Don’t Lose It When You’re Not Using It
There are going to be times when the trailer isn’t used for an extended period of time. Winter is one of those times as is being away. Whatever the reason, consider these 11 tips if the trailer is going to sit in one place for a while
Winter Protection
1. Remove the trailer tires and store inside
(consider doing this for theft, too). You can block
the trailer. This takes the load off the tires.
2. If the tires have to remain on the trailer and
you can’t park on concrete or asphalt, position
the trailer over plywood if at all possible. Parking
on grass increases moisture that not only harms
the tires but, over a long period of time, eventually
affects the trailer frame. If it’s possible, move
the trailer a few feet every month or so to rotate
the tires so as to avoid flat spots.
3. Increase the jackstand height to
remove excess rainwater and melting snow.
4. Don’t park under trees.
5. Apply some WD-40 or a spray lubricant
on the rollers, winch gears and electrical
connections.
6. If you have a galvanized steel trailer,
do an inspection for any rust spots. If any
are found, now is the time to sand, prime,
and paint. Don’t let corrosion get to the
point where the trailer is unsafe.
Theft Protection
1. If your trailer is parked with the
tongue facing the street (left), a thief can
easily back a tow vehicle to the trailer, hook
it up, and be off within a minute. Instead,
park the trailer so that the tongue faces the
garage or away from the street.
2. If your boat is small, many trailers
are built with swing tongues that can make
storage in a garage a possibility.
3. Put a lock on the trailer tongue.
4. Consider removing the engine. Take all
valuables and electronics off the boat.
5. Have a friend stop by from time to time to
inspect the boat and trailer.
