STATE BRAKE LAWS / TRAILER MAINTENANCE / INFORMATION

TRAILER MAINTENANCE / INFO / BRAKE LAWS

   Thank you for your purchase of the Road King Trailer.  Road King Trailers, Inc., is dedicated in producing the best product at a competitive price.  With proper maintenance this product will last for many years.  Each Road King Trailer comes with a "Customer Information Package" with information on your trailer including your warranty registration card.  Please read all of the information provided and associate yourself with the proper maintenance and trailering procedures. 
   Following is a list of items to associate yourself with to maintain.  We ask that you read all of the following material carefully.  If you have a question regarding any of this material we ask that you contact your dealer or call our assembly plant for further assistance.  For your safety we require that this list be checked each time before you tow your trailer.  Each states laws vary so we suggest that you check with your local dealer to make sure you are in complete compliance with the following items but not limited to; brakes, transom tie downs, licenses.

SELECTING THE PROPER TRAILER

     One of the most important aspects of trailer selection is selecting the correct weight capacity.  To light of a capacity could lead to excessive tire wear,  abnormal wearing of parts and brakes and possibly trailer structure damage. 

To determine the trailer capacity needed use the information below:

*Published boat hull weight
*Motor weight (if not included with hull weight)
*Fuel weight (based on 7 lbs per gallon)
*Water on board weight (based on 8.5 lbs per gallon)
*T-tops
*Batteries, electronics, trolling motor
*Plus all gear on board (life jackets, anchors, fishing poles, skis, ice, coolers, etc)

This will determine your "wet" weight.  We suggest adding 10% to the total "wet" weight as a safety margin.

Example:  #3200 lb hull,  Single 225 / 4 stroke motor #600 lb,  batteries #100 lb,  gear #500 lb,  electronics #100 lb,  100 gallons of fuel #700 lb...Equals #5200 lbs plus a 10% margin #500 lb.  The tandem axle 205x14C trailer with a 5900 lb capacity would be the proper trailer capacity.

TRAILER MAINTENANCE & STORING

     It is very important to properly care for your trailer.  As soon as you launch your boat the salt eating process begins. With proper care your Road King Trailer should give you many years of service   Each time you are finished boating it is important that you wash the entire trailer as soon as possible with a detergent soap.  Salt water especially deteriorates certain metals over time and with proper care you can possibly eliminate this process.  You must lubricate moving parts such as your tongue jack, winch,  coupler with a quality lubricant.  This helps keep these parts working properly and extend their life.  Each time before towing check your tires for proper tire inflation when cold.  Low tire pressure can lead to excessive tire wear or possibly tire blowouts.  Lubricate your trailer hubs with a high speed marine grease each time before towing.  When storing the unit for long periods of time cover the tires to protect from ultra violet rays that cause tire cracking and elevate the front of the trailer and remove drain plugs to help the boat drain so water does not collect in the bow and cause excessive strain on the trailer tongue & frame.

WARRANTY

     Enclosed with each trailer is a "Customer Information Package".  You will find a copy of the Road King Trailer  limited warranty.  Simply keep a copy of your original bill of sale so that you may submit it in the event that you will need to use the warranty.  Please read the warranty so that you may understand its benefits.

 Limited Warranty: Road King Trailers, Inc., warrants each trailer manufactured by same, to the original consumer-purchaser only, for a period of:
5 year structural frame warranty (Exception: "RWSS" models have a 2 year warranty)
5 year light system warranty ( failure due to corrosion )
3 year warranty on all other items ( exclusions below )

Road King Trailers, Inc., In the event of defect, malfunction or failure of the trailer to conform with this written warranty, shall repair or cause to be repaired, with labor and materials free of charge, all items in warranty when the original consumer-purchaser notifies Road King Trailers, Inc., or from one of our authorized dealers. Prior authorization must be obtained in writing from Road King Trailers, Inc., either by the dealer or consumer before any work is began or claim can be denied. The original consumer-purchaser must first obtain 2 ( two ) written estimates for any work by any outside company other than work performed by Road King Trailers Inc., or one of its authorized dealers for approval. All freight and transportation charges to and from Road King Trailers, Inc., and or the authorized dealer or repair facility shall be the sole responsibility of the original consumer-purchaser requesting warranty repair.

The following are exclusions of the Road King Trailers, Inc., warranty; loss of time, inconvenience, towing charges, travel expense, lodging, telephone, gas, loss or damages to personal property or loss of wages. This warranty is expressly in lieu of any other expressed warranty, and all other obligations or liabilities on the part of Road King Trailers, Inc.

This is a limited warranty and does not apply to:
Equipment or accessories under separate warranty by their respective manufacturers, tire wear & road damage, wearable items such as brake pads, damage to keel from launching or loading or hull damage caused by keel wobble rollers ( check with your boat manufacturer if keel wobble rollers are recommended for your hull ), damage sustained by improper or unreasonable use, improper set-up, improper loading or unloading, overloading, exceeding limit specified by manufacturer, accident, negligence in use & maintenance, use for rental, lease or commercial use, any additions, modifications or alterations to design or structure, demonstrators, bearings ( unless covered under the super lube system warranty ), normal maintenance services, rust, chrome, anodized, plated or galvanized parts or surfaces, light bulbs.

A partial list of items furnished by other manufacturers is shown below;
**These items are covered under their respective manufacturers warranties & Road King Trailers, Inc., assumes no liability in these products**
Axles, Hubs, bearings, seals, tire & wheel assemblies, winches, winch straps & cables, tire & wheels, lights & wiring, couplers, springs, brakes components & actuators, tongue jacks & wheels, wood & carpet, rollers.

Road King Trailers, Inc., will assist when possible in the replacement of items not manufactured by Road King Trailers., Inc.

TRAILER LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY

     Each Road King Trailer is equipped with a manufacturers vehicle identification tag.  This tag is located near the front of the trailer inside of the frame.  It can be accessed from the driver’s side of the trailer.  This tag states all of the trailer information required by law including trailer model, tire info and pressure, carrying capacity, etc.  It is important to make sure you have more than enough capacity for the boat, motor, fuel, accessories and gear.  Failure to do so may result in trailer failure and void the warranty.

LAUNCHING & LOADING YOUR BOAT

     We require that you have a trained professional such as your boat dealer train you until you become comfortable with the launching and loading procedures.  Even though you may have had a boat before, each boat, trailer and ramp combination launches & loads differently.  A trained professional can help you gain experience with this.  Following are only suggestions on launching & loading your boat at the ramp. 

 "DO NOT"  TOW THE TRAILER WITH THE EXTENDABLE TONGUE PULLED OUT IN THE LAUNCHING POSITION. THE TONGUE IS ONLY DESIGNED TO BE PULLED OUT AT THE RAMP ON LEVEL GROUND AND LAUNCHED THEN RETRIEVED AND PUSHED BACK IN.  TOWING IS ONLY FROM THE MAIN FRAME TRAILER TONGUE WHICH IS PART OF THE MAIN FRAME!

     Launching: Do not allow any person to ride in the boat when it is moving on the trailer.  Position the trailer and boat combination to the ramp.  Securely attach all drain plugs.  Remove all rear transom tie downs from trailer.  Make sure engine is raised as not to come in contact with the ramp or submerged objects.  Attach two tie lines from your boat on the dockside, one at the bow and one at the transom.  A second person is needed to hold the tie lines once the boat is unattached from the winch.  Back your trailer down the ramp until there is adequate buoyancy.  Hold the winch handle firmly, reverse the winch lock and begin unwinding the winch strap.  Unwind it slowly and carefully making sure your hand does not slip off.  If your hand slips or you cannot hold the winch cable, do not attempt to stop a winding freely winch handle as injury may be caused.  The second person should be holding the tie lines so that the boat does not go adrift.  Once the boat should floats free from the trailer tie it to the ramp.  Once the boat is free and behind the trailer pull your vehicle and trailer from the ramp.  In the past some boaters have disconnected their trailer lights before submerging into water.  If you have disc brakes you must leave at least the 5th wire that attaches to the brake lockout solenoid hooked to your towing vehicle to allow for free backing of the trailer brakes.  Failure to do so can cause brake system failure.

     Loading:  Do not allow any person to ride in the boat when it is moving on the trailer.  Back your trailer down the ramp at approximately the same depth as when launching.  With the tie lines pull the boat onto the trailer as far as possible.  Attach the winch strap to the boats bow eye.  Center the boat on the trailer and begin winching.  Keep all hands and body parts from between the boat & the winch stand bow roller.  If the trailer is not deep enough you may add additional stress to the winch, strap, bunks, etc.  If the trailer is too deep the boat may be difficult to center.  Experimenting with different ramp positions will ease the launching and loading process.  Once the bow of the boat is secure and tight in the winch bow roller hook the bow safety chain to the bow eye for additional safety when towing.  In the event that the winch strap may become loose it keeps the boat on the trailer.  Raise the engine of your boat.  Slowly pull the boat and trailer combination from the ramp and park.  If any problems arise when pulling from the ramp stop and address these problems before continuing.  Remove all drain plugs, lower all antennas, etc, and connect all transom tie downs.  Visually check the entire unit for any problems before towing.  It is the law to have the boat securely tied down at the rear with transom tie downs.

TRANSOM BOAT TIE DOWNS

     The rear of your boat must be tied down by law.  This keeps the boat securely attached to the trailer in the event of accident or bad road conditions.  An approved transom tie down can be purchased from your boat dealership or boating supply store.  The trailer is equipped with tie down hooks on each side of the trailer for your convenience.  Also make sure that the winch bow stop and winch strap are tight to the bow of the boat and the bow safety chain from your winch stand is secured to the boats bow hook for added safety in the event of winch strap failure.

TRAILER BRAKES

     State laws on trailer brakes vary from state to state.  Some states require brakes on trailers grossing as little as 1500 pounds.  Road King Trailers only builds trailers in accordance to each states brake laws.  It is the sole responsibility of the consumer to comply with their respective states laws on items including brakes.  For your convenience we have listed the state by state laws on brakes below.  Road King Trailers strongly suggests brakes on all wheel for best stopping power and longevity of the brake system.

Check the brake fluid level  each time before towing.  Test your brakes each time for proper operation.  If brakes are not working properly, brake level is low or brakes need adjustment make sure a qualified establishment with experience in trailer brake systems makes these repairs before towing.

DISC BRAKE EQUIPPED TRAILERS

     Trailers that are equipped with “disc brakes” require a 5-prong trailer harness.  The 5^th wire is red in color must  be hooked up to the back-up lights of the towing vehicle.  This allows the trailer to be backed up freely without damaging the trailer brakes.  Failure to hook up this wire could result in brake system failure (blown pistons).  A separate wire with a female end receiving connector can be used and plugged into the red wire terminal.

TRAILER LIGHT SYSTEM

     Check each trailer light to make sure they are working properly before each towing.  If lights are not working properly checks bulbs or wiring and take corrective measures before towing.  Submerging the lights in water can cause corrosion.  The contacts may become corrosive and therefore not allowing electric current to the light.  A simple movement of the light against the contacts will usually re-gain light function.  Electrical grease comes on the lights from the factory but will need re-application over time. 

Wire Code For Trailer System:  Brown wire=tail / running lights.  Yellow wire=left turn signal.  Green wire= right turn signal.  Red wire (if equipped) =hook into back up lights of towing vehicle for “disc brake” equipped trailers.  White wire=ground.

COUPLERS & BRAKE ACTUATORS

     Verify that the hitch ball size of the coupler or actuator (brake coupler) and the towing vehicles hitch ball are the same size.  Failure to do this could result in the trailer detaching from the towing vehicle and lead to accident.  The ball size is listed on the top of the trailers coupler or actuator.  Securely latch the coupler onto the towing vehicles trailer ball.  Place a safety pin or lock on the coupler latch to prevent the coupler from opening while towing.  If the coupler and hitch ball are the same size but don’t seem to be snug the coupler unit can be adjusted from beneath the coupler housing.  Do not over tighten the latch to the hitch ball as this will cause excessive wear.  A snug fit is all that is required.  In the event that the coupler or brake unit should become bent replace the coupler or brake unit before towing.

     Brake actuators are equipped with a breakaway chain attached to the brake unit.  This is designed to pull out and apply the brakes of the trailer in the event that the trailer should become detached from the towing vehicle.  Make sure this breakaway chain is secured to the towing vehicle with slack to allow for cornering.

SAFETY CABLES

     Road King Trailers are equipped with safety cables at the front of the trailer.  Make sure there is slack for cornering.  These cables attach to your towing vehicles hitch and are required in the event of trailer / towing vehicle separation.  It is required by law to “cross” the cables under the coupler.  In the event of separation this may keep the trailer from hitting the ground before you are able to safely stop.

FASTENERS & BRACKETS

     Check all fasteners, brackets, trailer frame, etc., periodically for looseness, rusting, cracking or any sign of deterioration.  Replace any questionable item before using trailer.  If first signs of rust show clean with appropriate items and spray with a galvanize spray.  If item flakes with rust replace it before using trailer.

WHEEL LUG NUTS & AXLES

     Each time before towing check the wheel lug nuts for proper tightness.  Torque settings: 80-90 pounds.  If lugs become rusty replace before towing

     Each axle has a different rating depending on weight capacities.  Axles used on Road King Trailers vary up to 8000 lb weight rating.  Both "spring" & "torsion" axles are used.  Spring axles are less expensive than torsion axles but after time the springs could become rusty, losing their weight carrying capacity as metal flakes off.  Should this happen you must replace the springs otherwise failure could cause damage or accident.  Torsion axles are independent on each side, don't require springs and gives a better overall ride.

TIRES & INFLATION

     Each time before towing check all tires for proper inflation when the tire is cold.  Under inflation could result in excessive wear or tire blowout.  Inflation ratings are listed on the tire sidewall. If there is excessive wear on the tires do not tow until correction / replacement is completed.   We suggest to always carry a small jack,  spare tire & wheel, spare hub & bearings in the case of failure.

     There are two style trailer tires, bias & radial.  Bias tires are a good overall value but wear quicker than radial tires.  Radial tires will give more mileage and a smoother ride.

BEARINGS

     Road King Trailers are equipped with the “posi lube” bearing lubrication system.  We suggest each time before towing to simply remove the grommet from the bearing dust cap and fill with a high-speed marine grade wheel bearing grease with a grease gun.  If excessive grinding sound comes from the hubs have the bearings and all internal parts replaced by a qualified trailer repair center before towing.  We suggest to always carry a small jack,  spare tire & wheel, spare hub & bearings in the case of failure.

     We hope this guide will answer questions that may arise with your new Road King Trailer.  Even though we have listed most of the important items there are many other areas that questions may arise.  Please contact your dealer or Road King Trailers for assistance with any question you may have.

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