Keep Your Trailer Breakdown Free

o Check your wheel bearings. Tighten them to specifications and grease them as directed in your owner's manual.

o Keep lug nuts on the wheels tighten to the proper torque spec

o Inflate the tires to the PSI printed on the side. If you have to install new tires, always buy ones rated for towing that are equivalent to the originals.

o Clean the wheels and tires - inside and out. Wax wheels inside and out and apply a UV protectant to the inside and outside of the tires to prevent dry rot.

o Check your entire lighting system and all functions to make sure they work.

o Clean and lubricate the trailer coupler. Apply a light coat of grease to the ball cavity.

o Clean, lubricate and check your braking mechanism on the coupler (if so equipped). Follow the procedures in your owner's manual and adjust the brakes and he breakaway system. Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the proper level.

o Clean and lubricate the bow locking mechanism and winch. Replace any broken or worn parts.

o Clean the trailer thoroughly. Touch up the trailer pain (your dealer can provide touch up paint). Rust is your worst enemy, so wax the trailer, especially the fenders.

o Clean the guide bars and remove any marks caused by the boat's rub rail. Lacquer thinner works well. Regularly applying a UV protectant on both the guide bars and the rub rail will help reduce friction and scuffing.

o Clean and lubricate the keel roller ( if so equipped).

o Before you use your boat again in the spring and while the carpet on the trailer bunks is still dry, apply a coat of pure carnauba paste wax to the where the boat rests on the bunks. This will help to decrease friction between the carpet and hull and reduce wear and tear. Be sure to hammer down any loose staples in the carpet on the bunks.

o Check safety chains or cables for rust and wear, and check the attachment to the trailer. When towing, always remember to cross your chains or cables. Do not attach them parallel to the hitch.