This week’s article comes to us from Boat US Magazine and offers some excellent tips on checking over your boat trailer. Remember trailers should be inspected thoroughly at least once a year; and a quick visual inspection should be completed before and after each use.
Trailer Troubleshooting
By Tim Murphy and Mark Corke
Taking care of your trailer is simple stuff, but ignore the basics and the trailer could leave you stranded.
We’ve put together a few tips to help you have a happy, and hopefully, trouble free trailering experience. Many boaters lavish care and attention on the boat, but give little time or thought about looking after the trailer, that is until it breaks down. Hopefully you’ll find the tips and other information here useful which will prevent you calling for a tow. We’ve included links too, where you’ll be able to find more resources online. Don’t forget that there is a ton of information available on our website written by some of the most knowledgeable folks in the business.
Not all tires are created equal. Before replacing the tires on your trailer, ensure that you buy the correct type. Tires should be stamped with an “ST” classification, for “special trailer.” Dedicated trailer tires are more durable and resist abrasion and impact better than passenger “P” tires or light-truck “LT” tires; they also bounce less. Make sure the tire is neither overinflated nor underinflated and that the weight on the trailer doesn’t exceed its capacity. To learn more about trailer tires go to “11 Things To Know About Boat Trailer Tires”.
Trailers should never be overloaded. Check the maker’s identification plate, which is normally fixed on the left side near the hitch, for maximum gross weight. It’s also a good idea to make a note of the VIN (vehicle identification number) at the same time, which may help in recovering your trailer if it’s ever lost or stolen. Learn more about VIN numbers see “Buying A Used Trailer?”
A major cause of breakdown is failure of trailer wheel bearings. After you’ve been