Trailer Maintenance

[kcsteve]

I figure I'm about a month away from pulling my boat out of storage and getting her ready for the season. Just wondering what you guys do to prepare your trailer for the season
Thanks
Steve

[Boatsrule]

Check the tires for cracking, Air them up if needed, grease the bearings and check the lights. I don't have brakes.
 After I get the boat on the lift this year, I'm replaceing the bunks and will re-carpet them.

[BigSioux232]

Apply new license tag (if required)
Inspect tires for cracks
Check Tire Pressure (including spare)
Snug up wheel lugs
Polish and wax wheels (chrome)
Inspect underside of bunks for cracks
Snug up the bolts/nuts that fasten the bunks
Check lights
Lubricate tongue jack mechanism
Lubricate hitch mechanism
Check brake oil level
Inspect winch strap
Touch up (w/paint) rock chips on leading edges
Wash and Wax

I also have historically had the brakes checked and wheel bearings repacked every other year, but with new greasable bearing technology and oil bath hubs...that is starting to go away.

Dave

[gmricketts]

We bought a used boat and trailer last fall. Love the boat but the trailer has to have some serious work this spring. It is a roller bunk trailer I like but is 20 years old.  

1- The tongue is slightly bent from the previous owner jacknifing while backing. I have a new peice of steel already cut and the tongue is a bolt on so not too hard to replace. Just have to drill some holes and bolt in place. Famous last words!

2- The trailer has surge brakes but I do not know their condition so I will remove the wheels and hubs to check the bearings, brakes, hubs tires,etc.  replace as necessary.  will probably replace surge unit.
 
3- remove all old wiring to replace

4- grind rusty spots/ prime & paint trailer

5- replace lighting

6- Miller time

We are trailer sailors so time spent fixing/upgrading in the driveway is better than along the side of the highway!!!!

George

[Talon]

Sounds like you have your work cut out for you :lol:

[boboh]

Check your brake wheel cylinders real good.  They are probably cast steel and probably very rusty.  With all the work you have planned I would also consider replacing the wheel cylinders with new aluminum ones.  The old ones have a good chance of locking up after being activated.  Regardless of whether or not you replace them I would also bleed out and replace all of the old brake fluid.

[gmricketts]

Yes, If the brakes are not in good shape I will probably order a new brake kit fron Champion Trailers or someone like that. and put in all new. I would not tow a boat this big (v-19) without trailer brakes.

Champion trailer has on their web site that they do not recommend bearing buddies with brakes. the seals can leak with the pressure from the buddies and grease leaks on the brakes. I have buddies on my littlel sailboat trailer and have been happy with them.  has anyone had good or bad experiences with this issue!

George

[boboh]

I have had no problem with bearing buddies and trailer brakes.   I have  also used Champion for trailer parts.  Whenever I have called to place and order or for customer service help they have been very helpful.

[kcsteve]

Hey guys thanks for the ideas. I had most of these on my to do list, but there were a couple of things I missed.
Thanks again
Steve