Owning a boat trailer is an investment that goes beyond just hauling your boat to and from the water. While peak boating season might be over in Western Canada, maintaining your boat trailer’s safety and stability is a year-round task. Regular care not only ensures that your trailer lasts longer but also keeps your boating experience safe and hassle-free. Whether you’re preparing for the off-season or just finished a summer on the lake, here’s how you can keep your boat and trailer in tip-top condition.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning for Summer and Winter
A little attention goes a long way when it comes to boat trailer maintenance. After each trip to the water, it’s essential to drain and dry your trailer. Beyond helping to control and curb the spread of invasive species, this helps prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to rust and corrosion over time. It’s also important to regularly inspect your trailer for any loose bolts, cracks, or damage to the frame and support struts.
When it comes to cleaning, removing dirt, salt, and other debris from both summer and winter outings can make a huge difference in the longevity of your trailer performance. In Western Canada, where lakes and rivers may contain harmful runoff, cleaning your trailer can also help with maintaining the integrity of your boat and trailer. Be sure to wash down your trailer well after each use and let it fully dry before covering or storing it. This will also protect your tires, wheel bearings, and the overall structure of your trailer from unnecessary wear and tear.
Top Maintenance Work To Do While Your Boat is Off the Water
During the winter months, when your boat is safely stored, it’s the perfect time to give your boat and boat trailer some extra attention and a deep clean. One key focus is rust and corrosion prevention. Check all metal parts, including the frame, axles, and leaf springs. Applying a rust preventative spray can help protect these components from moisture, especially if your trailer is exposed to harsh winter elements, even when it’s out of the water.
Next, don’t forget about or overlook your tires. If your trailer will sit in one spot for an extended period, ensure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. You may even want to rotate or slightly move your trailer every few weeks to avoid flat spots- this is especially important in the Prairies, where prolonged extreme cold temperatures can cause tires to become brittle on pressure points. Additionally, inspect your brake system, checking brake pads and lines for wear and tear. Lubricate all of the trailer’s moving parts and make sure everything is in good working condition before the next boating season, and you should be good to go in the spring!
Off-Season Storage Tips For Winterizing Your Boat and Trailer
Proper off-season storage can save you a lot of headaches (and money) come spring. To start, find a suitable spot to store your boat trailer; ideally, this would be a covered area that protects it from the elements, but if that’s not possible, using a high-quality cover is a good alternative. This will shield your trailer from rain, snow, and debris that could cause damage.
Winterizing your trailer is just as important as winterizing your boat, so don’t overlook this step when you’re getting ready to hibernate! Drain any water from the trailer’s parts and clean it thoroughly before storage. If possible, lift the trailer slightly off the ground to take pressure off of the tires- or, if you have the option to, you might want to consider removing and storing the tires separately to prevent unneccesary damage. For added protection, consider applying a coat of wax or a protective sealant to the trailer’s frame. This will help keep it looking and functioning just like new when it’s time to hit the water again.
Let Factory Outlet Trailer Help You With Your Boat Trailer Needs, Year-Round
Boat trailer maintenance is not just a summer job or something to skip over entirely- it’s a year-round responsibility. By staying on top of inspections, addressing maintenance tasks during the off-season, servicing your boat trailer when needed, and storing your trailer appropriately, you can extend the life of your investment for many summers to come.
If you’re ever in doubt or need a professional hand when it comes to keeping your trailer in tip-top shape, Factory Outlet Trailers is here to help with any service, repair, or maintenance requests, no matter the season, to ensure your boating adventures are smooth and stress-free. Check out our selection of boat trailers on our website, stop by one of our dealerships, or contact us to keep your boat trailer in ship shape year-round!