Hobie Nick wrote:
I know this is an obvious one, but from what I have seen it needs to be said. Have a spare that is inflated to the proper pressure and in good shape. The only thing that is worse than getting a flat on your trailer is not having a spare to repace it with.
I do not know how many trailers I have seen without spares. Several of the ones that do have spares the rim is rusted out or the tire is dry rotted severely.
On that note, I even keep a spare hub just in case the hub goes to hell. I replaced the hubs last year and just bought an extra to put in my cat box. They are only like $30 from Northern Tool and are easy enough to install on the side of the road if need be. It definitely won't be fun but it gives you a way out if the hub seizes up. Most importantly, check your bearings regularly and make sure you have enough grease.
Also, a little tip with spare tire carriers: try not to have it set up vertically where the tire hangs below the frame. If you're like me and are constantly backing the trailer over hills, curbs, and jet ski riders you'll be glad that the trailer isn't riding low and rubbing on everything. The previous picture is a good place to put it except it may be a little difficult to get in there and undo it under the boat. I even went to the extreme of mounting it on the right side of the trailer so that I'm not hanging out into traffic if I'm on the side of the road. Probably a little OCD but it makes me happy