If you own a boat that you are not planning to keep on the water, you will need a boat trailer so you can transport the vessel from the water to your boathouse. Boat trailers can be expensive, so once you have invested in one, you will want to make sure that you do all you can to keep it in good condition. Below is a guide to three things you need to do to ensure that your boat trailer remains in good condition.

Load the boat correctly

The way in which load and unload your boat can have a significant impact on its lifespan. If you repeatedly incorrectly load your boat, you may place a massive strain on the axle of the trailer, causing it to fail. When you load your boat onto a trailer, you should ensure that its centre of gravity is located slightly in front of the axles. By keeping the weight of your boat slightly in front of the axles, you can reduce the level of compression, which will help to reduce the amount of wear and tear.

Ensure that the axles are aligned

Another leading cause of damage to boat trailers is misaligned axles. With use, the axles on your boat trailer can slip and become misaligned. This can cause excess wear on mechanical parts such as the wheel as well as abnormal tyre wear. To ensure that the axles on your boat trailer are aligned, you should place a metal rod horizontally across the back of the equipment when it is empty. If the axles are aligned, the rod should touch each wheel in the same place. If it does not, this is a sign that the axles are misaligned. A sporting goods or boat service should be able to align the axles on your boat trailer.

Have the trailer serviced

Whenever you take the car or truck which you use to tow the trailer in for a service, you should consider also asking the mechanic to take a look at the trailer itself. Having boat trailer repairs completed on a regular basis will ensure that any problems are taken care of before they become too serious. If you have any concerns about your trailer, you should have it inspected before using it to transport your boat.

If you would like further advice on how to look after a boat trailer, contact a business which specialises in this piece of equipment.