Boat Trailer Preventative Maintenance

[Laxputs]

If you're storing your boat in a coastal environment, you guys do anything to the mental components of the trailer: tongue jack, hitch, winch, etc? Spray with lithium grease and cover with a garbage bag? Thanks.

 

[prodjsaig]

You need to cover it to protect the leaf springs i usually hose it off every time i use it. I grease it up after every launch other than that they will be fine.

 

[Trophy]

Fix whats broke (old trailer)...haha , One tip I could give you is loosen each lug nut once in awhile, spray any lubricant and retighten. Save you a big headache when you have to take a wheel off and its rusted on. Same with hitch lock.
Jack up wheels and spin, check for grinding. If you don’t do your own brakes/seals you should learn. Will save you a boat load of money and give you satisfaction its done right.

 

[Laxputs]

Thanks. Interesting that you're covering the leaf springs.

 

[Gear'n'beer!]

Leaf springs on every truck I have ever owned don't get covered and they seem to do ok

 

[Whole in the Water]

I keep it lubed, hose off after each use, check the bearings and brakes each spring, cover the tongue and winch in a plastic garbage bag when storing over winter. Replace broken and worn parts when needed.

 

[gungadin]

Put the wiring harness in a plastic bag and spray the inside of the bag with WD 40, and tie wrap it closed I park it on grass with boards under the tyres and tongue jack.

 

[N2013]

I had mine up on jack stands over the winter. Anti-theft plus it takes some pressure off the wheel/axel components. So I hear.

 

[prodjsaig]

The springs on a vehicle are already covered and get rinsed from road salt when driving and raining. then in the winter your trailer will be wet and rotting away. So a tarp or enclosure just to keep it bone dry and the springs dry.

 

[Gear'n'beer!]

The springs on a vehicle are already covered and get rinsed from road salt when driving and raining. then in the winter your trailer will be wet and rotting away. So a tarp or enclosure just to keep it bone dry and the springs dry.

So rain water is fine for truck springs but will rot a trailer spring? Just wondering, never heard that perspective before

 

[Poppa Reelie]

Check bearings and re/pack or replace every spring, otherwise replace what breaks over time.

 

[prodjsaig]

So rain water is fine for truck springs but will rot a trailer spring? Just wondering, never heard that perspective before

Truck springs are covered by the body leave a trailer out 8-10 months or a year. packed with snow and constant rain and see how long the trailer will last.

 

[Gear'n'beer!]

My boat trailer is 20 years old...... I have owned it for 10.... I like my odds, but I also use my boat year round. Change the bearings when they need changing, grease them every spring. Done. No "rot" . Some surface corrosion, like most things dipped in salt water but that all folks.

 

[kaelc]

Bought some 3 in One Trailer Hitch Lube at Walmart Victoria last night 1/2 off at $7 a can. Anyone ever use it? Supposed to be good for your balls.