So you’ve just bought a jet ski trailer and are looking for some accessories that can make life a whole lot easier. Well, you’re in the right place.
Jet Ski Trailer Accessories
Today I’ll be detailing some great accessories that every jet ski enthusiast should have. Because it’s not just the PWC, but the investment in a proper trailer that makes for a fun day on the water.
None of these are critical but most are highly recommended for the beginner.
1. Tongue Jack / Jockey Wheel
A lot of normal trailers come with these already attached. They use a swing-up system or a bolt-on system. As you turn the handle, it allows the front of the trailer to increase or decrease in height, allowing you to better line up to your towbar.
Jet ski trailers typically don’t have these, because what you’re carrying is already quite light at perhaps 1,300 pounds at the most. However, some people will struggle to lift the tongue on to their towball. Others just want to move their trailer/ski around more easily in the garage.
For that reason, a minimal investment into a jockey wheel (Australia) or tongue jack (USA) is highly recommended.
2. Jet Ski Trailer Lock
You really need to stop (or at the very least, slow down) those thieves who attempt to steal your jet ski trailer.
I would recommend 3 types of jet ski trailer locks. These are:
- A strong and reliable hitch-lock that stops opportunistic tow aways
- A wheel-lock that stops rogue rollbacks and hook lift tow trucks
- Locking your jet ski to your tow vehicle with a chain and padlock
Even if you’re on your jet ski and riding away, I wouldn’t ever leave the trailer unlocked. Whilst your trailer isn’t worth much, it’s still an easy item for someone to steal and create a new VIN number.
3. Gas Can Holder
Nobody should be carrying fuel inside their cars because the odor from a fuel leak will take months to subside. At the same time, we all hate running out of fuel on a perfect jet skiing day.
I would recommend a fuel can holder mounted on your jet ski trailer. Use a strong metal such as stainless steel so it lasts a long time and is less likely to corrode over time.
Some people like to mount one on each side of their jet ski trailer. This helps in weight distribution when towing on motorways. It also makes it easy when fueling too.
One tip is to use a padlock and chain so the fuel can is locked to your trailer. While the fuel cans are cheap, some people can’t help themselves to steal a bit of free fuel when you’re not looking.
4. Jet Ski Trailer Spare Tire
I see it time and time again the lower quality tires that most people have on their tires. They will happily spend tens of thousands on their dream jet ski, but then buy a cheap trailer with scrap tires.
The first thing you’ll want to do is fit on brand new tyres from well recognized brands such as Maxxis. They make excellent tyres for jet ski trailers, and well, any type of trailer.
The next thing is to make sure you have a spare tyre. Sure, you might only be 5 miles from the boat ramp, but a flat tyre without a spare is very embarrassing. You could change the tyre in 10 minutes (trailer tyre changes are very easy) and be riding again in no time.
Just like the fuel cans, I would aim to lock the spare tyre to the trailer. You can also use a locking bolt so it can’t loosen or fly off when on the highway.
5. Trailer-mounted Toolbox
While you’re having a spare fuel can holder mounted, you could also ask for a good quality stainless steel toolbox. Something the size of a glove box is perfect for me, but you might want something bigger to store life jackets.
In the small version, I can store gloves and sandals plus maybe a few spare rollers. You don’t need to be as security-conscious about what is stored here, since the most important stuff can be stored in your jet ski front locker.
Another thing I like to store is my spare tire levers. This way, if I get a flat tire, I don’t have to unpack the boot. I go traveling often and the boot is often full of weekend camping gear.
6. Rooftop Tent
Right – now we’re getting a bit more luxury. Some friends of mine have mounted roof-top tents on their jet ski trailers for prolonged adventures.
This has three real benefits:
- It stops some sunshine from damaging the paintwork on your jet ski
- You have a very comfortable place to sleep after a day of riding
- Jet ski thieves are less likely to steal your trailer as it is unique
On the downside, you will have increased fuel consumption because of the wind drag. Also, it can make your trailer more top-heavy so it’s important that you slow down when cornering.
I believe the upsides really outweigh the downsides. A rooftop tent really does make weekend jet ski camping trips much more fun!
7. Spot Tracker
You really should have a tracking device on your jet ski. Sure, it won’t necessarily stop the thieves at all, but will help you find your jet ski once it’s been stolen.
Many people forget about the trailer. Once you’ve got the accessories I’ve listed above, it’s worth a whole lot more.
I’d recommend a Spot Tracker. You can mount it in a location that is hard to find. The batteries often last a week or two which is ideal.
8. WD-40, Duct Tape and Zip Ties
Lastly, these 3 smaller accessories which I’ve grouped together, are going to make a real difference. I don’t think you need a photo… 🙂
Let me tell you why these are important:
- The WD-40 to loosen up your winch if it hasn’t been used for months
- Duct Tape to quickly patch up a ripped jet ski cover (happens often)
- Zip Ties if your lanyard breaks when riding (temporary solution only)
All of these can be stored inside your jet ski toolbox. You just never know when you’re going to need them, even for your tow vehicle.
Summary
Most people buy a jet ski trailer and think that’s it – they’re done! Truth be told, only a few weeks later they are looking for some complementary accessories.
You don’t need everything on this list. Certainly, if you’re on a budget, I would choose the security and theft prevention accessories first before moving on to the more luxury additions such as the roof top tent.
See you out there on the waterways!
