Don’t Forget Your Trailer

Published: Friday, September 21, 2018
By: Megan Meisler, Co-Owner of Loadmaster Trailer Co. Ltd

Sadly, the fall season is quickly approaching already and it is time to begin thinking about “winterizing” your boat and servicing your trailer. Most boaters are in a routine already for the necessary “winter to-do list” to ensure their boat is properly taken care, but many often fail to keep up with the trailer’s requirements.

There are a few maintenance checks that should be done a few times a year to ensure your trailer will last:

Lug Nuts: Always tighten the lug nuts to the tire’s requested torque setting.
Tire Pressure: Always set your tire pressure per the tire specs to make sure you do not have any issues. I recommend doing so before every trip.
Grease: Different bearing systems utilize different styles of grease, and the frequency in which to grease them varies. Always be sure to check the manual for your trailer to ensure you do not have bearing failure. Also, be sure to grease your bearings after your last boating trip in the fall to remove any moisture or condensation build up. Likewise, remember to grease your bearings before your first trip in the spring.
Tire Inspection: Inspect all angles of your tires for signs of dry rot, low tread, damage, or cracks.
Trailer Frame Inspection: There are numerous materials trailers can be constructed out of: tube steel, channel steel, or aluminum to name a few. Inspect the frame, cross members, tongue, hardware, and seams to make sure you are not seeing any signs of structural rust or corrosion.
Bunk/Roller Inspections: You will want to check the bunks and rollers once a year to make sure everything is still securely attached to the trailer. Check the rollers for any signs of dry rot or cracking. Be sure you inspect the bunks for sliced carpet or possible rotting wood. It is a great idea to correct these items before putting your boat on the trailer for fall haul out.
Brakes/Lights/Mechanics: Always do a safety check! Make sure your trailer brakes are fully functioning. Likewise, you should check to make sure all of your lights are in proper working order everytime you tow. If your trailer has a safety breakaway system, power tongue jack or power winch, or any auxiliary features, you will want to make sure there are not any shorts in the wiring and that everything runs properly. All of these items are key to your safety when towing your boat and trailer.

Of course, not everyone is mechanically inclined. There are numerous trailer manufacturers, like ourselves, or dealers, marinas, and maintenance shops that can go through a yearly check to properly service your trailer.

Happy Boating! Enjoy the gorgeous weather, and plan ahead for the fall!

Do not forget this one thing: Your trailer is the key moving part to safely transport your boat. It is just as important to make sure you properly take care of your trailer as it is your boat. Your trailer is the foundation that your boat rests on, and it is critical to trust that your foundation is solid.