Some marinas will have a fresh-water hose available for this purpose, and some trailers may be equipped with a hose connection and system to rinse the brakes. If you launch your boat in salt water it’s important to rinse the trailer brakes as soon as possible after you retrieve the boat, before corrosion can start to form on brake components. Trailer BrakesĪll but the lightest boat/trailer combinations will be equipped with brakes-in some states all trailers must have brakes-which will require some maintenance over time to insure safe performance. Read the directions that come with your trailer for details on adding grease.Įven with bearing protectors, it’s a good idea to inspect and repack the wheel bearings with fresh grease every three to five seasons. The protector will have a grease fitting in its center that’s used to add grease and maintain this pressure. Wheel bearing protectors use a spring-loaded piston to hold grease in the wheel hub under light pressure, which prevents water from entering the hub and bearing assembly. The bearings may get rusty if they are contaminated by water, which is why most boat trailers are equipped with wheel bearing protectors (Bearing Buddy is a popular brand and has become a common term for all bearing protectors). The tires under your trailer should all be ST (Special Trailer) type tires, which are designed specifically for trailer use, with stronger cords and stiffer sidewalls than LT (Light Truck) tires.įailed wheel bearings are another common cause of trailer trouble. The last four digits of the DOT code on the tire sidewall indicate the month and year the tire was made “3517” would indicate the tire was made in the 35th week of 2017. Tires that are more than six years old should be replaced, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. This should be fixed before the tire fails. Most boaters will not wear out the tread on trailer tires, but if you notice a tire is wearing unevenly it could be an indication of a bent axle, or an axle that’s out of alignment. Periodically check your trailer tires for wear and for age. Remember to maintain the air pressure in the spare, and make sure you travel with tools and a jack you can use to change a flat. If yours did not, get one and a mount for it. Not all boat trailers come with a spare tire. Tires will naturally lose a pound or two of air pressure each month, so it’s especially important to remember to check the tires after the trailer has been sitting unused over the winter. Heat builds up in a tire with low pressure and can cause the tire to delaminate and fail, which can be a dangerous situation at 70 MPH. Inflate to the maximum rating on the tire or as listed on the capacity sticker on the trailer, which may be 60 psi or more. Problems related to tires and wheel bearings can leave you stranded at the side of the road, and can even be a safety hazard.Ī failed tire caused by low air pressure is probably the number-one cause of trailer trouble, so its good practice to check trailer tire air pressure before hitting the highway. Keep the trailer light connection on your tow vehicle covered when not towing to prevent corrosion. Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer.ġ0. Apply lubrication to your trailer’s coupler.ĩ. Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder.Ĩ. Have your brake pads or shoes inspected every few seasons.ħ. Periodically check your tires for wear and age.Ħ. Don’t forget to bring along a spare tire.ģ. Most new boat owners start with a craft that is stored and frequently towed on a trailer, and trailer trouble can derail your day on the water.įortunately, with a little basic maintenance boat owners can avoid the most-common issues related to trailers.Ģ. River drift boat for sale.Technically a boat’s trailer is not part of your boat, but it often plays a big role in the boating and towing experience.
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