Trailer - Upkeep

[bluedolphin]

I have a 1992 single axle trailer for my 1972 22-2 Aquasport CC. The previous owner delivered the boat to me on this trailer, which is in pretty good shape. I keep the boat in the water, so what do I have to do to the trailer to keep it in top shape for when I need it.  In fact, I don't have a truck to pull it with. Anyway, so what do I have to do on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis so the tires don't take a set, grease needed where, etc? Thanks for your comments and suggestions. PS. Trailer has electrical wiring for brake lights to hook up to a towing truck. But no brakes.

[John Jones]

First question would be aluminum, galvanized, or painted?

[damnitbadger]

I would block it up on the frame to get the tires off the ground, reduce the tire pressure to about 10lbs and cover the tires to protect them from UV. Also pump a little grease into those Bearing -buddies to force any water out.

[bluedolphin]

Thanks, John Jones, damnitbadger. Trailer is galvanized. I will block the frame up and reduce tire pressure to 10lbs. What do I use to cover the tires? Grease into bearing buddies - which ones are they? Thanks again, all.

[JimCt]

Bearing Buddies are located on the ends of the axles as you are looking the wheels.  Their purpose is to provide a convenient way to keep the wheel bearings lubricated. There may be plastic covers on them.  If there are, slide them off and you'll see a grease fitting in the middle.  With a hand grease gun pump maybe two strokes of grease into each Buddy, not more.  Too much grease pumped in will blow out the seals on the back side of the hubs and allow water to get at the wheel bearings.  If you use the trailer only three or four times a year for short hauls I'd grease once a year.

[bluedolphin]

Thanks, JimCT. I will check on my bearing buddies this weekend.

[John Jones]

That's about all there is to do.  Wash the trailer well with soap and water (I use a cheap garden sprayer to apply soap.) when you do dunk it, tires off the ground, pressure down, and covered with a cheap tarp.  This helps keep them from dry rotting. Grease the bearings once per year.  My galvanized trailer is a '78 model.  It's showing it's age but still hanging in there.

[RickK]

Why not take the tires off and put them in the garage.  Leave the trailer on blocks - no one can steal it that way and your tires are out of the sun.

[John Jones]

That's best but it's also a lot of work.   :P

[darkdealer]

My single axle broke while pulling the boat out for the fall. I am waiting for the replacement to arrive. Learn your lesson through me -Do not skimp on the trailer maintenence. It is a pia if something goes wrong......