Inspect a Boat Trailer
Here's a checklist to go through to ensure your boat trailer is ready for transport and before your next outing.
Steps
- Check the lighting. Put your flashers on, do they work? Put the vehicle in reverse and have someone else check to see if the reverse lights are working.
- Check the tag. Is your license plate up to date?
- Check the lug nuts. Are they tight?
- Do a boat trailer tire inspection. How’s the tread? Some people prefer to balance their trailer tires for a smoother ride although it’s not required. Check for dry rot if your tires are old. Check the air pressure with a gauge. Read your sidewall for you air pressure requirements.
- Look at the wheel bearings. When was the last time they were greased? The last thing you need on a road trip is to burn up the wheel bearings.
- Check bolts for tightness. The bolts on the leaf springs are notorious for coming loose. Ideally, they should have locking nuts on them to prevent this.
- Make sure your safety chain is in proper order and always hook it up!
- Look at the running boards that the boat sits on. How’s the carpet. This is best looked at while the boat’s off the trailer.
- Check for rust on steel trailers. Corrosion can also be a problem on aluminum trailers that visit salt water frequently.
- Check the fender condition. This keeps you from slinging rock onto the boat’s paint job.
Tips
- Galvanized trailers resist rust better than painted steel.
- Saltwater will deteriorate your trailer no matter what it's made of.
- In Aluminum trailers look for "pitting" corrosion cause by saltwater.
- Also check for corrosion where different metals touch (i.e. a steel bolt in an aluminum beam).
- Make sure your winch strap is not cut or frayed.
- Always latch the coupler!
- Make sure the pin is in your receiver hitch.
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