Boat Trailer Maintenance
The boat trailer is the vessel which hauls the boat from point A to point B, and if the trailer is not in good condition it can damage the boat. One area of the trailer that must be maintained is the wheel bearings. The bearings are one of the biggest failures on the trailer. If it is a tandem axle trailer it can be temporarily fixed until you can reach a shop. By removing the wheel and jacking the axle up as high as possible then tying a rope or chain around the axle and frame will secure the axle until it can be fixed. A single axle trailer has to be repaired before it can be moved, therefore repairing it on spot is a must. The wheel must be jacked up and taken off, placing the wheel under the trailer will act as a safety device in case of a fall. Remove the cotter pin, the nut and the hub. The spindle should be smooth, if grooves are felt the bearing race and must be replaced. A replacement bearing kit or hub assembly should always be kept on hand. To replace the hub assembly, you will need a hammer, lug wrench, crescent wrench, file, emery cloth, and rag. Having these tools can prove to invaluable when the trip turns bad. By checking the hubs regularly and making sure there is oil or grease in them can reduce the chance of losing a wheel bearing and being stuck on the road side instead of fishing.
