Frequently Asked Questions
BUYING YOUR TRAILER:
How long will my trailer take to manufacture and ship?
All Platinum Boat Trailers are custom built and calibrated to fit your specific needs and ship from our manufacturing facilities located in central florida. Generally, your trailer can be built and shipped within 10-15 business days from the date of your order unless you have more specific requirements that would delay the manufacturing process.
How much does it cost to ship my trailer?
Shipping rates are determined by the state in which your trailer will be shipped to (FOB Florida). Click here to view shipping rates in your area.
Is there any optional equipment available for my Platinum boat trailer?
Yes, and probably many options. First, consider a spare tire and spare tire carrier. That is a universal option every trailer owner should consider. Feel free to browse our options page to view what other equipment we have available. Other options depend on trailer model but may include any number of the following, brakes, brakes on the second or third axles, aluminum wheels , , keel rollers, side guides, stainless steel hardware, and a longer tongue.
How do I determine the correct capacity trailer for my boat?
Begin with the exact length of your boat. Subtract the length of the bow pulpit and/or motor transom. Determine the beam of your boat. These dimensions will determine the length and width capacity of your trailer.
Next you will need the dry hull weight*, weight of any outboard motor, fuel capacity, and water capacity. Multiply fuel by 7 pounds per gallon and water by 8 pounds per gallon. Add all of these items together and multiply the total by 1.1 for a 10% gear (batteries, electronics, coolers, tackle, etc.) allowance. This number will determine the weight capacity of the trailer you need. Always go to the next heavier available model.
* Platinum Trailers is not responsible for errors in estimated hull weights as published by boat manufacturers.
Visual Aids
What's so special about an aluminum I-beam frame?
Our exclusively designed rap around I-Beam construction provides maximum strength for your trailer. Aluminum provides a lighter, stronger and more durable frame that holds up to the elements extremely well over time
What is the width of your trailers?
The standard width is 102, but we can make one 12 inches narrower (or 90) if desired. The 102 is the maximum allowed legal width.
What is the overall length of your trailers?
It is approximately 3 feet longer than the boat. For example if you have a PTHD/27-29, and the total length for a 28 foot boat will be 31 feet.
What is the bass boat conversion?
The side rails are lengthened and an extra cross beam is added for support. We also add extra support to the bottom of the trailer to support the motor when it is tilted up
Do your trailers come with guide posts?
YES Every trailer 26' and under comes with aluminum guide-ons with pvc covers.
Is there a warranty on your trailers?
YES We have a limited lifetime warranty on all our trailers, and a 5 year axle and hub warranty. Click here for full warranty details.
What are your payment terms?
$500 down and COD for the balance. We accept all major credit cards for the initial deposit and certified check or money order upon delivery of your new trailer. Credit cards are accepted for the balance with a 3% surcharge
Do I have to pay taxes on my trailer(s)
If you are a Florida resident you have to pay Florida sales tax based on the county where you live. If we deliver the trailer out of state you will pay tax when you register it in your state. If a out of state customer picks the trailer up at the factory we are required to charge 7% sales tax
BEARINGS:
What kind of grease does Platinum use in their trailer wheel bearings?
Platinum uses Shell Alvania grease as factory-fill on all wheel bearings. It is a lithium-complex based grease.
Do I have to use the exact same wheel bearing grease that Platinum uses?
Not exactly. The brand name is unimportant. What is very important is the type and quality of the grease you choose. Platinum factory-fill grease, Shell Alvania, is a multi-purpose lithium-complex based product. It is compatible with most any lithium-complex based grease readily available on the market today.
If I can't find Shell Alvania, what type of grease does Platinum recommend?
In the event that Platinum factory-fill Shell Alvania is unavailable, any lithium-complex based, high temperature wheel bearing grease with an NLGI EP #2 rating is an acceptable substitute.
Where can I purchase grease compatible to Shell Alvania?
Most any marine, hardware, automotive, and even most convenience stores, offer a compatible grease available in tube form.
What is the correct greasing procedure recommended by Platinum?
The answer depends on whether your trailer is equipped with bearing buddies, Sure-Lube, or Super Lube hub systems.
I have a bearing buddy equipped hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
Bearing buddy-type grease caps are usually clear plastic so the grease level is visible. They are designed to be used in a captive lubricant hub assembly. Bearing buddies provide a grease fitting for the purpose of topping off the lubricant. Add grease whenever the sight disc drops below the marked minimum fill line. However, the only way to eliminate contaminated grease is to remove the hub and perform a complete cleaning, inspection, and repacking of the bearings. Always replace the inner seals and outer retainer when performing this procedure.
I have a Sure-Lube hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
The Sure-Lube system is non-pressurized. Lubricant can be added at any time without fear of over pressurizing the hub. Remove the rubber plug on the outside of the bearing cap to expose the grease fitting. Add grease using a standard pistol grip style grease gun. Contaminated grease will be expelled past the outside of the grease gun nozzle. Fill until fresh grease is readily visible. Wipe away waste from the outside of the bearing cap and gun nozzle. Reinstall the rubber plug.
I have a Super-Lube hub. What is the correct way to add grease?
The Super-Lube system is non-pressurized. Lubricant can be added at any time without fear of over pressurizing the hub. The system is identified by a one piece cap with an exposed grease fitting. The cap may be all metal, or plastic with a metal grease fitting. Add grease using a standard pistol grip style grease gun.
Contaminated grease will be expelled out the rear of the spindle. It will lay atop the axle tube on some models, or may be forced into the interior cavity of the axle tube on others. Top off with five or six strokes of the grease gun lever.
When is the best time to check and add grease?
Generally, the hub is most prone to water infiltration when at operating temperature (warm to the touch) and immersed in ambient water while launching your boat. This will most likely occur during launch after an over-the-road tow. The ambient water will quickly cool the grease reservoir causing the hot grease to contract. Water infiltration by siphon will ensue. Add grease to displace water on all BUT bearing buddy equipped models. If towing long distance, monitor hub condition at each rest or gasoline stop. Add grease as necessary.
Do I need to add grease again at the end of the day when retrieving my boat?
Generally, no. Most times the trailer has sat at the ramp and cooled to match ambient temperatures. Very little, if any, water will intrude into the bearing cavity under these conditions. However, if you must store your trailer several miles from the ramp it may be advantageous for you to add grease again after retrieval.
What is the regularly scheduled maintenance interval for wheel bearings on a boat trailer?
Boat trailer wheel bearings should be regularly maintained as per the above recommendations based on the particular system in question. Also, at the end of each season, each hub on a trailer should be disassembled and examined for wear and contamination, regardless of trailer age.
What size bearings are on my trailer?
Platinum trailers should have one of three bearing sizes:
1.06 x 1.06 (1)
1.06 x 1.38 (2)
1.25 x 1.75 (3)
(1) All WV, Bandit, Outlaw, snowmobile trailers (without brakes).
(2) All 5 bolt hubs on trailers with brakes or capacity over 2,700 pounds.
(3) All 6 bolt hubs.
BRAKES:
Do I need brakes on my trailer?
Platinum recommends brakes on all axles where available. However, laws vary by state. Consult with your local DMV if you are unsure of the requirements of the state where your trailer will be registered.
Can I get brakes on any trailer?
Platinum offers brakes on most models exceeding 3,000 pounds gross vehicle capacity. Brakes may be available for lighter models. Please call with your exact application.
What are the disc surge brakes made of?
The brakes are made from Aluminum, Cadmium, and Stainless Steel. This make them extremely resistant to salt water.
What are surge brakes?
Most hydraulic trailer brakes operate on the surge principle. The coupler assembly is known as an actuator and contains a master brake cylinder similar to that in an automobile. When the brakes are applied in the tow vehicle, the trailer surges against the tow ball forcing fluid through the trailer hydraulic system.
How do I bleed my brakes?
Bleeding trailer brakes is the same in principle as bleeding brakes on a tow vehicle. Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle and block the trailer. Make sure the master cylinder is full of fluid at all times. Open the bleeder screw furthest from the actuator. Apply force to the actuator slide. Hold. Tighten the bleeder screw. Release the actuator slide.
Repeat as necessary until all air is purged from the system. Proceed to the next furthest bleeder screw and repeat until the entire trailer has been bled. Make sure to check the master cylinder fluid level often during the operation.In addition, if a new actuator is installed, it should be bench bled, or pre-bled, before attaching the hydraulic line at the rear.
How do I adjust my drum brakes?
The free-backing drum brakes used on Prcision trailers do not self adjust and, therefore, require periodic manual adjustment. The correct procedure is as follows:
With the subject wheel elevated, access the adjuster by removing the rubber plug at the 6 o'clock position on the rear of the backing plate.
With the wheel rotating in the forward direction of trailer travel, tighten the adjuster until the wheel stops and can not be rotated by hand. Then release the adjuster tension until wheel spins one full revolution after a rotational spin force is applied by hand.
Repeat the procedure for each wheel on the trailer equipped with brakes. It is very important to adjust the brakes "regularly". Given varying amounts and types of use it is almost impossible to define "regularly" by a mileage or elapsed time designation. Common sense and precaution are good rules of thumb in this instance.
How do I adjust my disc brakes?
Disc brakes are self-adjusting and do not require manual adjustment.
HITCHES:
What type of ball on the hitch do I require?
Trailers 6,000 lbs. and under require a 2? ball hitch, those trailers over 7,000 lbs. require a 2 5/16? ball.
What is the correct height for my tow ball?
Ideally the tow ball on your vehicle should be 18? to 21? off of the ground to the center line of the tow ball.
Is it OK to use a weight distributing hitch with my Platinum trailer?
Platinum does not advocate the use of load distributing hitches on boat trailers. Part of the problem is the concern with brake interference. If improperly adjusted, brake performance could be degraded.
The basic premise with a weight-distributing hitch is to transfer load between the frame of the tow vehicle and the towed unit. In effect, it can serve to lock the two frames together. The wishbone design of a boat trailer, in conjunction with the use of a load distributing hitch, places a disproportionate amount of stress on the tongue member of the boat trailer frame. The tongue, already the most highly stressed boat trailer frame member, is then required to perform above its design parameters.
*These are the main reasons Platinum advises against the use of load distributing hitches with boat trailers.
LUG NUTS:
How often should I check the lug nuts for tightness?
Wheel lug nuts should be checked before EACH trailer use. Using a torque wrench, make sure lugs are tightened to 85 - 95 pound feet of torque. On longer trips, check at each fuel stop.
Is there a pattern for tightening lug nuts?
Yes. Always criss-cross the wheel and tighten in a star pattern.
MAINTENANCE:
What can I do to assure that my boat trailer is properly maintained?
Platinum recommends regular maintenance during the boating season as follows:
• Lights, wiring, coupler action, safety cables, winch cable, and lug nut torque should be checked before each use.
• Recommended lubricant, NLGI #2 EP lithium complex based high temperature wheel bearinggrease, should be applied via the grease fitting on the hub bearing cover after each submersion in water of a warm hub, or monthly, whichever comes first. The rapid cooling effect of the water could promote water permeation past the wheel seals. Application of grease at this point is intended to displace any water drawn in upon cooling.
• All fasteners should be checked for proper tension. All roller assemblies and winches should be checked for free movement and lubricated as necessary.
• Drum brakes should be adjusted. With the wheel rotating in the forward direction of trailer travel, tighten the adjuster until the wheel stops and can not be rotated by hand. Then release the adjuster tension until friction shoe contact with the brake drum is barely audible. Repeat the procedure for each wheel on the trailer equipped with drum brakes. It is very important to adjust drum brakes "regularly". Given varying amounts and types of use it is almost impossible to define "regularly" by a mileage or elapsed time designation. Common sense and precaution are good rules of thumb in this instance.
• Disc brakes require no adjustment.
• Annual maintenance should involve the disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and repacking of all wheel bearings with the recommended lubricant, NLGI #2 EP lithium complex based high temperature wheel bearing grease. It is recommended the inner seal and retaining hardware be replaced any time the hub assembly is removed from the trailer.
• All moving parts within the brake drum and sliding points on the brake caliper should be inspected for wear and free movement, and lubricated as needed. Brake shoes or pads should be inspected to assure they are clean, dry, free of any contaminants, and not worn below their serviceable limit. Serviceable limit is commonly considered 3/32? from top of rivet to pad surface.
• Brake fluid should be thoroughly bled annually and replaced with fresh DOT 3 from a previously unopened container.
• All fasteners should be checked for proper tension. All roller assemblies and winches should be checked for free movement and lubricated as necessary. Bunk boards should be checked for internal integrity. Frames and axles should be visually inspected for rust, damage, and fractures. Load Rite recommends replacement of any structural member having been stressed beyond its range of intended service.
VIN & C.O. INFORMATION:
Where can I find the VIN on my trailer?
The VIN is located on the left frame of the trailer just behind the tongue to frame junction.
What is a Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin (C.O.) is similar to a Certificate of Title issued by your local DMV. A vehicle manufacturer issues a C.O. to the original purchasing dealer. The dealer endorses it to the new vehicle owner who then submits it to their local DMV upon vehicle registration. Sometimes the dealer will handle this transaction. The local DMV then issues a Certificate of Title or some other ownership document to the new vehicle purchaser.
