If you plan to keep your boat on a trailer for winter or other long-term storage period, it’s a good idea to block up the trailer. This takes the strain off the suspension system and deters tire rot and flat-spotting, saving you money and extending the longevity of your trailer and its components, whether you store your boat trailer on a paved surface or not.
This also thwarts would-be thieves, who’d have a hard time stealing your boat and trailer without wheels. At the same time, it gives you a good opportunity to thoroughly inspect and, if necessary, replace or rebuild components such as the brakes, wheel bearings, hydraulic surge actuator, trailer lights, suspension system and more.
Blocking the trailer is a relatively simple process, provided you have the right tools and equipment. Here’s how to get it done, using a tandem axle holding a 25-foot deck boat as an example.
Getting Started
Skill Level: 2/5
Time to Complete: 3 Hours
*3-ton floor jack ($97.99, harborfreight.com)
*Four 2¼-ton adjustable height jack stands ($14.99/pair, sears.com)
*20-inch star lug-nut wrench ($18.99, autozone.com)
*2-by-14 solid lumber for support under jack stands
*Four wheel chocks ($10.99 each, westmarine.com)
*Chain and shackles
Quick Tip: When you put the wheels back on and lower the trailer frame next season, the chains supporting the axles will also automatically loosen up again, making them easy to remove.
Off-Season Maintenance
With the trailer wheels removed and the frame on jack stands, now is a good time to inspect the trailer for needed maintenance and repairs. Here are some of the critical items
to check.
Corrosion
Use a wire brush to remove spots of rust, then thoroughly clean with denatured alcohol and apply two coats of corrosion-inhibiting primer. Finish off with a coat of paint that matches your trailer.
Lights
Check and replace any wires or connections that look frayed or corroded. If there are multiple repairs, it might be easier to run an entirely new wiring harness. Now is also a good time to replace any burned-out lights.
Bearings
Pull off the wheel hubs and inspect the bearings and seals. If in doubt, replace them. Repack with fresh grease.
Brakes
Check the brake pads and replace them if they have less than 1/8-inch of useful life left. Have drum brakes turned. If disc brakes are scored, have them turned as well.
Coupler/Surge Actuator
Make sure the coupler is in good condition and that the surge-brake actuator operates properly and is free of leaks. Check the brake lines for leaks too, and replace any that show excessive corrosion or look faulty. Top off the system with brake fluid.
Bow Winch
Check the winch to make sure it is operating properly and that the winch strap or cable and bow hook are in good condition.