Maintenance for Boat Trailers

Before Trailering Your Boat

Before pulling out of the driveway, there's a set of actions you need to take to ensure your safety on the road.

Inspect all connection points

• Between the trailer and truck
• Hitch
• Locking pin
• Safety chains
• Light plug
• Brake cables

Between the trailer and the boat

• Bow eye strap
• Safety chain
• Transom tie-downs
• Test your lights

Then jump behind the wheel and have your boating buddy watch as you test your lights

• Brake
• Tail
• Blinkers
• Running lights
• Check the tires

The most frequent cause of trailer breakdowns is tire failure due to wear or improper inflation. Put a pressure gauge on the tires and make sure they’re properly inflated. And don’t forget to check the pressure in the spare, too. Your fishing boat is undoubtedly your pride and joy, and you surely don’t want to leave it on the side of the highway because your spare tire was flat.

Semi-Annual Boat Trailer Inspection

At least twice a year—more if you trailer and use your boat often—check the bearings to make sure they’re in good shape as this is another common issue. If your boat trailer has grease bearings, make sure they’re thoroughly greased. If you only use your boat in fresh water, an automotive-grade wheel bearing grease will work. If your boat will be in salt water, look for a marine wheel bearing grease. If it has oil-filled bearings, look at the clear plastic cover to make sure the oil is at a proper level and isn’t milky-colored (a sign of water mixing into the oil).

Next, check the boat’s supports, whether they’re bunks or rollers, and make sure none of the fasteners or fittings attaching them to the trailer are corroded or failing. If your boat trailer has brakes, this is also the time to check the fluid level in the reservoir.

Once a Year Inspections

Once a year, look at the frame of the trailer for evidence of corrosion or damage. Pull out the winch strap or cable and inspect it for wear or nicks. Check the tires for sufficient tread, and make sure the lug nuts are tight. Also, make sure they haven’t corroded in place, or you may have difficulties changing a tire if you have a flat. Make sure that your brake pads don't need replacing.

Boat trailer safety and boating safety in general require observing a comprehensive maintenance schedule. Put reminders on your calendar to help you stay on top of it.

For more trailering tips, watch Lowe Boat's pro angler, Matt Becker, show you how to load your boat on a trailer by yourself.