Cabin fever got you down? Here are a few things that you can do during the winter months to prepare your boating equipment for the next season, as well as, keep you from tearing the walls down waiting to wet a hook.
In this part, we’ll touch on a few items found on your boat trailer that may require a little TLC that you can perform at home and may save you some headaches later in the year.
Lights: Trailer lights are very important safety related items that you should not let fall into your “Overlooked” category. The last thing you want is for someone to create a hood ornament out of your engine’s lower unit because the individual failed to stop before colliding with you from behind, all due to failed trailer lights. I’ve replaced several so-called “Sealed” and “Water Proof” light assemblies in the past, however I have been pleased with the construction of today’s better designed LED light assemblies. LED lights are a popular choice as standard equipment on many newer trailers. These lights seem to be better suited for the abuse, such as being submerged in water during loading and unloading situations, as well as, their ability to withstand the vibrations that occur from highway travel. Take a look at your light assemblies to see if water is entering the sealed unit. Evidence of such would be water visible inside the sealed capsule. If the leak is severe enough, you may even see bubbles appear once you submerge your trailer in the water at the ramp. It’s always a good idea to check your lights when you connect to your trailer. Your fishing buddy can help you quickly check your lights (Turn signal and brake) before you hit the road. The addition of an electrical grease at the wiring harness connection on your tow vehicle will help ensure that you have a good connection and will prohibit corrosion.
Straps / Tie-Downs: These are the only items keeping your boat fastened to the trailer. Look for fatigue or even tears in the material. Check for problem areas around the stitching. Lubricate the working parts of the winch and the rear tie-down assemblies.
Safety Chains & Break-Away Cable: Definitely a few items that you hope you never need to use, but it’s a good idea to be sure that these items are properly attached and in working condition in the event your trailer becomes disconnected from your tow vehicle.
Brakes: For trailers equipped with brakes, service on these items are really no different than the service required on your tow vehicle brakes. Check for correct fluid levels and inspect the brake pads for wear.
Wheel Hubs: A failed bearing within a wheel hub can make for a lengthy road-side stop and, of course, it will happen at the worse possible time, in the worse possible location, and in the worse possible weather conditions. Signs of problems with wheel hubs/bearings may include thrown/leaking grease and heat build-up within the wheel. Check for thrown/leaking grease to appear on the inside of the wheels. To check for heat build-up, take a quick touch of your wheels to feel for excessive heat after you arrive at your destination or return home. A noisy or awkward scrubbing sound at your wheel is another indication of a potential bearing failure.
Tires: Check your tires for improper wear. Most inconsistent wear issues are due to under-inflated tires causing the outer and inner edges of the tires to wear more than the center. An over-inflated tire will wear more in the center. Maintain the recommended tire pressure, as indicated by the tire manufacturer. Trailer tires will require a slightly higher pressure than your tow vehicle. Air temperatures will affect the pressure within your tires. You will generally see lower tire pressures in the colder months of the year. Also, don’t forget to check your spare tire’s readiness as well.
Bunks / Rollers: These items can be the most difficult of parts on your trailer to inspect due to your boat interfering with your view, but you can still take a look at some key areas with the boat in place. From underneath the trailer, take a look at the portions of the trailer where the bunks & rollers attach. Look for corroded and loose parts and fasteners. Make yourself a note to take a look at the top side of the bunks when you have your boat off of the trailer. At that time you can check for weak or broken bunks that need to be replaced.