Before heading out on the water, it is crucial to make sure your boat trailer is in tip-top shape. If you’re a frequent boater, then you probably already know it’s a huge no-no to take the risk and “wing it” at the start of the season. A lot of things can go wrong, so it’s essential to be prepared and do a little maintenance on your trailer. Your trailer has definitely collected some dust in the offseason and probably needs some TLC. Need some guidance on how to get your trailer ready for the season? We’ve got you covered. Check out our complete checklist of trailer maintenance suggestions.  

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Transom Savers & Motor Sports
Wheel Hubs & Lug Nuts

Preparing Your Boat Trailer

1. Test your trailer lights (including brake lights and turn signals). Replace trailer lights, bulbs, and/or lens as needed.

2. Check the inflation on your tires before hitting the road. It is best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold.

3. Check the tread on the tires. Try sticking a penny upside down in the tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to start shopping for some new tires!

4. Check the tires for cracks on the sidewalls.

5. Check your boat trailer brakes (if this applies to your trailer). Try driving it around for a few minutes, coming to several stops. If the hubs or rotors are hot after this test drive, the brakes are working. Listen for any abnormal noises while driving the trailer.

6. If your trailer has a brake battery, hook it up to a charger to make sure it’s working.

7. Check and lubricate the trailer wheel bearings.

8. Check the lug nuts (before every trip) and see if they need to be tightened. Tighten them in a star pattern.

9. Check the boat trailer winch strap and tie-downs for wear. If they’re fraying or torn, it’s time to replace them. Dry rot frequently happens with these creating potentially dangerous situations. When in doubt, replace. Read this article to learn more about how to properly secure your boat on your boat trailer.

10. Clean the trailer winch with some solvent-based cleaner and a cloth. An old toothbrush can be used on the smaller parts.

11. Lubricate the boat trailer winch after it’s dry. Use a brush and cover all parts with a light coat of winch grease. Be careful to not apply lubrication to the strap or other tie-downs.

12. Lubricate the tongue jack. This quick video will walk you through the steps.

13. Make sure your trailer hitch lock is working so no one else drives away with it while it’s parked!

14. Check safety chains to make sure they are intact and crisscrossed under the tongue.

15. Inspect the boat trailer wiring harness and spray the contacts with dielectric grease. This will help combat corrosion.

16. Check boat trailer rollers if you have them for rust, breakage, or cracking.

17. Make sure the bunks are tight and that the carpeting on them is not deteriorating.

18. Be sure the hitch latch is securely closed. This should be easy if the ball is the same size as the coupler.

19. Before each and every trip, make sure the pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact.

20. Make sure your trailer registration is current.

boat trailer diagram

By now you should be ready to tow your beauty to the water and have a trip that’s fun and safe for everyone.