the coupler is fully seated

onto hitch ball. If handle does not return to the

fully closed position, ball is not fully inserted into

coupler socket, there is a misalignment between

coupler and ball or ball is oversized or egg shaped.

DO NOT FORCE HANDLE. If necessary, replace ball

with a quality unit that meets SAE specifications

and the GVWR of the trailer. Once the handle is

fully closed, insert hitch pin into hole on side of

coupler. Hitch pin should go completely through to

other side of coupler. To close coupler handle, push

handle horizontally toward the front and it will

slide down into the closed position.

You are required to obey local and state laws and

regulations regarding brakes, licensing, and additional

equipment that is needed for your trailer. Contact your

state motor vehicle department for more information.

After the coupler is secured to the hitch ball, raise

the tongue jack all the way. If you have a swing-up

style tongue jack, turn it to the traveling position

and make sure the lock pin is secure in the hole.

Cross the safety chains or cables under the tongue

and attach them to the tow vehicle. Connect the

trailer wiring harness to the lighting system of

your tow vehicle. Remember to check your lights.

Spot check all other trailer components (i.e. tires

and tie-downs).

Hitch Recommendations and Tips

Make sure the jack is in the stored or traveling position

before towing the trailer. If it is not, it can cause the

trailer to separate from the tow vehicle, which may result in

serious injury or death.

Our trailer’s GVWR must not exceed the capacity of your

hitch. Be sure you have the right size ball, shank, and

capacity to match your trailer’s model and coupler size.

The correct ball size and capacity is marked on the coupler

Two types of trailer hitches are normally used:

Weight carrying hitches which attach to the tow

vehicle and support the trailer tongue weight only,

and Weight distributing hitches which transfer

some of the tongue weight to the tow vehicle by

using extra spring bars on each side of the trailer

ball. Bumper hitches are not recommended for

boat trailers.

For most boat trailers, a Weight carrying hitch

is usually adequate. Weight distributing hitches

are recommended for very heavy loads. Before

you decide which hitch to buy, contact your

SKEETER Dealer and read the manufacturer’s

recommendations for your towing vehicle.

SKEETER does not recommend self-installation of

trailer hitches.

If you choose a Weight distributing hitch, contact a

dealer specializing in hitches and hitch installation

to make sure it is properly installed, that it is

compatible with your trailer’s brake system and

that you don’t exceed weight requirements.

Do not use Weight distributing hitches with surge- braked

trailers. Overloading or improper installation of

Weight distributing hitches may not let hydraulic

surge brake actuators work and the tow vehicle and

trailer may take longer to stop.

WARNING

IMPORTANT

6 7

Like the winch, or any kind of mechanical

assembly, a jack requires lubrication maintenance.

Regularly grease the drive gear, and rack & pinion

and oil the caster and wheel bearings.

Trailer Lights

To avoid serious injury or death back trailer lights to make

sure they are in working order before any trip. If your trailer

has electric brakes, unplugging the trailer wire from the tow

vehicle will disable the trailer brakes.

Always double check your lights to make sure they

are in working order before any trip.

Twice a year, it is a good idea to inspect your

taillights and look for bare wires, cracked insulation

or corroded terminals. Always be sure the white

ground wire is connected to the trailer frame.

Replace all worn or damaged parts.

Dialectric grease can be put on plug contacts and

bulb bases to prevent rust and corrosion.

Tow vehicles with three-light lighting system

(different lights for brake, turn, and tail lights)

need an adapter to change the three-light system

to a two-light system. Make sure your vehicle is

equipped with the proper lighting package. We

recommend a professional, i.e. your auto motive

dealer, install it for you. SKEETER’s Wire Color Code

is listed below.

LED

Your SKEETER trailer is equipped with LED’s which

are energy efficient and have a longer life.

Wire Color Code

WHITE Ground

BROWN Taillights, side Marker Lights.

YELLOW Left Brake, Left Turn

GREEN Right Break, Right Turn

BLUE Back Up Solenoid, Reversing Light

SKEETER Wire Color Code

Before you Tow

(Tying Down Your Boat)

Make sure the boat is secure and held in place before

towing.

Tie down the boat securely at the stern, in both a

downward and forward direction, with approved

tie downs. Use the rear tie down points provided

on your trailer.

Do not tow your vehicle if latch handle will not

remain closed or with the handle open. Check to

see if coupler is locked by lifting up on the handle.

If the handle opens, the hitch ball is not the right

size, oversized, egg shaped or the latch parts have

been damaged. If the latch is damaged, contact

UFP for replacement parts at www.ufpnet.com.

For further information see actuator brochure in

your new trailer packet or visit www.ufpnet.com

You must install the hitch pin (supplied) into the

hitch pin hole before towing to prevent the coupler

latch opening accidentally, which may result in serious

injury or death.

Always attach the trailer and boat bow safety

chains before towing.

Using Safety Cables

Your trailer hitch should have a place to attach the

trailer safety chains or cables. Crisscross the trailer

safety chains or cables under the trailer tongue

before attaching to the towing vehicles. Most state

laws require the crisscrossing of these chains or

cables. This may prevent the trailer tongue from

falling to the road in the event that the trailer

coupler becomes detached from the hitch ball.

Do not connect the trailer safety chains or cables

together.

Original trailer safety chains or cables should not

be removed or tampered with. Should you need

to replace them, contact a SKEETER Dealer for

replacement chains or cables and hooks.

Proper attachment of the safety chains/cables is

essential to trailer safety.

Tongue Jack Use and Care

Place the jack into position, crank the jack

handle until the trailer coupler is high enough for

the coupler to go over the hitch ball and lower the

trailer coupler onto the ball by cranking the jack

handle in the opposite direction.

To avoid serious injury or death, back your tow vehicle to

your trailer. DO NOT move your trailer to the tow vehicle.

When the trailer is moved without a tow vehicle the brakes

do not work.

If your jack is a swing up type, return it to its

stowed (up) position, making sure the securing pin

is firmly in its hole. If your jack is not a swing-up

type, retract your trailer jack completely (wheel

raise as high as possible) before towing the trailer.

Care must be used when engaging or disengaging a

swing-up style tongue jack.

When using the jack in the down position to

support weight, make sure the securing pin is

firmly in its hole before adding any weight to the

jack. If the securing pin is not firmly in its hole,

the jack may collapse under the weight placed

on it. While towing, if your jack is not folded up

or retracted completely, damage could result and

your jack may have to be replaced.

WARNING

NOTICE

WARNING

8 9

PRE-DEPARTURE SAFETY CHECKLIST

Before driving, make sure your vehicle maintenance and trailer maintenance are current.

This is very important because towing puts additional stress on the tow vehicle.

• Check and correct tire pressure on the tow vehicle and trailer, including

the spare tire.

•Make sure the wheel lug nuts/bolts on the tow vehicle and trailer are

tightened to the correct torque.

• Be sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar and other equipment that connect the

trailer and the tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.

• Make sure the safety chains are properly criss-crossed and connected, not

touching the road but with enough slack to make turns.

• Check that the wiring is properly connected; not touching the road, but

loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires.

• Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are

working.

• Verify that the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly.

• Ensure the breakaway system lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle but

not to the safety chains or ball mount.

• Check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer.

• Be sure the trailer jack, tongue support and any attached stabilizers are

raised and locked in place.

• Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly

balanced front to back and side to side.

• Check side- and rear-view mirrors to make sure you have good visibility.

• Check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels.

• Make sure you have wheel chocks and jack stands.

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers

2420 SW 17th Street • Topeka, KS 66604 • (785) 272-4433 • www.natm.com

Make sure your boat is properly secured to the

trailer. Do not depend on the winch line, strap or

cable alone to hold your boat secure. Check winch

line, strap or cable for fraying, cuts or tears. If it is

damaged, replace it immediately.

DO NOT USE IF DAMAGED!

Winch Adjustment and Use

Never disengage the winch ratchet lock while

winching your boat onto the trailer.

Whether your winch is a hand-operated model

(standard) or an electric model (after market), both

can be adjusted for the best possible performance.

The winch height should be adjusted so that the

winch cable/strap is level or as close as practical

with the bow eye of the boat when the boat is

resting on the trailer, with the bow stop roller

or vee block just above the bow eye of the boat.

Your boat will then be pulled in straight line onto

the trailer and against the bow stop on the winch

stand. The angle the winch is pulling your boat

should not make the boat lift up or pull down when

pulling the bow eye against the underside of the

bow roller or vee block. It should pull the bow eye

straight into the underside of the bow roller or vee

block.

Maintenance of the mechanical winch is simple.

Keep clean, lubricate regularly and apply heavy

grease to the gears frequently. Make sure the

winch line, strap or cable doesn’t rub against

anything sharp; fraying and wear could result. If

your line, strap or cable becomes worn, contact

your SKEETER Dealer for replacement as soon as

possible.

Swing Tongue

The inline swing tongue is a UFP designed product

which the manufacturer hides the bolts and

hinge inside the application giving it a much nicer

appearance.

The inside is a cast steel plated-piece that allow

for the part to be opened without scratching the

paint. This also has a pin application and bolt.

WARNING

10 11

DO NOT apply the brakes.

DO NOT turn the steering wheel sharply.

After slowing down below 25 mph, gradually turn

the steering wheel just enough to get you back on

the roadway.

Proceed with caution when entering traffic.

Dropping off the shoulder may cause alignment

issues with the trailer axle.

Backing

To back your trailer, keep your hand at the bottom

of the steering wheel. To move the trailer left,

move your hand left. To move the trailer right,

move your hand right. Break very slowly if your

tow vehicle and trailer starts to jackknife, or is not

headed where you want it, STOP. Pull forward to

straighten out, and then start again.

Breakdowns & Accidents

Get off the road If something goes wrong, and

immediately park your tow vehicle in a safe place,

as far away from the road as possible. Turn on your

emergency flashers. Get all the occupants out of

the vehicle and away from the roadway.

If you must continue on the road to reach a

safe place off the road, turn on your emergency

flashers, slow down and proceed with caution.

Do not hesitate to drive on a flat tire if it is

necessary to reach a safe place completely off the

roadway. Drive slowly, since the scraping tire and

wheel could cause a fire.

Getting In and Out of the Water

The handling of your boat and trailer at the ramp

requires practice, skill and patience. With care and

attention to the following tips, you can launch and

load your boat with relative ease.

Always prepare the boat for launching before you

get to the ramp. Stop in a launching prep area near

the ramp that does not block traffic and remove

your tie-downs, tilt up your engine or drive unit,

replace your transom drain plugs, etc.

Do not disconnect the wiring harness, winch cable

or optional boat bow safety chain until you are by

the water, ready to launch.

On the Road

SKEETER recommends all people wear safety

restraints at all times while towing with any

vehicle. Going too fast is a major cause of vehicle

trailer accidents. At a minimum, observe the

posted speed limits. Slow down for curves,

bad weather, hazardous road conditions and

expressway exits. A road hazard that could be

avoided at 45 or 50 mph, may not be avoided at

55mph.

Stopping/Following Distance

Your tow vehicle and trailer are heavier and longer

that your tow vehicle alone. This means it will

take you longer to stop. Allow at least 4 seconds

between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start

counting when the back of the vehicle in front

of you passes a fixed object, such as a sign post,

telephone pole, or crack in the road. If the front of

your vehicle reaches the object before the end of

the 4 seconds, slow down to increase the distance.

Then check the following distance again. If you are

driving in bad weather, such as rain, snow or fog.

Use at least a 5 second gap.

Hills

To prevent your tow vehicle’s engine from lugging

when going up hills, shift into lower gears. This

will improve gas mileage and reduce engine

overheating.

Swaying or “fishtailing” happens more often going

downhill. To prevent this from happening, decrease

speed BEFORE going down the hill. If your trailer

has surge brakes, do not shift into lower gears

when going downhill. This can make the trailer

brakes come on the entire time you are going

downhill and may cause your trailer brakes not to

work.

DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill. When

you need to slow down, press the brake pedal and

slow down at least 5 mph below the speed limit.

Then let completely off the brake pedal and let the

brakes cool before you press the brake pedal again

if possible or practical.

Passing

Your tow vehicle and trailer are heavier and longer

than your tow vehicle alone and you will need

more time and distance to pass.

Passing by another vehicle in the same or opposite

direction can cause sway or fishtailing. This sway is

greater when your speed is higher. See the SWAY/

FISHTAILING section below on what to do if this

happens.

Sway/Fishtailing

If the trailer starts to sway or fishtail, do not increase

speed. Apply brakes or turn the steering wheel. You could

loose control and have an accident, including a “Jackknife,”

resulting in severe injury or death. Remove your foot from

the accelerator and steer straight ahead while the sway or

fishtailing stops. Pull off the road when safe to do so and

check for the cause.

One or more causes (cross winds, passing vehicles,

quick driver steering actions, improper loading,

excessive speed, etc.) may result in sway.

Check the cargo in your boat to make sure it has

not shifted. Also make sure the trailer is loaded

heavier in the front.

Check that all the tires are properly inflated and all

lug bolts or nuts are tight.

Check the trunk or cargo bed of the tow vehicle to

make sure it is not overloaded.

Drive at a slower speed.

Sway happens most often at higher speeds.

Road Shoulders

Sometimes the trailer is wider then the tow

vehicle. Drive in the center of the lane to allow for

a wider trailer. If wheels of your vehicle or trailer go

off the paved roadway:

Hold the steering wheel firmly. Let off the gas

pedal and slow down below 25 mph.

WARNING

12 13

Launching Checklist In the Parking Area

•Remove the trailer-to-motor supports.

•Remove tie-downs.

•Load and store gear that goes on the boat.

•Check all systems, including your boat’s engine,

blower, bilge pump and lights.

•Remember to properly install all drain plugs.

At the Ramp-in Launch Position

•Disconnect the bow safety chain hook for the

bow eye.

•Follow launching instructions.

•Always practice good boating.

Bunk or Custom Trailers - Launching

& Loading

You can rest assured that your new SKEETER bunk

style custom-welded, adjustable or aluminum

trailer is engineered to provide the easiest

launching/loading experience possible. Unfasten

the boat bow safety chain,and tie a mooring line to

the boat so you will have control once it is floating.

Slowly back the trailer down the ramp until there

is enough water to make the rear of the boat

float. Stop, secure the tow vehicle (in park, or in

gear if standard trans. Engine off, and firmly apply

the parking brake) walk to the front of the boat

and hold the winch handle securely, reverse the

winch lock and begin unwinding the line. Unwind

it slowly and carefully back the trailer down the

ramp until there is enough water to make the boat

float. Because the bunks generate more friction

than rollers, you need to back the trailer further

into the water. Tie a mooring line to the boat so

you will have control once it is floating.

If the winch handle slips out of your hand, let it spin. DO

NOT try to stop it. It may lead to serious injury or death.

On an average grade, the bunks on your trailer

will allow your boat to gently slip back and float

into the water. If your boat does not immediately

move, try unwinding about six inches of line, lock

your winch and give the boat a push. Then unlock

the winch and try again. If this does not work you

might try backing the trailer in deeper if possible.

Care should be given when launching from trailers

with bunks that are equipped with Channel Glide

Bunk Covers or other plastic like materials. These

materials make the bunk surfaces very slippery,

and the boat may begin to unload as soon as

tension is released on the winch cable/strap.

When loading, always prepare for the procedure

prior to reaching the ramp. If the ramp is busy,

preparation will shorten the time it takes for you

to get your boat out of the water.

You probably will not have to back the trailer into

the water as far to load the boat as you did to

launch it. In fact, the easiest way is to back your

trailer up until the rear of the bunks are in the

water.

By not putting your trailer too deep in the water,

your boat will actually center itself on the bunks

about 1/3 to 1/2 the distance onto the trailer.

Connect the winch cable/strap to the bow eye of

the boat. Lock your winch before attempting to

wind the cable/strap in.

Once your boat is aligned and is pulled firmly

against the winch stand roller or vee block and

your winch is in the locked position, connect the

boat bow safety chain and you are ready to drive

to the loading/ preparation area near the ramp to

connect all other tie-downs.

WARNING

Trailer Maintenance and Storage

One of the best maintenance procedures for your

trailer is washing the trailer with soap and rinsing

with fresh water after every use. This will help

prevent rust and give your trailer that “showroom”

appearance for a long time.

Check your tire pressure (when tires are cold)

and make sure they are inflated to the correct

pressure. Tires can lose considerable amount of

air pressure when stored during non-use. It is

recommended that during storage, trailers be

blocked up with the tires off the ground. Note:

Under inflated tires can cause wear and tear

problems.

Every trip check your lug nuts or bolts for tightness

on your wheels. Once a year, or every 2000 miles,

whichever comes first, check your greased hub

bearings. Check your light wires and electric

brake wiring (if applicable) for damage and make

sure they do not hang down where they could

be caught. When parked or stored, ensure brake

actuator is fully extended to release brakes and

master cylinder push rod. For off-season storage,

park your boat and trailer in a protected area, such

as a garage or carport. Do not put plastic bags

around your light fixtures as condensation may

occur and cause corrosion.

While your boat is in storage, it is a good time to

touch up any rust spots, nicks and chips on your

boat and trailer. Galvanized trailers occasionally

show small rust spots, so touch up those spots

with cold galvanizing spray paint, available at most

paint stores.

A little trailer maintenance goes a long way in

preserving the appearance and performance of

your trailer. Please follow our recommendations.

We want you to have your SKEETER boat trailer

for a long, enjoyable time.

Tuff Coat Finish

This is a sprayed on polyurea. It is sprayed over a

fully primed frame structure, offered by SKEETER

to protect the surface of the trailers against rock

chips.

Wheel maintenance

All warranty claims will be voided if improper

maintenance or improper cleaning agents are

used. Your investment in a product of the highest

quality and workmanship does require care to

maintain its factory appearance.

Regular Cleaning

Typical road soils trap moisture, which can cause

corrosion over a period of time. Brake dust, caused

by friction of your trailers braking system, is itself

corrosive and may cause pitting of the wheel

finish. These soils must be removed regularly,

possibly weekly, depending on your trailering

habits.

Use of proper cleaning agents

Your wheels finish should be treated as you would

treat the finish of your car. All one-piece

aluminum wheels, and two piece aluminum

wheels are clear coated to preserve the finish and

ease of cleaning. Most household cleaning agents

are too harsh for the finish on your wheel and

must be avoided.

There are commercially available wheel cleaners,

but we urge extreme caution regarding their use,

since they tend to be acid or lye based. Always

follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on

the bottle for safe and effective cleaning.

Note: Salt water can cause discoloration of

aluminum wheels. This is not covered by your

warranty. Chrome Steel Wheels

After cleaning, always apply a coat of soft non

abrasive cream wax to help prevent surface

corrosion. Surface corrosion or rust can be

prevented with proper care.

Additional tips

To prevent scratching of the wheel finish,

never clean your wheels with scouring pads or

mag polish. If you use automatic car washes,

tell them not to use steam cleaners or strong

chemicals to clean your wheels. They can cause

permanent staining or corrosion.

14 15

Additional Tips (Continued)

Boat bottom cleaners containing muratic or

other acids have a highly corrosive effect on both

painted, galvanized or aluminum trailers and

should not be allowed to contact the trailer.

Use caution when cleaning tires with steel wool

or bristle brush. These types of abrasive materials

must not come in contact with the wheels.

Never allow any harsh chemicals or tire cleaner

to contact with the wheels, as they will damage

the appearance of the wheel permanently. Never

spray cold water on extremely hot wheels. Always

allow time to cool before cleaning with soap and

water or the recommended wheel cleaner

Wheel Installation

Clean and inspect all stud threads and mounting

surfaces before installation. Threads must not

be lubricated, but must be free of corrosion, rust,

burrs and fractures. Replace studs if they are

corroded beyond reasonable repair, if threads are

stripped, or a fracture is found. Check and make

sure the approved lug nuts are correct for the

application. When placing the wheel on the studs,

there will be an apparent looseness of fit, until the

lug nuts are applied.

Check the lug nut thread engagement. Every stud

must be long enough to thread into the lug nut

a length at least equal to the stud diameter. For

example: a 1/2” thread diameter must thread into

the lug nut at least a 1/2”. Check for this problem

on every stud, some may be different lengths. If

there is less than one stud thread engagement, do

not install wheels.

Lug nuts must be applied in a star or crisscross

pattern until desired torque is reached.

Wheel Alignment

A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the

wheels so they are positioned correctly relative to

the vehicle’s frame. This adjustment maximizes

the life of your tires. These adjustments require

special equipment and should be performed by a

qualified technician.

Tire Repair

The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a

plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside

the tire that surrounds the puncture hole.

Punctures through the tread can be repaired

if they are not too large, but punctures to the

sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be

removed from the rim to be properly inspected

before being plugged and patched.

Check All Nuts and Bolts

Even though SKEETER uses self-locking, vibration

resistant nuts, it is the owner’s responsibility to

make sure all of the fasteners are tight before

using the trailer not just the first time you use it,

but on a regular basis.

Check you lug bolts or nuts tightness before every trip.

Lug Bolt or Nut Tightening Method

Initially tighten to 20-25 lbs, using a criss-cross

tightening sequence on a 5 bolt wheel. Finish

torquing per manufacturer’s recommendations

on all new trailers. SKEETER is not responsible for

damage from loose lug nuts. Re-torque after 25-

50 miles of use and on a periodic schedule from

then on. Lug bolts or nuts should be clean and dry.

Do not put grease or other lubricant on them.

WARNING

Lug Nut Pattern

Most state laws require brakes on trailers, check

laws in your state.

Always keep tie-downs tightly fastened. Always

use tie-downs or similar securing devices to secure

the boat to the trailer, as well as the winch strap/

cable and safety chains/cables supplied with your

trailer.

Trailer Braking Systems

All four braking systems offer excellent trailer

braking, but each have unique qualities.

Hydraulic Surge (Disc Brakes)

Hydraulic surge disc brakes operate on the same

idea as hydraulic surge drum brakes. The disc

brake needs a special actuator with a back-up

solenoid wired into the tow vehicle’s reverse

lights. When the tow vehicle is put in reverse, the

solenoid locks out the braking system allowing

the trailer to back up on level ground without the

brakes locking up. Since you can see most of the

disc brake components, they are easy to keep

clean and maintain. See the brochure in your new

trailer packet for further information or visit

www.ufpnet.com

In many states, trailers are required to have brakes

on all wheels.

Brake Operation and Maintenance

Contact your state motor department, your

SKEETER Dealer or www.boats.com/trailerclub/

traileringlaws.asp for the trailer brake

requirements in your state.

Inspect your brake system on a regular basis and

adjust if necessary and replace any damaged or

worn parts. Your SKEETER Dealer can also inspect

your brakes. Replace brake fluid with DOT3, which

is available from most auto part stores.

Trailer brake manufacturers recommend that when

the boating season is over, the brake drums should

be removed and the brake assembly should be

inspected. All parts should be clean, dry and free

from corrosion.

With hydraulic brakes, do not shift to a lower

gear and use your engine as a brake when going

downhill. This could activate the trailer’s brakes

continuously for the duration of the downhill

run, causing overheating and fading to the point

of possibly losing your trailer’s braking ability

completely.

A better way is to slow down as you approach

the top of the hill, and maintain an even, slow,

controlled downhill speed with repeated

applications of your tow vehicle’s brakes, allowing

enough time in between for the brakes to cool off.

Brake Adjustments

Only a qualified mechanic trained in the repair and

maintenance of braking systems should attempt

brake adjustment, repair and replacement. To

make the brake adjustments to your SKEETER

trailer, follow the method explained below. If you

are not sure about making these adjustments,

your SKEETER Dealer can make these adjustments

for you.

Tighten

First

Tighten

Last

IMPORTANT

16 17

Using pads without enough brake lining material can result

in brake damage, create excessive heat and cause the

brakes not to work correctly, which could cause serious

injury or death.

WARNING

SYMPTOM SOLUTION

BRAKE NOISE

Shoe chatter, lining coated with grease or oil. Locate cause of grease or oil leakage.

reline and grind for proper lining-to-drum contact.

Vibrations with loose bolts. Out of round drums. Tighten hub bolts or nuts and recondition or replace

drums.

Vibration with loose bearing adjustment or rough bearing. Adjust or replace bearings and races.

Worn/craked drums or machined beyond oversize limits. Replace drums.

EXCESSIVE TRAVEL OF ACTUATOR

Leaks in hydraulic lines. Replace defective lines.

Low fluid in master cylinder reservoir. Air in hydraulic lines. Refill master cylinder and bleed system

Leaking wheel cylinders. Repair or replace

Leaking primary cup in master cylinder. Ports

closed or restricted with dirt. Defective hoses.

Leaking check valves fails to keep hydraulic

systems preloaded.

Check problem components and adjust repair or

replace as required.

Excessive lining-to-drum clearance Adjust brakes or replace linings.

PRESSURE BUILD-UP IN SYSTEM

Contaminated fluid causing cup swelling. Drain, flush and replace fluid. Replace cups.

Master cylinder piston fails to stop and keeps

the compensating port closed.

Check all components and adjust, repair or replace

as required.

Hose or cylinder ports are closed or restricted with dirt. Overhaul or replace.

HEAVY CLUNKING SOUND FROM ACTUATOR

Leaks in hydraulic lines. Replace hydraulic lines.

Low fluid in master cylinder. Refill master cylinder and bleed system

If no hydraulic leaks & good fluid level Replace shock absorber.

Trouble-Shooting Hydraulic Brakes

18 19

Wheel, Tire and Hub Care

Since your SKEETER boat trailer is put in water and

put through other severe conditions, it needs more

attention to the wheels and its components than

your car. Your SKEETER trailer is equipped with The

Vault Hybrid Lubrication System™ or EUZ

hubs.

To check your bearings, raise your wheel clear of

the road surface (by the procedure indicated in “tire

changing”). With your hands on the outside edges

of the tire, try to rock the wheel by pushing on one

side and pulling on the other. No noticeable rocking

should occur. Spin the wheel and listen for noise

or roughness. A smooth, silent operation means

that your bearings are in good order. If a grinding

sound is heard, contact your SKEETER Dealer for

warranty and or replacement instructions.

For Disc Brakes

Adjustment is not necessary on SKEETER’S disc

brakes. Make sure the brake parts are free from

rust and debris. Check brake pads periodically to

make sure there is a proper amount of lining left.

Check the brake fluid and make sure it is full before

every trip.

Only a qualified mechanic trained in the repair &

maintenance of braking systems should attempt

brake adjustment, repair and replacement.

Tire Changing

Replace your trailer tires promptly if they become

worn or damaged. If within the warranty period,

contact the tire manufacture for an adjustment.

You can get a spare tire at your SKEETER Dealer.

We also recommend that you carry a jack, such as

a small hydraulic jack for tire changes.

Getting your hands in tight places under the fender can

cause accidental pinching.

We recommend wearing gloves while changing

tires. After the tire is changed, be sure to re-torque

the lug bolts or nuts as mentioned in the “Torque

Procedure” section. To change a tire, make sure the

trailer is not allowed to move. Attach it to the tow

vehicle and block a tire on the opposite side.

Jack Placement

Make sure the trailer is not allowed to move. Attach it to

the tow vehicle and block the tires.

On tubular steel type trailers, the best place to put

your tire jack is under the axle where the spring

mounts to the axle. On a torsion axle trailer, place

the jack under the axle tube as near the tire as

possible, but not on the torsion arm. If the jack

will not fit under the axle, place it under the main

frame rail (boom) as close to the axle as possible.

On aluminum I-Beam trailers, the only allowable

place to put the jack is under the axle as

mentioned above.

WARNING

SKEETER wheel sizes are as follows:

14” 5 Hole 4 1/2” Bolt Circle

15” 5 Hole 4 1/2” Bolt Circle

18” 5 Hole 4 1/2” Bolt Circle

Do not mount or attempt to mount anything other than

the same size tires on the same size wheel (rim)

per manufacturer specifications.

Example 16.5” tire on a 16.5” wheel. Mounting the incorrect

size tires or wheels can result in a loss of control which

could cause serious injury or death.

Tire Basics

Properly maintained tires improve the steering,

stopping, traction and load-carrying capability of

your vehicle. Under inflated tires and overloaded

vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. To

avoid flat tires and other types of tire failure, you

should maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire

and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards, and

regularly inspect your tires.

Finding Tire Pressure and Load

Limits

Tire information placards and trailer certification

labels contain information on tires and load limits.

These labels indicate the trailer manufacturer’s

information including:

•Recommended tire size.

•Recommended tire inflation pressure

•Ok capacity weight (VCW-the maximum weight

the axle systems are designed to carry.) Both

placards and certification labels are permanently

attached to the front of the trailer.

Tire Pressure

Tire inflation pressure is the level of air in the tire

that provides it with load-carrying capacity and

affects the overall performance of the vehicle. The

tire inflation pressure is a number that indicates

the amount of air pressure– measured in pounds

per square inch (psi) a tire requires to be properly

Inflated. You will also find this number on the

vehicle information placard expressed in kilo

pascals (kpa) which is the metric measure used

internationally.) The worst enemy a tire can have

is too little inflation pressure. It can reduce fuel

economy through increased rolling resistance

(soft tires makes your vehicle work harder). When

a tire is under inflated, the shoulder of the tire

tread bears the most of the load and reduces tread

life through increased tread wear on the outside

edges (or shoulders) of the tire. It also generates

excessive heat, which reduces tire durability.

Uneven wear reduces the useful life of a tire. Check

your tires regularly for proper inflation. Abnormal

tire wear may also be due to misalignment or

mechanical problems.

It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure

at least once a month for the following reasons:

•Most tires may naturally lose air over time.

As air pressure is lost, carrying capacity is

lowered.

•Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over

a pothole or other object or if you strike

the curb when parking.

•With radial tires, it is usually not possible

to determine under inflation by visual

inspection.

Tire Description PSI Capacity

ST205/75R14C 50 1,760 LBS

ST205/75R14C 65 2,040 LBS.

ST215/75R14C 50 1,870 LBS.

ST205/75R15D 65 2,150 LBS.

ST205/75R15E 80 2,830 LBS

ST225/75R15D 65 2,540 LBS.

P245/45R18 51 1,929 LBS.

Recommended

Cold Tire Pressure Chart

WARNING

CAUTION

20 21

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended tire pressure

on the VIN decal (found on the

front rail of your trailer). Check the tire pressure before each

trip. Failure to maintain correct tire pressure may result in

tire failure and loss of control, which could cause serious

injury or death.

Measuring and Adjusting Air

Pressure to achieve Proper Inflation

The recommended tire inflation pressure that

vehicle manufacturers provide reflects the proper

psi when a tire is cold. The term cold does not

relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold

tire is one that has not been driven on for at least

3 hours. When you drive, your tires get warmer,

causing the air pressure within them to increase.

Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading

you must measure tire pressure when the tires are

cold or compensate for the extra pressure in warm

tires.

Before each trip, check the air pressure of each

tire. Be sure to check the air pressure in the spare

tire as well.

Adverse safety consequences of

under Inflation

Under-inflation of the tire only wear out the tire

prematurely, but can also cause the tire to flex

and to overheat quickly. Overheating of the tires

can cause tread separation and tire failure. Tire

separation or tire failure could lead to loss of

control of the trailer and could lead to an accident.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended tire pressure

on the VIN decal (found on the front of your trailer). Check

the tire pressure before each trip.

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

Locate the recommended tire pressure on the

vehicle’s tire information placcard, certification

label or in the owners manual.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended tire

pressure on the VIN decal (found on the front of

your trailer). Check the tire pressure before each

trip.

Record the tire pressure on all tires.

If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires,

slowly release air by gently pressing on the tire

valve stem with the edge of you tire gauge until

you get to the correct pressure.

If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference

between the measured tire pressure and the

correct tire pressure. These ”missing” pounds of

pressure are what you will need to add.

At a service station, add the missing pounds of air

pressure to each tire that is under inflated.

Check all the tires to make sure they have the

same air pressure (except in cases in which the

front and rear tires are supposed to have different

amounts of pressure).

If you have been driving your vehicle and think a

tire is under inflated, fill it to the recommended

cold inflation pressure indicated on your vehicle’s

tire information placard or certification label. While

your tire may still be slightly under inflated due to

the extra pounds of pressure in the warm tire, it is

safer to drive with air pressure that is lightly lower

the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold

inflation pressure than to drive with a significantly

under inflated tire. Since this is a temporary

WARNING

!WARNING

fix, don’t forget to recheck and adjust the tire’s

pressure when you can obtain a cold reading.

Tire Fundamentals

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to

place standardized information on the sidewall of

all tires. This information identifies and describes

the fundamental characteristics of the tire and

also provides a tire identification number for safety

standard certification and in case of a recall.

Tire Information

There are many markings found on the

Sidewall of a tire. They are placed there by the tire

manufacturer.

ST-Indicates the tire is for trailer use only.

Next Number– This three digit number gives the

width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge

to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number,

the wider the tire.

Next Number– This two digit number, known as

the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to

width. Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short

sidewall for improved steering response and better

overall handling on dry pavement.

R– The “R” stands for radial. Radial ply

construction of tires has been the industry

standard for many years.

Next Number– This two-digit number is the wheel

or rim diameter in inches.

If you change your wheel size, you will have to

purchase new tires to match the new wheel

diameter.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number-This begins

with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the

tire meets all federal standards. The next two

numbers or letters are the plant code where it

was manufactured, and the last four numbers

represent the week and year the tire was built. For

example, the numbers 3197 means the

31st week of 1997. The other numbers are

marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s

discretion.

This information is used to contact consumers if a

tire defect requires a recall.

Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used– The

number of plies indicates the number of layers of

rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the

greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire

can support. Tire manufacturers also must indicate

the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon,

polyester and others.

Maximum Load Rating– This number indicates the

maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can

be carried by the tire.

Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure-This

number is the greatest amount of air pressure that

should ever be put in the tire under normal driving

conditions.

RADIAL TIRES

(Using a ST205/75R14C as an example)

ST Special Trailer type tire

205 Nominal width of the tire in millimeters

(205 millimeters in this example)

75 Aspect ratio of height to width)

(75% in this example)

R Radial Tire

14 Size of Wheel (14” in this example)

C Load Range Rating

Tire size labeling information

Tire Size

Your trailer will be equipped with radial tires. It

is important to understand the tire labeling on

your tire when selecting tire or replacement tires

for your trailer. To maintain tire safety, purchase

new tires that are the same size as the vehicle’s

original tires or another size recommended by the

manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard,

the owner’s manual, or the sidewall of the tire you

are replacing to find this information. If you have

any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult

with the tire dealer.

22 23

Tire, Care, Maintenance, and Safety

Practices

Before each trip, check each tire for:

Uneven wear Nails or other sharp objects.

Correct tire air pressure.

Tread separation.

Tread depth.

Proper tightening (torque) on the lug bolts or lug

nuts

Tire checking

•Check Tire pressure regularly (at least

once a month), including spare.

•Inspect tires for uneven wear pattern on

the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or

other signs of wear or trauma.

•Remove bits of glass and foreign objects

wedged in the tread.

•Make sure your tire valves have valve

caps.

•Check tire pressure before going on a long

trip.

•Do not overload your vehicle. Check the

Tire Information and Loading Placard or

User’s Manual for the maximum

recommended load for the vehicle.

Bulges or other deformities of the

sidewall of the tire.

If bulges or other deformities exist, do not use

the trailer until the condition is corrected.

Preventing Tire Damage

•Slow down if you have to go over a

pothole or other object in the road.

•Do not run over curbs or other foreign

objects in the roadway, and try not to strike

the curb when parking.

Vehicle Placard and Tire Inflation

Pressure Label Information and

Location

The Vehicle Placard and Tire Inflation

Label are affixed to the forward part of the trailer

near where the main frames meet the tongue.

VIN # & TIRE Inflation Pressure Label Information

Location SKEETER Custom Trailer’s VIN number

begins with 7FUBB

Vehicle Placard (Example)

Determining load limits

The load limit on a boat trailer is referred

to as carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of

your SKEETER trailer must be more than or equal

to the weight of the boat and everything in or on

the boat, including motor(s), fuel, water, personal

gear and other items you may have on board.

The final weight of all these items is call a “net

weight” and must not exceed the carrying capacity

of the trailer. The carrying capacity should not be

confused with the GVWR rating of the trailer. The

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) listed for the

trailer is the maximum allowable combined weight

of the trailer, boat, motor, fuel and gear. (See page

5, Choosing the Right Trailer.)

1. Locate the statement, “The weight of cargo

should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.”, on

your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the empty weight of your trailer

by weighing the trailer using a public scale or

other means.

3. Locate the GVWR of the trailer on your trailer’s

VIN (Certification) label.

4. Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from

the GVWR stated n the VIN label. That weight

is the maximum available cargo capacity of the

trailer and may not be safely exceeded.

VIN

Do not Exceed Load Carrying

Capacity or GVWR

The weight capacity of your trailer is found using

the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of

the trailer. The GVWR is printed on the Vehicle

Identification Number (VIN) decal at the right front

of the trailer (viewing trailer from the rear). This is

the MOST weight the fully loaded trailer can weigh.

When loading your cargo , be sure it is distributed

evenly to prevent overloading front to back and

side to side. Heavy items should be placed low and

as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too

many items on one side may overload a tire. The

best way to know the actual weight of the vehicle

is to weigh it at a public scale.

Tire Information Pressure Label (Example)

Talk to your dealer to discuss the weighing

methods needed to capture the various weights

related to the trailer. This would include the weight

empty or unloaded, weights per axle, wheel, hitch

or king-pin and total weight. The trailer must not

be connected to the tow vehicle when you get the

total weight of the of the trailer. It is up to you to

make sure the weight of your boat, trailer, and boat

car go does not exceed the GVWR. Proper load

distribution on your trailer is also very important.

Tongue weight should be no less than 5% of

recommended of specific GVWR and not to exceed

the tongue weight capacity of the hitch. Five to

ten percent of your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight

should be supported by the hitch ball, with the

tongue level. This is called “tongue weight”. If you

are over or under the standard weight distribution,

try moving gear inside your boat first. If further

adjustment to the trailer is necessary, contact your

SKEETER Dealer.

Locating the Load Limit Information

The manufacturers VIN label has both the carrying

capacity and the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating) of your trailer. It also has tire size, cold

tire pressure, VIN number, date of manufacture

and other important information. The VIN label is

located on the trailer frame towards the front end

of the trailer rail.

Your trailer’s GVWR must not exceed the capacity

of your hitch.

Make sure the total weight of the trailer, boat, engine, fuel,

batteries, and gear does not exceed the trailer’s GVWR.

Check with your SKEETER Dealer or

automotive dealer to make sure you have the proper towing

vehicle for the load you will be pulling. Check your vehicle

manufacturer’s hitch weight recommendations as well.

Be sure you have the right size ball, shank and capacity to

match your trailer’s model and coupler size. The correct ball

size and capacity is marked on the coupler.

WARNING

IMPORTANT

24 25

Understanding How Cargo Affects

Trailer Capacity

The cargo or gear placed inside a boat while

on a trailer adds to the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

of the trailer, and uses some of the capacity that

may be available for the boat. The combined

weight of the gear, boat, as well as anything else in

or on the boat while trailering must not exceed the

carrying capacity listed for your trailer.

Excessive loads and/or under inflation cause tire

overloading and, as a result, abnormal tire flexing

occurs. This situation can generate an excessive

amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat

may lead to tire failure. This is the air pressure

that enables a tire to support the load, so proper

inflation is critical. The proper air pressure may be

found on the certification/VIN label and/or on the

Tire Placard. This value should never exceed the

maximum cold inflation pressure stamped on the

tire.

Adverse Safety Consequences of

Overloading on Handling, Stopping

and on Tires

Poor weight distribution can cause trailer sway

(“fishtailing”) and put extra force on your boat, trailer,

towing equipment and tow vehicle, which can result in a

accident, serious injury or death

‘DO NOT exceed your vehicle’s GVWR

Overloading the trailer could produce the following:

• Increased stopping distances

• Improper tongue weight

• Abnormal or premature tire wear

• Tire failure

• Suspension failure

• Decreased cornering stability

• Brake overheating or failure

• Undue stress or failure of trailer

components

• Hull damage

Never exceed the trailer’s listed GVWR

Determining Compatibility of Tire

and Vehicle Load Capabilities

The proper tire for your SKEETER Boat trailer is

listed on the VIN label on the trailer.

Replacing a tire with any tire other than the size

and type indicated on the VIN label should not

be done. Each tire has a maximum load capacity

printed on the sidewall.

The combined sum of the load capacities of

all the tires of the trailer should meet or exceed

the GVWR listed on the VIN label of the trailer. The

Original Equipment Tires are designed to meet

these requirements.

Tire Terminology

Bead: The part of the tire that is made of steel

wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that

is shaped to fit the rim.

Bead Separation: This is the breakdown of the

bond between components in the bead.

Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the play

cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate

angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the

centerline of the tread.

Carcass: The tire structure, except tread and

sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the

load.

Chunking: The breaking away of pieces of the

tread or sidewall.

Cold Inflation Pressure: The pressure in the tire

before you drive for at least 3 hours.

WARNING

Cord: The strands forming the plies in the tires.

Cord Separation: The parting of cords from

adjacent rubber compounds.

Cracking: Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or

the inner liner of the tire extending to cord

material.

CT: A pneumatic tire with an inverted flange tire

and rim system in which the rim is designed with

rim flanges pointed radially inward and the tire

is designed to fit on the underside of the rim in a

manner that encloses the rim flanges inside the air

cavity of the tire.

Curb Weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with

standard equipment including the maximum

capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, and, if so equipped,

air conditioning and additional weight optional

engine.

Extra Load Tire: A tire designed to operate at

higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than

the corresponding standard tire.

Groove: The space between the adjacent tread

ribs.

Gross Axle Weight Rating: The maximum weight

that any axle can support, as published on the

certification/VIN label on the front left side of the

trailer. Actual weight determined by weighing each

axle on a public scale, with the trailer attached

to the towing vehicle.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The maximum

weight of the fully loaded trailer, as published

on the certification/VIN label. Actual weight

determined by weighing trailer on a public scale,

without being attached to the towing vehicle. Hitch

Weight: The downward force exerted on the hitch

ball by the trailer coupler.

Inner liner: The layer(s) forming the inside surface

of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating

medium within the tire.

Inner liner Separation: The parting of the inner

liner from cord material in the carcass.

Intended Outboard Sidewall: The sidewall that

contains a white-wall, bears white lettering or

bears manufacturer, brand, and /or model name

molding that is higher or deeper than the

same molding on the other sidewall of the tire or

the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical

tire that has a particular side that must always

face outward when mounted on a vehicle.

Light Truck (LT) Tire: A tire designated by its

manufacturer as primarily intended for use on

lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger

vehicles.

Load Rating: The maximum load that a tire is rated

to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire

at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for

that tire.

Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: The

maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire

may be inflated.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The sum of

curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity

weight and production options weight.

Measuring Rim: The rim n which a tire is fitted for

physical dimension requirements.

Non-Pneumatic Rim: A mechanical device which,

when a non-pneumatic tire assembly incorporates

a wheel, supports the tire, and attaches, either

integrally or separably, to the wheel center

member and upon which the tire is attached.

Non-Pneumatic Spare Tire Assembly: A non

pneumatic tire assembly intended for temporary

use in place of one of the pneumatic tires and rims

that are fitted to a passenger car in compliance

with the requirements of this standard.

26 27

Non-Pneumatic Tire: A mechanical device which

transmits, either directly or through a wheel

or wheel center member, the vertical load and

tractive forces from the roadway to the vehicle,

generates the tractive forces that provide the

directional control of the vehicle and does not

rely on the containment of any gas or fluid for

providing those functions.

Non-Pneumatic Tire Assembly: A non-pneumatic

tire, alone or in combination with a wheel or

wheel center member, which can be mounted on a

vehicle.

Normal Occupant Weight: This means 68

kilograms

(150 lbs.) times the number of occupants specified

in the second column of Table 1 of 49 CFR

571.110.

Pin Weight: The downward force applied to the

5th wheel or goose neck ball, by the trailer kingpin

or goose neck coupler. Occupant Distribution: The

distribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in

the third column of Table 1 of 49 CFR

571.110.

Open Splice: Any parting at any junction of tread,

sidewall, or inner liner that extends to cord

material.

Outer diameter: The overall diameter of an

inflated new tire.

Overall Width: The linear distance between

the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire,

including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or

protective bands or ribs.

Ply: A layer of rubber coated parallel cords.

Ply Separation: A parting of rubber compound

between adjacent plies.

Pneumatic Tire: A mechanical device made

of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other

materials, that, when mounted on an automotive

wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas

or fluid that sustains the load.

Production Options Weight: The combined weight

of those installed regular production options

weighting over 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs.) in excess

of those standard items which they replace, not

previously considered in curb weight or accessory

weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers,

roof rack heavy duty battery, and special trim.

Radial Ply Tire: a pneumatic tire in which the

ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at

substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the

tread.

Recommended Inflation Pressure: This is

the inflation pressure provided by the vehicle

manufacturer on the Tire Information label and on

the Certification /VIN tag.

Reinforced Tire: A tire designed to operate at

higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than

the

corresponding standard tire.

Rim: A metal support for a tire or attire and tube

assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.

Rim Diameter: This means the nominal diameter

of the bead seat.

Rim Size Designation: This means the industry of

manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or

code.

Rim Type Designation: This means the industry

of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or

code.

Rim Width: This means the nominal distance

between rim flanges.

Section Width: The linear distance between the

exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire,

excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration or

protective bands.

Sidewall: That portion of a tie between the tread

and bead.

Sidewall Separation: The parting of the rubber

compound from the cord material in the sidewall.

Special Trailer (ST) Tire: The “ST” is an indication

the tire is for trailer use only.

Test Rim: The rim on which a tire is fitted for

testing, and may be any rim listed as appropriate

for use with that tire.

Tire Checking: Small cracks in the tire sidewall

usually associated with age or sitting in intense

sunlight conditions.

Tread: That portion of a tire that comes into

contact with the road.

Tread Rib: A tread section running

circumferentially around a tire.

Tread Separation: Pulling away of the tread from

the tire carcass.

Tread Indicators (TWI): The projections within

the principal grooves designed to give a visual

indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.

Vehicle Capacity Weight: The rated cargo and

luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150 lbs.) times the

vehicle’s designated seating capacity.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: The load on an

individual tie that is determined by distributing to

each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle

weight and dividing by two.

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire: The load on and

individual tire that is determined by distributing to

each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory

weight, and normal occupant weight (distributed in

accordance with Table 1 of CRF 49 571.110) and

dividing by 2.

Weather Side: The surface area of the rim not

covered by the inflated tire.

Wheel Center Member: In the case of a non

pneumatic tire assembly incorporating a wheel,

a mechanical device which attaches, either

integrally or separably, to the non-pneumatic rim

and provides the connection between the non

pneumatic rim and the vehicle: or, in the case of an

non-pneumatic tire assembly not incorporating a

wheel, a mechanical device which attaches, either

integrally or separably, to the non-pneumatic tire

and provides the connection between tire and the

vehicle.

Wheel-Holding Fixture: The fixture used to hold

the wheel and tire assembly securely during

testing.

Trailer Terminology

Aft: A nautical expression referring to the back

area of a boat.

Actuator: See “Trailer actuator”

Anchor Chock: A bracket or roller usually mounted

on the front of the boat and often sticking forward

past the bow of the boat.

Back-Up Solenoid: An electrical solenoid used on

brake actuators for trailers with disc brakes that

allows the trailer to be backed up on level ground

without the brakes locking up.

Bearing Protector: A device that is installed on the

hub that allows lubrication of the bearings.

Boat Bow Safety Chains: Safety chain(s) are

attached to the winch stand of the trailer and

hooked onto the bow eye of the boat as a safety

precaution. (See Safety Chains)

Boat Strakes: Small ribs on the underside of

the boat running fore and aft, visible from the

underside of the boat.

Boom: The main frame members that run fore and

aft on the trailer.

Bow: The front tip of the boat.

28 29

Bow Eye Length: A measurement taken from

the transom to the bow eye for purposes of

determining trailer length and winch stand

placement.

Bow Pulpit: A small platform sticking forward past

the tip of the bow of the boat.

Bow Stop Roller: A roller on the trailer’s winch

stand that the bow of the boat rest against.

Brackish Water: Polluted water or mixed

freshwater and saltwater.

Brake Controller: An electrical brake controller

mounted inside the cab of the tow vehicle that lets

you manually activate the brakes and also houses

the inertia sensing device. (See Inertia Sensing

Device)

Brake Flush Kit: A garden hose adapter kit that

attaches to drum brakes that allows fresh water

to be flushed into the drum brakes to rinse out salt

water, brackish water or small debris.

Bunks: Generally made of wood covered with

carpet. Provides the main support under the boat’s

hull while on a bunk style trailer.

Channel Glide Bunk Covers: A slippery channel

shaped plastic like material that goes over the

existing wood bunk to make launching and loading

the boat easier by reducing friction between the

boat and the carpeted bunk.

Coupler: Coupler Locking Device: A lock or small

nut & bolt through the locking hole on the latch of

the coupler that helps to prevent the coupler from

coming off the hitch ball.

Coupler Safety Chains: Safety chains running from

the coupler or actuator area on the trailer to the

hitch area of the tow vehicle.

Fishtailing: The boat and trailer swaying from side

to side while being towed.

Fore: A nautical term referring to the front area of

the boat.

Gross Vehicle Weight: The actual combined weight

of the trailer, boat with motor, fuel and gear.

Gross Vehicle Weigh Rating (GVWR):The

maximum allowable combined weight of the

trailer, boat, motor, fuel and gear.

Hitch Ball: The ball shaped part of the hitch on the

rear of the tow vehicle used to connect the trailer.

Hydraulic Surge (Drum Brakes): Drum brakes on

the trailer using the hydraulic surge method to

apply the brakes.

I-Tube: An unique extra extrusion is added to

the aluminum tube to help protect and hide the

wiring and brake lines inside the non-corrosive

environment.

Inertia Sensing Device: This is part of an electrical

unit used with electric brakes that senses the

vehicle slowing down and activates the trailer

brakes automatically. It is generally mounted

inside the cab of the tow vehicle. (See Brake

Controller)

Keel: The fore and aft center line of the boat, the

lowest point of the hull on a V-bottomed boat.

Launch Position: Having the trailer deep enough in

the water that if the boat were launched it would

have enough water to support the boat without

making contact with the ground or cause any

damage.

Load Guides: Attachments to the side of the trailer

that have rollers, bunks or PVC tubes that are near

the side of the boat to assist in keeping the boat

centered on the trailer while loading or launching.

Mooring Line: A rope or line attached to the bow

of the boat so that a person has control of the boat

after it is launched off the trailer.

Port: A nautical directional term for left or left side.

Roller Pattern: The spacing the rollers have on the

underside of the boat on roller trailers.

Rollers: Round cylindrical rolls that support the

boat and roll when the boat is being launched or

loaded on a roller style trailers.

Safety Chains or Cables: A general term used to

describe either the safety chains located on the

winch stand that attach to the bow eye of the

boat, or located near the coupler or actuator and

attach near the hitch area of the tow vehicle.

Saltwater: Water with salt content in it.

Side Rollers: Refers to roller style load guides. (See

Load Guides)

Spindle Nut Retainer: A steel cap that fits over the

spindle nut used in conjunction with a cotter pin to

keep the spindle nut from unscrewing.

Spring Suspension: The springs work together to

provide an absorption for the boat and trailer

during towing. The springs come in many different

applications depending on the capacity rating

required.

Starboard: A nautical directional term for right or

right side.

Stern: A nautical expression referring to the back

end of the boat.

Swing Tongue: A tongue installed on a trailer that

has the ability to fold so that the length of the

trailer would be shortened for storage.

Tie-downs: A securing device that attaches to or

near the rear transom of the boat and downward

to the trailer to help secure the back end of the

boat to the trailer.

Tongue: The most forward portion of the trailer

that has the coupler or actuator attached to it.

Tongue Weight: The amount of weight the tongue

is carryng if weighed at the actuator or coupler.

Torsion Axle Trailer: A trailer using torsion as a

means of suspension rather than leaf springs.

Trailer Tow Vehicle: The vehicle that pulls the boat

and trailer.

Trailer Actuator: The part of the trailer that is

bolted or welded to the tip of the tongue of the

trailer that houses the hydraulic reservoir and

several other components of a hydraulic brake

system. This also is the part that attaches to the

hitch ball on the tow vehicle.

Trailer Coupler: The part of the trailer that is

bolted or welded to the tip of the tongue of the

trailer and attaches to the hitch ball of the tow

vehicle.

Trailer Tongue: See “Tongue”

Transom: The near vertical rear end of the boat

where the outboard motor is generally attached,

or the lower unit of the inboard outboard motor is

generally attached.

Transom Drain Plugs: In the lower rear transom

area that when removed will drain excess water

from the boat after the boat is out of the water on

the trailer. Drain plugs must be kept in the transom

drain plug holes whenever the boat is in the water.

Tuff Coat: A professionally sprayed-on

polyurethane finish that protects the trailer from

rock chips and nicks.

Vee Block: A “V” shaped block on the trailer’s

winch stand that the bow of the boat rests against.

Underwater Launching Lights: This is a optional

feature for most SKEETER trailers. This system

works off a sensor installed on the rear of the

trailer that works as a ground and as the trailer

backs into the water, the lights go on and light up

the bunk like a runway and turn off immediately

when the trailer exits the water. Set usually consist

of 3 lights on each of the two rails.

Weight Carrying Hitch: A hitch that distributes

some of the weight of the boat and trailer into the

frame of the tow vehicle.

30 31

Winch Latch Assembly: A latch assembly located

on the winch that switches the winch from a

“reel in” condition to a “reel-out” or a “neutral

free-wheeling” condition.

Winch Safety Chains: See “Boat Bow Safety

Chains”

Winch Strap/Cable: A cable or strap attached to

the trailer winch used in loading, launching and

securing of the boat.

60 degree Cone Angle Zinc Plated Lug Bolts: A 60

degree lug bolt used to attach the wheel to the hub

or drum on trailer.

Replacement of Manufacturers

Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Vehicle

Identification Number (VIN) Tags

For your protection, never purchase a used

SKEETER trailer without securing a state or

province issued Certificate of Title properly

transferred to you as the purchaser of the trailer

by the legal owner. If the trailer has not been

registered or is registered in a non- title issuing

state, an MCO and/or other proof of ownership

of the seller should be obtained. Before taking

delivery of the trailer, verify that the VIN number of

the trailer per the title or MCO matches the VIN

number on the tag located on the inside front rail

of the trailer. SKEETER will only replace MCOs

for trailers that are less than two years old and

that are owned by the first retail purchaser of the

trailer. VIN tags may be replaced under certain

circumstances.

Certain documentation will be required before

issuing a possible replacement. There is a fee for

replacement of the VIN tag.

For information regarding a replacement of an

MSO or VIN tag for trailers with a VIN beginning

with 7FUBB contact:

Cheryl_Richardson@Yamaha-Motor.com

(903) 983-5662

Canadian Registration Recall

clearance document

If you are exporting a Skeeter custom welded

trailer into Canada with a VIN number that begins

with 7FUBB and need this document , contact

Cheryl at (903) 983-5662 or email at

Cheryl_Richardson@Yamaha-Motor.com

Additional Information

The following websites are provided for reference:

Safe trailer towing National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA®) http://www.nhtsa.dot.

gov/ cars/problems/ Equipment/towing/

Unique Functional Products (UFP®) www.ufpnet.

com or 800-835-9211. Trailer components such as

actuators, axles, brakes, etc. Tred it tire and wheel

www.tredittire.com or 855-887-3348 Tires and

most wheels contact them regarding wear and

warranty questions. Fulton Performance Products

Jacks and winches visit www.fultonperformance.

com Optronics, Inc. Lighting components visit

www.optronicsinc.com

Warranty Registration

Please ensure that your Skeeter dealer has

warranty registered your trailer. Having your trailer

on file will speed up the process if you have a

problem, need replacement parts, or if we need to

contact you with important information about your

trailer. Using the Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) we can look up the registration which has the

information we would need to make sure that you

get the right parts for your trailer. Please ask you

SKEETER Dealer or give us a call if you have any

question regarding the Warranty Card. Keep the

upper portion of the card for your records. If you do

not have access to a computer, send in the lower

half to the following address:

SKEETER Products Inc.

One Skeeter Road

Kilgore, TX 75662

Warranty Questions

If your SKEETER boat trailer does not live up

to our warranty, we want to make it right. Discuss

the problem first with your SKEETER Dealer

In most cases, a satisfactory solution can be

resolved.

Reporting Safety Defects

Manufacturer SKEETER Products Inc.

One Skeeter Road KILGORE, TX 75662

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which

could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,

you should immediately inform the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in

addition to notifying SKEETER Products Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open

an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect

exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall

and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot

become involved in individual problems between

you, your dealer, or SKEETER Products Inc.

To contact NHTSA you may either call the Vehicle

Safety Hotline toll-free at

1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153),

www.safercar.gov, or write to:

Administer

NHTSA

1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor

vehicle safety from http: www.safecar.gov.

Manufacturers of marine products are required to

keep current owner registration lists. If there

is a safety modification or product recall, SKEETER

Products Inc. will be able to notify you accordingly.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Laws regarding towing and trailers vary from

state to state, make sure you are in full

compliance with the laws in your area regarding

trailer brakes, coupler requirements, safety

chains, trailer width requirements, trailer lights,

etc. Contact your state motor vehicle department

for more information. Also, check with your

automotive dealer or vehicle’s owner’s manual

to make sure you have the proper towing vehicle,

hitch and ball for the load you’ll be pulling.

32 33

Skeeterboats.com

903-984-0541

For your records, please fill in the following information.

It is important for future part or service requests.

Model Year

Model Number

Serial Number (VIN)

Carrying Capacity

Date Purchased

Dealer Name

Dealer Address

Dealer Telephone

Tire Size

Recommended Tire Pressure

If you sell your trailer: This manual must be transferred to the new owner. At the transaction, the original

owner should photocopy this page, along with the name and address of the new owner and send it to:

Customer Relations

Skeeter Products One Skeeter Road Kilgore, TX 7562

(903) 984-0541

OriginalOwner

Address

City, State, Zip

New Owner Address

City, State, Zip

Warranty is not transferable to 2nd or other owner

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