Winterizing Your Boat Trailer: Essential Checks for Safe Storage

With many great weekends on the water with many great memories made, it's that time of year to think about winterizing your boat. Whether you do it or you get someone else to do it, it needs to get done. Boat trailers often get overlooked. From our perspective, boat trailers need the same love as your boat does and with a couple of simple steps (not near as complicated as boat winterization) you can help preserve your boat trailers ability to trailer and be ready for the next season.

Thorough Cleaning

Before storage, give your boat trailer a thorough cleaning. Remove any dirt, salt, and debris that you've accumulated on your way. While a dirty trailer may look cool, proper cleaning prevents corrosion of the metals and lubricated parts, especially in areas prone to salt exposure, like the PNW.

Inspect and Lubricate Al Moving Parts

Check all moving parts such as tongue jacks, rollers, couplers and winches. Lubricate these with WD-40 or simple grease to help prevent rust and ensure they operate smoothly when you're ready to use the trailer again. Pay attention to the trailer's suspension system and apply grease where needed.

Check and Grease Wheel Bearings

Inspect wheel bearings for wear and tear, and repack them with fresh grease. Properly lubricated wheel bearings reduce friction and since the trailer is not moved for a while, it's important to get this done early. Whether you have bearing buddies, Super Lube, or another style, it's important to know how much grease you need to inject and when. Use marine grease only as it is best at keeping water out of the smaller components.

Visit salt water often? Consider a yearly complete repacking of your bearings as salt water will destroy your bearings over time.

Examine Tires

Trailer tires are consumables, which means that they need to get changed out periodically. The general recommendation is every 3-5 years, regardless of apparent wear. This is due to the the combination of limited usage and carrying heavy weight while stationary.

Inspect Brake System

If your boat trailer is equipped with brakes, inspect the brake system thoroughly. Ensure that the brake components are in good condition, and consider applying a rust inhibitor to prevent corrosion. If you have surge braking, make sure to pull the coupler forward before you store it to avoid the brake pads sticking for long times. From experience, this is not fun to deal with when you go to move it.

Disconnect and Charge Batteries

If your boat trailer has a battery for features like electric brakes or auxiliary trailer lights, disconnect it to prevent draining. Charge the battery periodically during storage to maintain its health and ensure it's ready for use when you take your boat out again.

Check Trailer Lights and Wiring

Inspect all trailer lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and repair damaged wiring. Properly functioning lights are crucial for safety on the road.

Protect Against Corrosion

Apply a corrosion inhibitor or rust-resistant coating to susceptible metal parts, especially those exposed to the elements. This extra layer of protection helps prevent corrosion during the winter months. Choosing an aluminum boat trailer is a game changer when it comes to preventing corrosion.

Secure the Boat Trailer

If possible, store your boat on the trailer in a secure and covered location. Use proper boat supports or blocks to distribute the weight evenly, relieving stress on the trailer components.

Document and Store Properly

Take note of any issues or maintenance tasks you've addressed during the winterization process. Keep your boat trailer's documentation, including the owner's manual and maintenance records, in a safe and easily accessible place for future reference.

Properly winterizing your boat trailer is an investment in its longevity and performance. By conducting these checks and preventive measures, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy a trouble-free boating season when spring arrives. Taking the time to store your boat trailer correctly ensures that it remains in top condition, ready to hit the road and water when the warmer days return.

And don't forget that we can do that for you. Just saying.