Are you overlooking critical boat trailer maintenance needs?
While you might not covet your boat trailer and give it the same TLC as you do
your boat, it is essential to your boating experience. Even the most avid
boaters frequently overlook boat trailer
repairs.
Balancing Boating
Priorities
Though most boat owners will readily spend hundreds or
thousands of dollars on the upkeep of outboard motors and speedometers, or
purchasing fancy navigational systems, many owners balk at the cost of critical
trailer maintenance tasks. Putting a little time and effort into keeping your
boat trailer in good working order will ensure you reach your destination
safely to enjoy a day out on the water.
Don’t Ignore these
Boat Trailer Maintenance Basics
These essential tasks will help you care for your boat
trailer so that you and your vessel make it safely to and from your next
boating adventure.
- Regularly examine your trailer for wear.
The weight of your boat, combined with countless hours on bumpy highway roads, will wear trailer components over time. A routine checkup ensures you will not be taken by surprise by issues along the way, avoiding the need for emergency mobile trailer repair. Inspect your trailer, keeping a watchful eye out for these common issues:
● The trailer coupler fits snugly atop the hitch ball.
● The boat tongue trailer jack and lock-pin are properly
lubricated.
● Safety chains are in good working order, fastened properly
and securely.
● Leaf springs on your trailer are strong, crack-free, and
uncorroded.
● Accessories such as dollies and winches are in good working
order.
●
The trailer body is
free of rust that could cause your boat to be thrown out on the deck.
- Ensure your tires are properly inflated.
Your tires play a primary role in getting you to your destination safely. Their importance should not be minimized or overlooked. Maintain your tires regularly, laying something beneath them when your trailer is not in use, and using tire covers if they will be sitting in the sunlight for an extended period. Carefully monitor tire pressure. If air pressure is not just right, tires will wear prematurely. The best-case scenario here is frequent tire replacement. The worst, a blowout and accident. These costly issues are easily avoided with a fast, simple air pressure adjustment.
- Check your wheel bearings.
Wheel bearings are particularly vulnerable on boat trailers, which are frequently exposed to water. Keep yours in shape with regular lubrication, installing “bearing buddies” and dust covers to seal out moisture and dirt. Routinely check hubs for heat as you tow, which indicates the need for repacking or maintenance of boat trailer bearings.
- Inspect your lights before each
journey.
Well-functioning boat trailer lights keep you and those around you, safe and aware. Before setting off, check brake lights, turn signals, and backup lights for burnt-out bulbs, cracked lenses, fuse or wiring issues.
- Verify even weight distribution.
A well-balanced load ensures handling and safety. Be sure to evenly distribute the weight of your boat on the trailer from front to back and side to side. Also, consider cargo on your boat, such as water and fuel.
A boat is a substantial investment.
Protect it, and yourself, against incidents with a well-functioning trailer.
Contact us to schedule boat trailer inspection
and repair at Denver Trailer Repair today.
This
article was previously published at:
http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/boat-trailer-maintenance-tips/
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