Checklist for Boat Trailer Maintenance

Too many trailerable boat owners ignore their trailers, leading to breakdowns on the road and potentially dangerous situations. Routine inspections and maintenance keep your trailer safe and working and can extend its life for many years.

• Grease the wheel bearings before use (see below)
• Check that tires are properly inflated (usually around 50 lbs pressure, not 30-35 like most auto tires) and wheel lug nuts are tight; check tire tread for wear and sidewalls for spider cracks that may indicate dry rot
• Inspect the whole trailer for cracks or severely rusted areas that may have become weak, including the springs and axles
• Check rollers and runners for cracks or breaks; ensure rollers are clean and have not locked up
• Check the winch's operation and the condition of the strap or cable
• Check that the trailer ball is tightly mounted and the right size for the hitch; clean any debris from both before seating the hitch on the ball
• Ensure that the hitch coupler is locked in place and secured with a bolt or lock
• Cross the trailer safety chains before securing them to the tow vehicle (the crossed chains "cradle" the trailer hitch if it comes free from the ball)
• Ensure the trailer tongue jack is completely rotated up and locked in place
• Ensure the trailer lights are working, including brake lights and turn signals
• If the trailer has brakes, test that they are working
• Avoid overloading the trailer by removing heavy items from the boat and transporting them inside the tow vehicle (many boaters remove outboards)
• After haul-out, remove any drain plugs to drain bilge or hull water

• Check the trailer for nongalvanized parts (U-bolts, nuts, wheel lug nuts, add-ons) and spray them with a rust inhibitor like Corrosion X
• After immersion in salt water, rinse the trailer with fresh water; if practical, dunk the trailer in a fresh water lake on the way home (also run the motor to flush it with fresh water)
• If the trailer is painted rather than galvanized, check carefully for rust; remove rust and repaint as needed; use auto wax to help protect the paint
• In hot, sunny areas, spray the outside of the tires with a product like Armor-All to prevent dry rot caused by heat

Because the wheel bearings are the most vulnerable part of a boat trailer, take the time to keep them well greased and protected from the elements.

• If the trailer does not already have them, install "bearing buddies" on each hub; these help protect the bearings from water and have a grease nipple for quick application of bearing grease
• Install dust covers over the bearing buddies
• Add bearing grease before starting out - but not so much that the rear seals are pushed out; be sure to use marine grease, especially in salt water

If the trailer has not been used recently, stop after a short distance of towing to check the hubs for heat, which indicates a bearing problem. If the bearings heat up even when greased, repacking is probably necessary. You can do this yourself if you are competent mechanic; otherwise go to a professional.

• Fully inflated spare tire of the right size
• Grease gun and extra grease
• Road flares and flashlight if towing at night
• Spare fuses and light bulbs for lights
• Long-distance towers may choose to carry a spare wheel hub

• Always use a good tie-down to secure the boat to the trailer
• At stops when towing, visually check the trailer and boat, check the winch strap and tie-downs are still tight, and feel the wheel hubs for heat that indicates a bearing problem
• After arriving at the water, allow bearings to cool before immersing the wheels in the water (sudden contraction with cold can suck water into the bearings)
• Before launching the boat, unplug the trailer lights

Boat Maintenance & Repair
Safety Checklist Before Going Sailing
How to Buy a Sailboat
Best Websites for Boats for Sale