When was the last time you checked your trailers temperature? I check mine every trip! Okay, I know by now that most of you are scratching your head and wondering what I am talking about. Checking a trailers temperature? Sure my father got me in that habit some years ago, and now I do it on a regular basis no matter what I am towing. Simply place your hand on the hubs after a short tow or on a regular basis during long tows. If the hubs are heating up, you know your bearings are worn or running short on grease, and a major problem and serious damage is sure occur if it has not already.
As we all know saltwater can really wreak havoc on a boat trailer, and a boat trailer that is not properly maintained is sure to leave you stranded on the roadside. With the windy days of March right around the corner getting out on the water can be quite tough. So instead of sitting in the house and watching the trees double over I to use the time to perform some routine trailer maintenance that may help prevent breakdowns.
Here are a few preventative maintenance ideas that may help keep you from being stranded on the roadside at 6 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon:
Hubs should be packed with marine grade axel grease. Dust seals located on the inside of hub are notorious for failing and when these seals fail salt water and sand may enter the hub thus destroying the bearings. Depending upon trailer usage hubs should be pulled every year or two and inspected. While pulling the hub, if water or sand is noted then the hub should be dismantled, the seals should be replaced and the bearings should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. If the bearings show improper wear then they should be replaced. If there is major damage to the bearings the inner portions of the hub housing should also be inspected for improper wear. Hubs should obviously be repacked before installing. Bearing Buddies® are available at most marine retailers such as Hanckel Marine and when installed and filled on a regular basis can add many y