Spring Boat Trailer Maintenance Checklist: Get Ready for Boating Season

After months of winter storage, your boat trailer needs some attention before you hit the water. A little preventive maintenance now can save you from breakdowns at the launch ramp and keep your Venture trailer performing reliably all season long.

Here’s your comprehensive spring checklist to ensure your trailer is safe, road-ready, and protected for the months ahead.

Inspect Your Tires

Your trailer tires have been sitting stationary through winter, possibly in fluctuating temperatures. Start here:

• Check tire pressure – Cold weather can reduce pressure significantly. Inflate to the max PSI listed on the tire sidewall
• Look for cracks or dry rot – Inspect the sidewalls and tread for weathering, cracks, or uneven wear.
• Check tread depth – Trailer tires should have at least 2/32″ of tread remaining.
• Inspect the spare – Don’t forget to check your spare tire’s condition and pressure.
• Consider tire age – Even with good tread, trailer tires should typically be replaced every 3-5 years due to UV and weather exposure.

Examine Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are critical for safe towing and are often overlooked until they fail.

• Check for play – Jack up the trailer and grab each wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock. Rock it back and forth. Any looseness indicates bearing wear.
• Listen for noise – Spin the wheel. Grinding or rumbling sounds mean bearing replacement is needed.
• Inspect bearings and grease caps – Make sure they’re intact and properly seated.
• Repack or replace bearings – Before launching this season, repack your bearings with fresh marine-grade grease—especially if they haven’t been serviced since last fall. Throughout the boating season, grease your bearings every 3 months or 1,000 miles, and plan to replace them at least once every 12 months.

Test Your Lights

Corroded connections are the #1 cause of trailer light failures.

• Plug in and test all lights – Check running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate light.
• Inspect the wiring harness – Look for frayed wires, exposed connections, or corrosion.
• Check light lenses – Replace any cracked or broken lenses to keep moisture out.
• Apply dielectric grease – Protect electrical connections from corrosion by applying dielectric grease to your plug and socket.
• Test the ground connection – A poor ground is often the culprit when lights are dim or intermittent.

Inspect the Coupler and Safety Chains

Your trailer’s connection to your vehicle is its most critical safety feature.

• Check the coupler latch – Make sure it opens and closes smoothly and locks securely.
• Lubricate the coupler – Apply grease to the ball socket for smooth operation.
• Inspect safety chains – Look for worn links, rust, or damage. Ensure hooks and latches work properly.
• Test the breakaway system – If equipped, check that the breakaway cable is attached and the battery is charged.

Examine the Frame and Bunks/Rollers

Look over the entire trailer structure for issues that developed over winter.

• Check for rust or corrosion – Pay special attention to welds, bolts, and the tongue area.
• Inspect bunks and carpeting – Replace worn or torn bunk carpet that could damage your boat hull.
• Check roller condition – Spin each roller to ensure they move freely. Replace any that are cracked or seized.
• Tighten all bolts and fasteners – Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can loosen hardware.
• Inspect the winch and strap – Check for fraying on the winch strap and ensure the winch mechanism operates smoothly.

Check Your Disc Brakes

Your Venture trailer’s disc brakes need special attention after winter storage. The most common issue? “Lot Lock.”

Understanding “Lot Lock”

After extended storage, disc brakes can experience “Lot Lock”—a condition where corrosion buildup causes brake pads to freeze to the rotors. This is particularly common after winter storage and can cause tires to skid when you first move your empty trailer.

Before your first tow:

• Push the trailer backward then forward to verify wheels roll freely
• If wheels are locked, try rocking the trailer back and forth to break them free. The tires will have optimal traction on pavement verses grass, gravel or sand.
• For stubborn cases, use a wide-blade putty knife to create space between the rotor and pads
• If the trailer has been sitting for months, brakes may require removal and cleaning

Spring Disc Brake Maintenance

• Test brake operation – Apply the manual override while driving slowly to ensure brakes engage smoothly and release properly.
• Check brake fluid – Inspect actuator fluid levels and look for leaks. Top off with DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid if needed. Brake fluid should be completely flushed and replaced every 1-2 years—if you can’t remember the last time it was done, spring is the perfect time to have
• Set actuator to neutral – After disconnecting your trailer, pull the coupler out or forward to release pressure from the brakes. This prevents keeping the brakes engaged during storage.
• Inspect brake pads and rotors – Look for excessive wear, corrosion, or glazing on pads. Check rotor surface for rust or scoring.
• Check the actuator – Ensure the surge brake actuator operates smoothly without binding or leaking.

Preventing Future Lot Lock

To avoid brake issues next spring:

• Store your trailer in a protected area when possible
• After disconnecting, always set the actuator to neutral position
• Avoid backing uphill into storage, which can lock pressure into the brake system

For detailed information on preventing and addressing Lot Lock, including long-term storage tips, visit our complete guide to disc brake Lot Lock.

Check Moving Parts

Don’t overlook these finishing touches.

• Lubricate all moving parts – Apply grease to the winch, trailer jack, and any pivot points.
• Check jack operation – Ensure your tongue jack cranks smoothly and isn’t bent or damaged.
• Inspect tie-downs and straps – Replace any worn or UV-damaged straps.

Your Spring Launch Checklist

Print this quick reference and keep it with your trailer:

Before First Launch:

• Tire pressure checked and tires inspected
• Wheel bearings inspected/repacked
• All lights tested and working
• Coupler and safety chains inspected
• Breakaway system tested (if equipped)
• Frame and hardware inspected
• Bunks/rollers in good condition
• Winch strap and hardware checked
• Disc brakes tested and Lot Lock checked
• All moving parts lubricated
• Registration and insurance current
• Spare tire inflated and accessible

At the Ramp:

• Drain plug installed in boat
• Boat properly secured to trailer
• Lights disconnected before backing into water
• Safety chains crossed and connected
• Vehicle in park with emergency brake set

When to Call a Professional

While many of these checks can be DIY, don’t hesitate to visit your local dealer if you:

• Notice significant rust or structural damage
• Hear grinding or unusual noises from bearings
• Have brake issues you can’t diagnose
• Find damaged wiring you’re uncomfortable repairing
• Need bearing repacking and don’t have the tools

Make It a Routine

Spring maintenance is just the beginning. Throughout the season, rinse your trailer after each saltwater use, periodically check tire pressure and lights, and keep an eye on bearing temperature after long hauls. These small habits will keep your Venture trailer road-ready for years to come.

Ready to get back on the water? Take an hour this weekend to run through this checklist. Your trailer—and your peace of mind at the launch ramp—will thank you.