GET BACK ON THE WATER...
Deciding between restoring your old boat trailer or buying a new one? Choosing to start a restoration project means you'll save a significant amount of money, be more environmentally friendly and who doesn't get satisfaction out of a little DIY. Refreshing your trailer is super easy, we've created this 3-step quick guide to help you get started...
ASSESSING THE WORK
Saltwater is the enemy when it comes to rust and erosion, so boat trailers can be a recipe for disaster, but with a little help from this TrailerTek guide you can turn back the clock and make your tired looking trailer the talk of the boat ramp! Step one, assess. When you're assessing the extent of the work, you need to look out for these things:
Rust
Boat trailers are especially prone to rust due to exposure to harsh environments. If you spot any rust, use a screwdriver to chip at it and see how deep it runs. Trailers are most prone to surface rust which is easily managed, however deeper rust can result in structural failure so it is important to repair areas of weakness.
Moving Parts
Over time, carrying your boat will take a toll on your running gear. It's important to check your bearings, wheels, hubs and mudguards along with other key components like suspension and axles to see if any need replacement. This should be done at least once a season, especially if longer journeys are to be made. Bearings should always be well-greased and serviced annually to keep them in top condition.
Rollers, Buffers & Skids
All of these need to be in top condition for efficiency and safety. If you see any cracks or hardened parts, replacing them is key. Correctly running rollers and skids will also ensure smooth launching and recovery of the boat at the boat ramps.
Lights, Couplings & Jockey Wheels
Check if these are still working well and are intact. If not, try to repair them. However, if any of these already look badly beaten, don’t hesitate to replace them for your safety.
Shop Lights, Couplings & Jockey Wheels
THE WORK
When it comes to cleaning your trailer, smaller areas of damage may just require sanding by hand, however for larger areas sandblasting is definitely the way to go. Sandblasting services can be found online. Or if you have your own spray from the outside in a circular pattern using a high-pressure cleaner.
After cleaning you'll probably want a fresh paint job. It is worth considering powder coating, this provides a hard, durable finish that is very resistant to scratches and damage compared to traditional paint.
Once you've chosen which parts need replacing, it's worth remembering that this is the perfect time to not only refresh them but maybe upgrade them. For example, investing in a puncture proof launching wheel.
ACCESSORIZING
After cleaning, replacing the parts and painting, it’s now time to add the finer details. Some of the accessories you can add are:
Bumper covers
These will provide extra protection for the trailer and the boat.
Ratcheting hooks
This add-on helps the boat remain steady and stable during transit.
Wheel clamp
Another great add-on to prevent movement or access to the wheels.
We hope this helps when it comes to giving a new life to your trailer, if you need more technical help in finding a replacement part then please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
