Boat Trailer Maintenance Tips
Your boat trailer helps you transport your vessel safely from your home to the docks. That’s why you’ll want to take all possible measures to extend its lifespan and keep it out of the service department. Although some maintenance tasks are best left to the experts to handle, there are others that you can easily manage yourself.
Our experts at Connecticut Trailers & Powersports have gathered up a few tips to help you maintain your boat trailer like a pro. Keep reading this guide to learn more, and for more information, visit our dealership for a friendly chat with our team. You’ll find us in Bolton, CT, where we happily welcome our patrons from Hartford and the rest of New England.
Corrosion Prevention
The best way to handle corrosion is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Keep your boat trailer clean and dry to prevent its parts from rusting out. Wash your model thoroughly after each use, especially after a saltwater boating trip. You might want to clean it at the ramp before heading back home or visit a car wash in your vicinity. As you may know, the longer you allow the harmful elements to sit on your boat trailer, the more the chances of corrosion increase. So, you'll want to give it a quick wash to remove any gunk and keep it functional for years.
Tire Care
Another critical aspect of maintaining a boat trailer is taking care of your tires. You will need to ensure that you always use the right tires for your model—they should match your load requirement and towing speed perfectly. Not all tires can tackle the heat produced during high-speed towing. Those models that are incapable of handling this can break down during transit, jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others around you. So, select your tires wisely. You’ll also want to ensure that all the tires on your trailer are of the same size and type for smoother operation.
When maintaining your tires, ensure that they are ready for your trip. You will want to replace any damaged tire immediately and have a spare one available with you always.
Inspect the Lights
Finally, you will also want to include your boat trailer’s lights into your maintenance schedule.
Look over your lights to see that they are bright and functional and there aren’t any loose wires attached to them. If you find any, secure them immediately and replace any frayed wires as soon as possible. It is a good idea to mount your lights so you can easily remove them before launching your boat. If that’s not possible, remember to unplug them from your vehicle and let them cool down.
While you are at it, test the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights on your boat trailer, as well. You will want them to be in good working condition.
We hope these tips come in handy when you maintain your boat trailer. If you need more advice or are still in the market for a new model, visit Connecticut Trailers & Powersports. Our friendly staff can suggest models for your budget and help you pick a boat trailer that’s perfect for you. To look at what we have available, swing by our dealership in Bolton, CT. We proudly serve Hartford and the rest of New England, so stop by today.