Key Takeaways
- Preventative regular seasonal maintenance saves you money, keeps your Lund boat trailer operating longer, and protects against inconvenient surprises like a breakdown!
- Make comprehensive inspections and regular maintenance a priority, giving you confidence on the road and with your investment.
- Fix small problems as soon as you notice them and maintain a thorough log of maintenance or modifications to prevent expensive fixes in the future.
- Use Quality Tools, Lubricants, and Safety Equipment Quality maintenance starts with the right tools for your trailer.
- Be sure to rinse your trailer after every use, watch your tire pressure and grease vital components to get the best performance all season long.
- Proper off-season storage will involve cleaning, servicing, and protecting all components of your trailer to ensure trouble-free use next year.
Our new seasonal maintenance guide for your Lund boat trailer lays it all out in a clear, step-by-step process. Download these tips to ensure your trailer stays in great shape year-round!
It’s one of the guides that I use to measure tire wear. I make a point to test the lights, grease the wheel bearings, and make sure the winch is functioning too.
It includes tips on cleaning off road salt, looking for rust, and checking the brakes and hitch to ensure safe towing. You’ll get a simple blueprint for every season—spring, summer, fall, and winter.
This proactive approach allows you to identify potential issues before they become a costly repair. By working through each checklist, you ensure easy weekend getaways and pleasant trips while minimizing costly repairs.
Read on as I dive into each step to explain. These seasonal checks go a long way in ensuring that your trailer is always road-ready!
Why Seasonal Trailer Care Matters
Taking care of your Lund boat trailer seasonally extends beyond simply cleaning it. In the past few seasons that I have maintained a seasonal trailer care regimen, I have found myself enjoying additional years of service from my trailer. Inspect the frame for any paint damage or rust.
Lift the fenders to nip minor issues in the bud before they become major headaches. Taking this kind of care not only keeps my trailer healthy, it gets my boat into better fighting shape. A well-tuned trailer pulls smoother, stops better, and loads my boat with less hassle, especially on busy weekends or early morning fishing trips.
Nothing can ruin a day more than an unexpected breakdown on the road. Every time I take my trailer out, I inspect my brakes, tires, and lights. If a tire has any signs of wear, I replace it right away.
When I notice a brake cable that’s too loose, I deal with it immediately by tightening it. I’ve kept an obsessive log of everything I’ve repaired. This enables me to spot patterns, like what areas need special focus or when wheel bearings are always going bad each fall.
This log becomes useful when I decide to sell, as buyers can see the documented proof of routine maintenance. Taking care of your trailer is key. Weather and road salt can deteriorate a trailer in no time.
After I have it winterized, I spray on a protective rust inhibitor. Afterward, I make sure to wipe down the hitch and electrical connectors with oil to prevent them from corroding. Now, I try to have a brief checklist, both in the spring and the fall, ensuring that I am not forgetting anything.
By adopting these habits, my trailer remains clean and safe, is always ready for the next trip, and has a higher resale value.
Essential Tools for Trailer Upkeep
To ensure your Lund boat trailer stays in excellent condition for every trip this summer, savvy boaters need the proper tools on hand. These prepare you to take care of the basic checks, cleaning specific parts, and minor repairs associated with day-to-day use. The duty of each item on this essential boat trailer maintenance checklist is to perform a genuine task, which makes every round of maintenance much more effective and safe for you!
Basic Hand Tool Kit
A well-equipped hand tool kit is the foundation of all successful trailer maintenance. Wrenches and pliers store these nuisances, nuts, bolts, or clamps you commonly encounter on an axle or fender.
A screwdriver set—both flathead and Phillips—will take care of almost any screws found on lights and brackets. Select a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening of your lug nuts and coupler bolts each time. Don’t go by touch; go by specs.
Those with metal frame trailers or wheel hubs should consider a wire brush to safely knock loose rust or dirt, preventing that buildup. Always have a clean, soft cloth handy to remove grease, dirt, and spills—it’s basic, but effective.
Lubricants and Cleaners
Tailor your lubricants to specific trailer components, from coupler hinges to winch gears. Grease serves as a lubricant, allowing for smooth wheel roll and reducing heat.
A spray on corrosion inhibitor protects all metal components and prevents rust during rainy conditions. Use biodegradable cleaners to remove dirt and oil from the frame or bunks to avoid contaminating water with harmful chemicals.
Applying dielectric grease on wire ends or bulbs protects against water damage and prevents light failures.
Necessary Safety Gear
Safety gloves protect your hands from sharp edges, hot engine parts and other hazards while working on your trailer. Safety glasses prevent debris and spray from cleaners.
If you’re doing a driveway, knee pads make the job more comfortable. A first aid kit goes under the seat to treat little scrapes or splinters.
Key Specialty Items
A bearing packer helps force grease deep into wheel bearings. A trailer jack allows you to lift the trailer for tire checks or swaps.
A multimeter allows you to test for broken lights and wires. A trailer dolly allows you to maneuver the trailer into tight spaces or out of the way in your garage.
Pre-Season Prep: Spring Checklist
Spring brings a fresh start for getting your Lund boat trailer ready. A comprehensive pre-season checklist keeps you organized and efficient, saving time later. Writing down items and mapping out a timeline makes completing each task an easy victory.
All of a sudden, they don’t seem like such drudgery after all! You’ll be able to identify trouble early, make corrections on smaller issues before they escalate into large-scale problems. I never stop taking notes on everything I accomplish so that next season’s prep is as seamless as possible.
Inspect Tires and Wheels
First, I check the tire tread depth. Deep, even tread helps ensure you’re safe, stable, and in control of your vehicle while on the road. Uneven wear could mean that your tires are improperly aligned or need replacement.
Next up, I inspect the wheel bearings. Be sure you pack it with grease that’s clean and fresh. It shouldn’t ever be muddy or mean and the wheels need to turn quietly without a grinding sound.
A torque wrench is used to set lug nuts to Lund’s specifications—typically 85-90 ft-lbs. If the tires have uneven wear, I rotate them so they all get worn out together at the same rate.
Test Brake System Function
Brake fluid should be nice and clear and filled to the correct line. Contaminated or low brake fluid could reduce braking efficiency. Brake pads and shoes should get a visual inspection.
If they are down to nothing, I replace them. Finally, I test the brake lights and end with a quick drive to ensure that it all stops like it needs to.
Check Lights and Wiring
I put on a blinking clear cellophane light and turn on all the lights—tail, brake, and turn signals. Any frayed wires or loose connectors are addressed immediately, and any dust or corrosion on the plugs is cleaned off.
Burnt-out bulbs immediately get replaced so that I continue to be seen.
Review Frame Integrity
Rust, cracks, or bent crossbeams indicate when it’s time for essential boat trailer maintenance tasks. I scan my welds and ensure that each piece has a robust feel, checking for flexing or weak points.
Examine Hitch and Coupler
The hitch remains tight, and the trailer coupler is aligned with zero play. I ensure all the moving parts are oiled, including the grease zerk, and give the safety chains a good tug to make sure they’re secure.
Check Bunks and Rollers
There should be no rough edges on bunks, and trailer owners must ensure that rollers spin freely without any squeaking or grinding. I re-fabricate and refinish, then test-fit all of them to ensure a tight and safe fit to the fishing boat.
Mid-Season Maintenance Routine
Following a simple maintenance schedule will ensure that any Lund boat trailer stays in peak shape throughout the season. When I schedule routine maintenance, I find unforeseen time savings and avoid make-do repairs that have to happen in a hurry.
At the end of each outing, I try to take a few minutes to do a walk-around. I record my impressions in brief notes, on a written log or a phone program. This step-by-step tracking helps me spot trends, like a tire that keeps losing air or a light that flickers sometimes. Identifying these minor issues ahead of time ensures I’m not scrambling to repair a major issue just before my next outing.
Rinse After Each Use
After every trip home, a thorough wash with salt water alternative precedes any other maintenance procedure. Salt and winter grime is quick to adhere to the trailer’s undercarriage.
I clean the more difficult areas, such as around the axles and springs, with a hose and soft brush. Regular, careful cleaning will help prevent corrosion or paint wear. Allowing the trailer to completely dry out in the sun prevents rust from forming, particularly on bolts and latches.
Monitor Tire Pressure Weekly
Tire Pressure Check
Tire pressure should be checked with a valve-stem gauge at least once a week. I stick to the trailer’s spec, which ensures the safest and smoothest towing.
If I discover a leak leaking slowly, I would patch or replace that tire immediately. I try to rotate the tires every three trips, which greatly increases their lifespan and prevents uneven wear.
Lubricate Key Friction Points
I always take the time to grease the wheel bearings and other moving parts with waterproof grease. Zerk fittings require a new squirt once in a while, so I hit them as I make my routine passes on the vehicle.
Well-greased parts mean you’ll be protected against the harsh effects of rain and road spray.
Perform Quick Visual Checks
Before departing I check each tire, all lights and wiring, and the trailer frame. If I see a cracked wire or broken light lens, I make a note in my maintenance log to replace it in the near future.
These simple, quick checks will go a long way towards preventing any unpleasant surprises.
Fall/Winterizing Your Trailer Guide
Fall means its time for the annual chore of winterizing your Lund Boat Trailer. By preparing while the weather is still nice, you reduce the chance of unexpected repairs and ensure your trailer’ll last through all of your adventures.
This is where a solid fall checklist that addresses each category comes into play—you won’t want to forget any detail. Allowing enough time for each step ensures everything goes easy breezy lemon squeezy. Proper storage ensures that your valuable gear stays in excellent condition until you’re trolling next season.
1. Execute Thorough Cleaning First
Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves to Get a Started With A Deep Clean. Hand wash using a hose and mild soap for the frame and body. If you have stubborn grime, like mud, consider using a soft bristle brush on the underside and surrounding wheel wells.
Choose cleaners according to the material—aluminum-safe for metal, non-petroleum for rubber. It’s important to dry everything, including in concealed areas, to prevent mold build-up and rust formation.
2. Service Wheel Bearings Properly
Remove the wheels if possible and inspect the bearings. Remove all the old grease, inspect for pits or dirt and repack with new grease. Make sure to follow torque specs when reattaching trailer wheels.
If you’re in the market for new trailers, check out best bearings to ensure safe and fun road trips!
3. Prepare Tires for Storage
Pump tires to the appropriate PSI. Put blocks under the tires to prevent flat spots from developing. Inflatable boater $899 inflatableboater.com Slip-on, lightweight mooring covers protect against sun and rain.
A month Do you store your trailer for long stretches of time?
4. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Grease all trailer hinges, including winch gears, and rollers. Read Towing Tips & Tricks Marsh Creek Product that appropriate grease works for most parts.
Inspect for wear and maintain a mental log for the next trip.
5. Protect Electrical Connections Now
Wipe down and inspect trailer plugs, light connections, and battery wires. Coat with dielectric grease and reattach.
Bundle up wires and test all lights before putting the trailer away.
6. Inspect and Protect Frame
Examine your frame and look for any signs of rust or frame cracking. Apply rust guard or touch up spray paint.
Address any weak spots to have a clear plan on record for next year.
7. Choose Smart Storage Location
Choose a dry, covered area – avoid parking on grass. A tarp or cover goes a long way in keeping dust at bay.
Ensure you can access the trailer for inspections.
8. Consider Using a Cover
A tight-fitting, breathable cover will keep the wet, sun, and dirt away, and savvy boaters should inspect their fishing boat cover for rips monthly.
Inspecting Key Trailer Components
A good maintenance strategy for your Lund boat trailer begins with an annual inspection of every component. I recommend scheduling inspections twice a year — at a minimum. I do one before the boating season and another when I put the trailer up for winter.
I write down everything I check so that I can compare for wear or changes over time. This enables me to respond quickly and attempt to maintain the safety of each trip.
Understand Wheel Bearing Health
Wheel bearings are crucial to ensure a smooth ride. I listen for unusual noises such as grinding or check for heat after a brief test drive. These are dead-giveaways that can tip me off to bearing wear.
I further check all seals to ensure they are crack or leak-free, preventing dirt intrusion. If it appears old and/or clear, I will clean it all out and repack with new marine grease. Whenever I see any pitting or roughness, I change the bearings immediately to prevent a roadside failure.
Check Suspension and Axles
Then I inspect all the leaf springs for cracks, excess sag, and check to see that all bolts are tight. Any rust on the axle, even minor or small areas, warrants a treatment with a wire brush followed by a rust-blocking spray.
If the axle is bent or gouged deep, I would prepare to replace it. This provides stability to the trailer, allowing for safe operation both on and off paved surfaces.
Examine the Trailer Frame Closely
I walk the trailer, looking for any noticeable bends or cracks in the frame. We make sure any rust is sanded down and touched up with trailer paint.
If I notice a lumpy weld or a joint that’s becoming loose, I’ll fix it immediately and repeat that as needed to prevent a malfunctioning structure.
Maintain Winch Strap or Cable
I visually inspect the winch strap for frays or cuts, and if the cable is worn out, I replace it. A quick spray of lubricant on any of the moveable joints helps this winch operate without a hitch.
I look for tightness of bolts and mounts, replacing any loose or rusted bolts.
Adjust Bunks and Rollers
Bunks, rollers, or some combination of both support the boat. I adjust their height so that they line up perfectly with the hull, and readjust the height until I get a perfect fit.
Worn brush carpet or cracked rubber on rollers are replaced. Third, I choose this time to grease the rollers so my boat slides on and off without a hitch.
Battling Corrosion Year-Round
Keeping your Lund boat trailer healthy involves fighting corrosion year-round, with real actions. When you focus on preventing issues before they arise, your trailer is in service longer and is safer. Consistently washing your car removes road salt, dirt, and sand that create the perfect environment for rust to form.
Protective coating on the frame, axles and fenders banish corrosion-causing water and sludge. There’s nothing like learning exciting new tricks for preventing rust.
Know Saltwater vs Freshwater Effects
Saltwater is much more corrosive than freshwater, rusting metals at an accelerated rate. When you return from any saltwater excursion, the process isn’t just washing the areas that are stained; you wash the entire trailer. Brake, spring and bolt areas are especially prone to corrosion due to the accumulation of salty residue.
Where possible, you replace components with corrosion-resistant options, such as stainless steel parts and zinc-coated hardware, that withstand salt better. When you tow your trailer in salt, you’re inspecting for fresh rust every time. What begins as small spots can develop quickly.
Compare Galvanized vs Painted Frames
Since the zinc prevents rust, galvanized frames last longer around saltwater. Although painted frames can look very sleek, they require regular maintenance, especially in cases where chips or scratches occur. Painted trailers are more affordable, but you immediately paint over the nicks.
Sure, you could run a galvanized trailer over curbs and abuse it daily, but you’d still look for dull areas or flaking paint. Choose whichever is best suited for your unique local water and roadway use, but both styles require habitual monitoring.
Implement Effective Cleaning Habits
With each adventure, you just rinse off the road grime and winter salty slush with a soft brush and soapy water. The undercarriage is where the majority of filth and muck accumulates, which is why you allow it to soak for even longer.
To continue the practice, pencil in cleaning dates on a calendar or phone app.
Use Quality Corrosion Inhibitors
Good sprays or gels create a barrier that adhere to metal and prevent moisture from reaching it. Once frame, springs, and bolts are clean, spray all three with the solution and rinse with water.
Increase reapplication frequency during wet weather or after saltwater excursions. Look for loss of gloss or tacky areas to determine when to apply additional coats.
Apply Touch-Up Paint Promptly
When paint chips or scratches, you touch up with matching trailer paint immediately. Keep a small bottle stored in your truck or garage so it’s easily accessible.
Monitor your trailer at each wash, and get any bare spots covered with a protective layer before corrosion has a chance to begin.
Beyond Basics: Pro Maintenance Tips
When you expect your Lund boat trailer to look great and tow true, it makes sense to go beyond the basics. Keeping up with the minor details makes a difference. True peace of mind comes from knowing what you should be checking, how often and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
These are a few maintenance steps that help keep your trailer in long-haul and short-haul, highly productive season shape.
Always Respect Torque Specs
Never exceed recommended torque. Stick to the torque specs provided in Lund’s assembly manual on every bolt and nut. This one simple thing helps hubs, wheels and couplers stay tight and safe.
Take it from me—buy a torque wrench and use it every time you re-install parts. It’s a good idea to check the torque on wheel lugs before every trip, including after storing the trailer for the winter. Record those numbers in a notebook or put them into your phone so you’re not estimating next time.
Keep Detailed Maintenance Logs
A quick notepad or spreadsheet on your phone can record each maintenance action you take. Keep track of date, what you repaired, and any unusual sounds or wear you notice.
After a few seasons, these observations make it clearer to you to recognize trends such as repeated rust or the point at which tires start showing excessive wear. Whether you’re upgrading with a shop or going the DIY route, get out your log.
It provides them a picture-perfect view of your trailer’s service history for more efficient and effective repairs.
Know When To Seek Help
Other repairs, such as rewiring electronic brakes or inspecting the axles, require more tools or specialized knowledge than most people possess. Those are pretty easy to find—the local trailer shops or Lund dealers can take care of those.
Developing a strong relationship with a single shop will ensure they’re familiar with your trailer and can catch problems before you—saving you money and heartache down the line. Maintain a network of reliable shops and mobile mechanics on speed-dial, so you are always prepared.
Consider Strategic Upgrades
Consider alternatives such as upgrading to LED lights, or hardware that is resistant to corrosion or upgraded bearings. Innovative technology, such as wireless brake controllers, is making towing easier and much safer.
Schedule multiple improvements to stagger the cost and incorporate them with future directives. Consult with specialists at Lund or your local dealer to help identify the right upgrades to best fit your goals.
Conclusion
Your Lund trailer will travel true with regular maintenance every six months. An easy safety inspection of the tires, lights and trailer frame prevents more expensive repairs later on. Lubricate the bearings, rinse off saltwater, inspect tie-down straps. Preventative maintenance before winter ensures your salt and corrosion exposure is minimal. Cold months can be challenging, but having a dry, protected location and proper cover go a long way. Catch up with fellow boat owners, trade harrowing tales or consult an expert for advice that’s tailored to your lifestyle. A healthy trailer for hassle-free journeys on the road and off it in one go. Protect your equipment, avoid delays on the launch, and keep your time on the water stress-free. Make sure you tackle that next season ready. Don’t fall behind—your trailer will be better for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I inspect my Lund boat trailer?
Inspect your trailer, including the trailer lights and coupler, at least before each trip and before the first trip of the fishing season. Regular inspections catch problems early, ensuring both safety and long-lasting performance.
What tools do I need for Lund trailer maintenance?
At a minimum, savvy boaters will want to have a tire pressure gauge, grease gun, socket set, jack, and corrosion spray on hand. Familiarity with these tools will help you tackle all the major tasks involved in preventive maintenance and emergency roadside repairs.
How do I prevent corrosion on my trailer?
Wash your trailer with fresh water after each use, no exceptions.
Regularly lubricate moving metal components with anti-corrosion spray and routinely inspect for rust to help your trailer last even longer.
What should I check during pre-season maintenance?
Check tires, bearings, trailer brakes, and safety chains. Inspect wheel bearings and perform regular maintenance by lubricating them while looking for rust or detached, loose bolts. This fishing boat tip helps avoid malfunctions or blowouts on the road.
Why is winterizing my Lund trailer important?
Winterizing your fishing boat is crucial for avoiding rust, tire deterioration, and parts freezing up. Follow these essential boat trailer maintenance checklist tips to clean and protect your trailer and other valuable assets from expensive damage and repair.
How do I know if my trailer bearings need attention?
If you hear grinding noises or experience unrealized heat, it’s crucial for boat owners to service your bearings right away. Neglecting these warning signals only leads to unwanted breakdowns and costly repairs.
Can I do Lund trailer maintenance myself, or should I hire a pro?
Most seasonal DIY maintenance, including essential boat trailer maintenance tasks, is well within the abilities of any decent boater, assuming you have the right tools and know-how. For more involved and technical repairs, such as trailer light connections or brake work, speak to a qualified trailer professional for safety and performance.
