A trailer
broken down on the side of the road can ruin a good fishing
trip. It is even worse if an accident results from the breakdown.
To help prevent breakdowns, it is important to service your
trailer regularly. The following are typical items that should
be considered in establishing a maintenance program.
CORROSION:
The first defense against corrosion (rust) is to
keep your trailer dean and dry. This is particularly important
if the trailer is used in salt, brackish or polluted water.
First, wash the trailer off, at the boat ramp if possible,
or at the nearest carwash. Depending upon the roads you travel,
it may also be necessary to wash it when you get home. Although
salt is probably the major cause of corrosion encountered
in Louisiana, mud on the trailer can create a galvanic cell
and cause rust. To keep the trailer as dry as possible, store
it in a well ventilated area. If you use a cover or tarpaulin,
make sure air can circulate under it and that it will not
sag and pool water.
Inspect
your trailer before and after each use for scratches, rust
or weak spots. Pay particular attention to joints and fasteners.
Remove any rust immediately and apply a preventive coating
such as a cold galvanizing compound. Weak spots should be
repaired and rusted bolts replaced. Welds should receive preventative
treatment since they also can form galvanic cells which can
cause rapid corrosion. Welds should also be inspected for
stress cracks.
WHEELS:
Wheel problems – flats, blowouts, and burned-out
bearings – are probably the major cause of trailer breakdowns.
Tires should match the load requirement and be rated for your
tow speed. Many off road tires cannot tolerate the heat generated
under sustained high-speed operation. Tire pressure should
be checked (cold) before each trip, and tires should be balanced.
Tires should be the same size and type so that the trailer
will track evenly, and worn or damaged tires should be replaced.
Before each trip inspect the wheels (particularly around the
bolt holes) for cracks or deformation and replace the wheel
if you find either. Also check the lugs for tightness and
be sure that they are not rusted (anti-seize can be used).
Routinely
inspect and repack wheel bearings. Use hubs that allow grease
to be added prior to each use of the trailer. Try to prevent
water from entering the bearings by allowing them to cool
down before immersing the trailer in water because rapid cooling
in water causes a hot bearing to take up water. Bearings should
be repacked before any period of prolonged storage to prevent
moisture in the bearings from rusting them. When you repack
the bearings use a marine grade grease, a new grease seal
and a new cotter pin. Remember to pack grease into the bearing
before installing it and tighten the bearing to the correct
torque. Most bearings need only to be snugged down by hand
(spin the wheel while tightening). Back off the nut to insert
the cotter pin. The wheel should spin freely but without play.
On trips, stop and touch the grease cap and hub to make sure
the bearing is not hot.
To service
wheels and bearings, you should take along a spare wheel,
a jack, lug wrench, and a flashlight or spotlight. A tire
repair kit, screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, and a spare set
of bearings and grease could also come in handy.
LIGHTS:
Lights are a vital safety feature for your trailer
and are also required by state law. Proper lighting starts
at the connector, which should be made to match or adapt the
cars system to the trailer, and should include a ground hookup.
A ground connection through the trailer ball is not sufficient
since the resulting poor ground may cause dim or flickering
lights and also corrosion. The electrical wires should be
sound and secured to the trailer. If the wires are cracked
or frayed, replace them. Tie down loose wires, which can flap
around, wear, and eventually fail. If possible, mount the
lights so that they can be removed before launching. If the
lights must be submerged during launching, unplug them from
the vehicle, and allow them to cool first so that they won't
break. Use silicone or rubber sealant to seal the lamps where
the wires enter. Electrical grease will help protect the sockets
and prevent their corrosion. Carry sufficient supplies and
tools to make lighting repairs should it be necessary. You
will need screwdrivers to fit the lenses, spare light buIbs
for each trailer light, fuses, wire, a crimping tool, connectors
and wire nuts.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Inspect the trailer regularly. Notice if the trailer
sags or sits unevenly. Check the springs for corrosion/breakage
and the axle for straightness. Check the wood runners and
carpet. When replacing wood runners, use pressure treated
wood. Be sure the coupler is in good condition and that the
ball is the proper size for the coupler. Safety chains should
be of the proper length and size, and securely attached to
the vehicle. For example, when using S-hooks and a horizontal
attaching hole, put the S-hook through the bottom of the hole.
The winch should be lubricated and the cable or rope checked.
Check the license and inspection tag. Are they current? Establish
a procedure and checklist to make sure that everything is
connected properly and tied down as it should be.
CORRECT
RIG: Finally, remember that even good maintenance
cannot make an overloaded trailer or tow vehicle safe. Be
sure that the trailer is capable of handling its load, that
the load is balanced, and that the tow vehicle is capable
of handling the weight of the loaded trailer.
Download:
trailer.pdf
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