Page 32 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2022

Tips for Regular Maintenance

Part 2: Boat Trailer

there could be a bearing problem. Depending on your skill
and comfort level you may need to replace and repack the
bearings. Or if you have oil-based hubs, you can drain
and refill. When draining an oiled hub, look for brown or
cream-colored fluid. If you find this color change, there is
a seal issue that must be addressed.
While you should do regular checks on your trailer be- Check the air in all the tires as you work with each wheel.
fore heading out on any trip, it is easy to take for granted
a variety of things. Your boat trailer, like the boat needs YouTube is a great place to search out how to do the work
a good check every year. Several things that can be easily necessary to address any bearing problems you may have
checked. One of the items to do needs to be done at a time encountered.
when you launch your boat and before you load it. Inspect For me personally, I let my dealer deal with bearing and
your bunk rails and your brake lines. Check the bolts that
hold them to the frame and that hold the calipers in place. hub concerns. I do not have space, patience or desire to do
Tighten as needed. Is the wood rotting out on the rails? the work described, but if you do, then at least you have a
This is a bit harder to do, but the last thing you want is a starting point.
bunk rail to break loose and float off during an outing. Is
the carpet wearing thin? Replace the boards and carpets Trailer Components
as needed. Be sure to use treated lumber if you replace the
rail itself. The next thing to check
on the trailer is the winch,
winch handle, winch strap
and safety chains. Does the
hook on the winch strap have
a safety clip? Is the strap at
the hook frayed? Is the strap
anywhere along the length
frayed?
Inspect your wiring harness and put some petroleum jelly
on the connectors and cap them for the winter. Check your Does your winch work prop-
lights and side markers to make sure they are working and erly? Is the handle tight or
not damaged. have a broken handle cover?
Tighten and replace as needed.

Are your safety chains in good condition? Do they have
safety clips that keep them from coming lose during travel?

Check your bearing buddies With the boat off the trailer, check the rollers. Do the roll-
to make sure they are pushed ers all turn smoothly? Are
out indicating proper pres- the inserts of each roller
sure. For oil bath axles, check intact? Are the roller rods
you level line and oil color. straight? If they do not roll
Jack up each wheel and give smoothly, or have become
the tires a spin. If you hear separated, cracked, or
any grating noise of if the have bend rods, consider
wheel is not running freely, replacing as needed.
Next, check the trailer
30 Lady Bass Anglers Association
Maintenance Tips- Part 2: Boat Trailer