While both galvanized and aluminum boat trailers are meant to get wet, there are contaminants in all types of water that you’ll want to get off as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to do to keep your LoadRite boat trailer in the best possible shape.
Wash Your Boat Trailer
Most people know that it’s important to wash your trailer after you use it, no matter if it’s a galvanized or aluminum boat trailer. This is especially important if you’re dipping your trailer in saltwater, when you’ll want to not only rinse it off but also give it a good soapy scrub. Get into every nook and cranny of your trailer in order to get every last bit of contaminant out, because, as it’s often said, “saltwater eats everything.” Wash the tires, wheels, brakes, coupler, lights, cables…everything!
And let’s not forget about stowaways. Giving it a good wash is a great way to ensure that you’re not transferring harmful creatures from one body of water to another.
Dry It Thoroughly
Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes that boat trailer owners make is to put their trailer away wet. They might think that aluminum or galvanized steel is completely immune to the effects of water, but they’re forgetting that a boat trailer is so much more than just the frame. After you’ve giving your boat and trailer a thorough wash, leave it to dry in the sun for a while. Better yet, take it for a drive afterwards so that the wind can dry it off, then leave it out in the sun some more. Check the areas in shadow to make sure they’re dry before putting it in storage.
When you wash your boat trailer properly, you’re ensuring that you’ll make your trailer last longer and increase its resale value. (After all, someday you’ll get a bigger boat, and then you’ll need a larger LoadRite boat trailer!) You’re also making your trip to the water safer every time you drive.