Is your boat trailer road and ramp ready?
Owning a boat is all about enjoying time on the water—but getting there safely starts with your trailer.
Your boat trailer could be the difference between a perfect day on the water, or no day out at all.
Regular checks at home and annual servicing can save you time, money, and the hassle of unexpected breakdowns. Here are some essential tips to keep your boat trailer in great condition with just a few tools, some spare parts, and a little elbow grease.
1. Inspect the Wheels and Tyres:
Your trailer tyres take a lot of wear and tear from the sun, salt, and road exposure.
– Check tyre pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level (usually listed on the sidewall).
– Inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear and cracks —especially if your trailer sits for long periods or is stored with exposure to the weather elements.
– Check the spare tyre. Make sure it’s inflated and also in good condition.
2. Check the Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings are a critical component that often get overlooked—until they fail.
When traveling, the spinning force generates friction, and the friction generates heat. To keep the bearings from overheating, they need to be lubricated with grease.
– Check to make sure you have the appropriate amount of grease. Your bearings need to be greased yearly.
– Check that your hubs are not excessively hot after towing.
3. Check the Lights and Wiring
Trailer lights are both a legal requirement and a safety essential. You should perform a lights and wiring check before you start your journey each time.
– Plug in the trailer to your vehicle and test brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights.
– Inspect wiring for frays or corrosion, especially near connectors.
Quick tip – If a light isn’t working, it could be as simple as a bulb – a quick trip to the hardware shop should have you on your way very quickly!
4. Examine the Brakes (If Equipped)
Not all trailers have brakes, but if yours does, they need love too. Brakes are critical for safety so checking them every time you hook up the boat is a great idea.
– Check brake pads for wear. They will need to be replaced if they are below safe thickness.
– Look for leaks in hydraulic brake lines or rusted components.
– Test the brake actuator to ensure it engages smoothly.
5. Wash and Inspect the Frame
Saltwater is especially corrosive to trailer frames, but a simple fresh water rinse can prevent premature damage to your trailer.
– Hose off the trailer with fresh water after every use.
– Look for rust spots, cracks, or metal fatigue, especially around welds and joints.
– Touch up with rust-resistant paint or a marine primer to prevent corrosion.
– Check the winch, bow stop, and safety chains for wear.
6. Check and Tighten all Nuts and Bolts
Trailers are hand built machines, so nuts and bolts can come loose especially when travelling long distances and also when you drive your boat on the trailer retrieving.
– Check all nuts and bolts, in particular on the winch post.
7. Secure and Adjust Bunks or Rollers
The supports that cradle your boat should fit properly. A well-aligned trailer reduces stress on your boat’s hull and makes launching easier.
– Check that bunks or rollers are aligned with the hull and in good condition.
– Replace worn carpet or rubber pads.
– Tighten loose bolts or brackets.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your boat trailer at home doesn’t require expert-level skill—just regular checks and a careful eye.
In conjunction with a boat and motor service, your boat mechanic can look over your trailer and do more involved maintenance such as changing worn brakes and wheel bearings.
But spending a little time each boating trip can mean smoother launches, safer trips, and fewer headaches down the road.
Happy towing — and even happier boating!
To book your boat, motor and trailer in for a service at JV Marine, click HERE or call us on (03) 9798 8883.