Be ready to enjoy the fun of your life if you own a jet ski or are considering purchasing one. You must first transport your personal watercraft (PWC) to the lake, river, or ocean before you can go in the water. You’ll need a jet ski trailer for that. Are jet ski trailers available everywhere before you start seeking to get one for your PWC?
Not all boats have jet ski trailers. Even while jet ski trailers may frequently be used to transport many various types of personal watercraft, the trailer must match the weight and overall length of your specific jet ski. Not all PWCs will function properly with all trailers.
Since most jet ski trailers include movable bunks, they are particularly adaptable to both stand-up and sit-down watercraft. When you have a larger, heavier jet ski, there are several situations when trailers may not function. Low capacity double trailers are especially prone to this issue.
This article will examine all there is to know about jet ski trailers, including what to look for when purchasing one. We have included a few important guidelines for properly maintaining and hauling a trailer.
Although a jet ski may fit on a trailer from several different manufacturers, not all jet skis are compatible with all trailers. It wouldn’t be fair to categorize all trailers as universal since, as we’ll see later in the essay, there are several sorts of trailers. How then can you move a PWC like a jet ski if these trailers aren’t all the same? Let’s investigate.
Standard Features To Look For In A Jet Ski Trailer Frames
These are offered in three different materials: steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum. Asking yourself “What kind of water will this be put in” is the first thing you should do. If saltwater is the answer, galvanized steel is what we advise. What are my towing capabilities is the next question that has to be answered. Choose aluminum since it is lighter if you are getting near to the limits of your car.
Steel is the most widely used material. It is appropriate for individuals on a budget or if you ride in freshwater and normally comes in painted or powder-coated form. In order to prevent any rust accumulation, you will need to maintain your cleaning routine. If you utilize freshwater and don’t mind the added weight, steel would be the finest material for you.
Galvanized steel is a more premium variation of the steel frame. The steel will not rust since it is covered with zinc rather than paint. It’s possible that a galvanized steel frame will lose shine with time, making your trailer less showy, but it won’t require any upkeep.
Aluminum is the favored choice. This is as a result of their durability and portability. This does have a somewhat larger price tag, though. They are a suitable choice for saltwater since aluminum is less prone to corrosion than galvanized steel. A trailer made of aluminum will ultimately retain its worth the best.
Investing in stainless steel hardware for your trailer is a smart move. This will prevent the rust-causing water from entering the little place it will surely enter. Rusted nuts and bolts are the very last thing you need.
Jet Ski Trailer Bunks
The area on which the jet ski will rest is this. They serve to support the machine’s hull while being transported and are often made of carpet or rollers.
The cheapest choice is carpet, but it will almost certainly require more maintenance because the wood can decay. With carpet, there is also a chance that when loading and unloading, the hull may sustain damage.
It will be much simpler to load and unload if you pick a trailer with a roller. The only disadvantage is that they cost more to buy and may be quite expensive to maintain. When utilizing rollers, make sure the jet ski is always correctly and tightly fastened. The last thing you want to happen when driving down the highway is a jet ski to slide off.
Jet Ski Trailer Axels
Choose a tandem axle arrangement for the safest and smoothest ride possible. Although they cost more, they can support more weight. To prevent uneven tire wear, maintain the load level and the weight distributed equally. In the event that you decide to sell in the future, a tandem setup will retain its worth better.
The most typical type of trailer is a single-axle model, which is easier to move about and park. If you only have one jet ski and do not have any plans to purchase more, they are a fantastic alternative. This should be a simple decision to make if your jet ski is one of the lighter models now available.
Tires For Jet Ski Trailers
Tire selection is a straightforward choice. Purchase some that will fit your craft and the weight of the cargo. Avoid purchasing cheap, tiny wheels and tires. Cheap tires wear very quickly. Receiving a flat on a trailer is awful. A spare tire should always be kept on hand.
Jet Ski Trailer Suspension Options
Every trailer will feature a suspension system to support your PWC because machines are now heavier than they used to be. Leaf springs are a common form of suspension. Because of this system’s ability to function each spring separately, the wear on the tires is distributed equally. They could need more maintenance than a torsion beam suspension while being less expensive.
The torsion beam suspension is a better and more costly substitute. The axle housing has four rubber cables that control suspension and shock absorption. When compared to a leaf spring, this method gives a more comfortable ride. Additionally, it has the advantage of being less likely to corrode. This is because the connections are not metal on metal. There is, sadly, one drawback. The entire system needs to be replaced in the uncommon event that it malfunctions.
How To Transport A Jet Ski?
You’ll need a great trailer to move a jet ski so you can use it to its greatest potential. It is a necessary component that you must have in order to operate your PWC. For your benefit, there are many of possibilities because the Spark’s lightweight body was one of its top characteristics when Sea-Doo originally introduced it in 2013, along with price and general fun-factor. Many other manufacturers were inspired by the Sea Doo’s success and later produced their own light-weight jet skis in response.
A light PWC eliminates the need for a massive tow vehicle; in fact, you can tow a tiny Jet-Ski or Sea-Doo with almost any vehicle; there is no requirement for an SUV or a large four-wheel-drive truck.
When purchasing your first PWC, you should ensure that your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer that is appropriate for its size and weight. This is something that many purchasers overlook in their excitement over their new jet ski.
You should consult the owner’s handbook of your car before purchasing a PWC. It will reveal the towing capacity of your vehicle. The good news is that a conventional car’s maximum towing capacity is often at least 1,000 pounds, which should be enough to tow many different jet ski and compact trailer combo types.
Single Or Double Jet Ski Trailer
You could wish to buy a double trailer in the future as part of your preparation. Smart, but not if you intend to move quickly. When a trailer travels at high speeds, the unequal weight distribution can lead to hazardous situations. If you just have one jet ski, it is advised that you get a single.
If you wish to buy a twin jet ski trailer but only have one jet ski, one alternative is to install the jet ski in the center. This will allow you to have one jet ski for the time being and provide you the chance to upgrade in the future without having to buy another trailer. It will also spread the jet ski weight equally.
Jet Ski Trailer Lights
Keep spares on hand at all times. They’ll frequently break or leave. It is advised to get LEDs rather than incandescent bulbs because they live longer and perform better while submerged in water.
Additionally crucial are the equipment and skills needed to adjust the light. Make sure the lights on the trailer you choose are simple to reach.
Tow Hitch
It’s also crucial to choose a trailer hitch that can handle the weight. Going overboard is the simplest method to guarantee that there won’t be any issues. Consider a class III if you are confident that a class II will suffice. This not only ensures secure shipping, but it also makes room for potential modifications.
Check The Weight On Your PWC
Find your PWC weight (found listed in the owner’s handbook) after determining towing capability, then take into account a few other items like petrol, lubricant, safety equipment, tools, and accessories: Which, when totaled, may represent an extra 100 pounds or so.
You need a trailer that is certified to transport your PWC (plus any additional gear). Your local dealer can assist you in locating a trailer that suits your needs using the information above. Since most jet skis do not come with a trailer, you should first conduct some research on PWC trailers before making a purchase (so keep reading).
What Kind Of Accessories Do I Need For My Pwc Trailer?
You’ll probably need a few things to utilize with your personal watercraft trailer .
- Spare tire: For obvious reasons.
- Straps: These will hold down your watercraft and strap it to the trailer for added safety.
- Wheel chocks: When you need to detach the trailer from the vehicle, they prevent the wheels from moving.
- A hitch lock is preferable to the common trailer lock type that anybody can unhook and fasten to their car.
- When backing up a trailer, use these to assist direct your perspective.
- Jet Ski Cover: Effective for shielding your PWC from the weather
If at all feasible, use a trailer with some sort of visual assistance that will avoid jackknifing; generally speaking, the trailer should also be the same size as your PWC. Only larger boats should be transported using some types of trailers since they are longer and heavier than others. Look for a trailer that is positioned within your craft’s proper range, and feel free to inquire before making a purchase.
How Much Does A Jet Ski Trailer Cost?
One of the primary advantages of purchasing a trailer from a water sport dealership is that they buy them in bulk (at a reduced price) and pass the savings on to the customer. We may categorize the costs into three groups on average:
- Cost of a single PWC trailer: $750 to $1,500
- Cost of a double PWC trailer: $2,000 to $3,500
- Cost of a 4-Place PWC Trailer: $7,000 to $9,000
Prices fluctuate frequently, but the fundamental technology that power the majority of PWC trailers stay the same, so you might choose to buy one now rather than wait until later. Depending on your state’s legislation, there are other expenses as well, such as tax and registration tags.
Do Jet Skis Come With Trailers (Pwc With Free Trailer?)
It’s unlikely. There’s a fair possibility that they’re making up the cost someplace else if they provide a trailer for free. It’s uncommon for trailers to be offered with PWCs, therefore it’s doubtful that the shop will include one with your watercraft. If you’re buying both at once, you might be able to obtain a little discount.
Used Jet Ski Trailers
However, since not all PWC trailers are totally universal, you’ll want to make sure that everything fits and that your car can pull the combined weight. Occasionally, you may get a nice price on a used jet ski trailer.
Keep in mind that certain trailer tires are more expensive than automobile tires when inspecting secondhand trailers for wear and dry rot. It’s because rims and a trailer tire are offered together. A secondhand jet skit trailer that initially appears like a fantastic price might quickly turn bad if the tires need to be changed. Additionally, check to see that the bolts are of high quality and that the trailer frame is free of rust or severe wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are aware of this, you may mix and match jet ski trailers as long as they satisfy your overall hauling, weight, and size requirements. Have fun swimming!
