Tech Talk - General Trailer Maintenance
In today's Tech Talk, Chase talks about some general trailer maintenance and how to keep your trailer in good working condition, this includes lighting, brakes and more.
Whether you're a seasoned boater or a newbie getting ready for the upcoming boating season, it's essential to ensure your trailer is in top shape. Having some knowledge of the basics of trailer maintenance is important in making sure your trailer remains in good working condition and last you a long time. In this post, we'll walk you through the key maintenance checks you should perform semiannually or annually, and especially before you hit the water.
Checking Your Trailer Lights
One of the first things we recommend is to check all the lights on your trailer. Start by turning on the lights on your vehicle. You should see your rear lights, the center beam, and the running lights on your trailer illuminate. Ensure all these lights are functional and in working order. Next, activate your hazard lights. When your hazards are on, both sides of your trailer should have flashing lights corresponding to your brakes and turn signals. This step is critical to guarantee your trailer signals are in perfect working condition, both left and right.
Greasing Your Hubs
Let's talk about the grease in your hubs. The type of hub cap may vary depending on your trailer, but most have a design similar to the Vortex trailer hub with a plastic cap that covers the hub's center. Some trailers might feature a rubber cap or other variations. To check your hub's grease, simply unscrew the cap. If the grease is in good condition, it should have a nice teal-blue color. Look for a grease fitting in the center and make sure your hubs are packed with high-quality marine grease at all times. If you notice that the grease appears milky looking, it's time to replace it to ensure optimal performance.
Inspecting Your Trailer Brakes
Most trailers will have brakes on both axles, while some may only have them on the rear axle. This varies depending on the trailer manufacturer. Your brakes are located right behind the wheels and consist of a caliper, brake pad, and rotor. It's a component that many people tend to overlook, but it's vital for your safety while hauling your boat on the highway. Regularly checking and maintaining your trailer brakes ensures a smooth and safe journey.
We've covered a few essentials of trailer maintenance, including checking your lights, greasing your hubs, and inspecting your brakes. These three components are critical to keeping you on the road, headed towards your final destination without any hiccups!