How to Inspect Boat Trailers for Safety
For long trips to a fishing expedition, it is best to have a boat trailer. With a boat trailer, you will be able to carry your boat safely to your destination. Responsibilities come with owning a boat trailer and routine inspections and maintenance is highly important to ensure the boat trailer is still in good working condition.
Things You’ll Need:
- Flashlight
- Adjustable wrenches
- Floor jack
- Wood blocks (to support the trailer)
- Wheel-bearing grease
- Galvanizing paint
- Wheel lug wrench
- Wire brush
- Wheel chocks
- Dielectric grease
- Attach the trailer to the back of your vehicle and make sure all the electric aspects are working properly such as brake/turn lights and running lights. If there is a broken bulb, apply dielectric grease to all the connections of that bulb to prevent corrosion.
- Lift one side of the trailer up with the floor jack. Lubricate the bearings with grease.
- Remove one of the tires and its wheel hub. Look over the brake assembly and replace any worn brake pads. Replace the inner bearing seal if you notice damage or that it is worn before replacing the wheel hub. To ensure everything is in working order, spin the wheel and adjust the brake pads so they begin to contact the brake drum.
- Inspect your tires and replace them if you notice the tread is worn. Check the valve stems to see if they are leaking. Adjust the tire pressures if the pressure is low. Use a lug wrench to tighten the wheel lugs.
- Repeat the process above with the other side of the trailer.
- Inspect the hitch of the trailer.
- Remove rust or corrosion on the frame of the trailer, if any is to be found. Use a wire brush and apply primer and paint. Galvanized paint can also be used if your trailer calls for it.