Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

[Dirty Dawg]

What is the correct way to store a boat on the trailer for the long winter?
With all the boat weight on the trailer and tires should I be concerned about damaging, stressing the trailer?
Would it be wise to block up the trailer off the wheels? If so at one points. It is a aluminum I bar 22 ft tandem trailer by Venture. Thanks Ike

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

The boat lives on the trailer all summer long without damage so sitting on the trailer over winter won't bother it. However, long periods of storage can take a toll on tires and springs so yes, blocking the trailer by the frame takes weight off the springs and tires. Block the frame as close as you can get to the equalizer on a tandem trailer. The front can be supported by the tongue jack. Cover the tires to prevent weather checking.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

Silvertip, thanks for the response, it make sense to me. Sadly, I am new to this, but what is the equalizer on the trailer? Is it the cross members? Should it be blocked in two location on each side on the I beams? Thanks Ike

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

You have a tandem axle trailer. The equalizer is the device that connects the back end of the front spring, and the front end of the back spring. It is an upside down "T". If you study that setup, you will determine that all of the weight is delivered to the springs and hence to the tires through that equalizer. Since that's were the weight is concentrated, you support the trailer as close to that point as you can get. The other option is to use four blocking points on the frame, one centered on each spring (not on the spring -- on the frame).

 

[109jb]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it except to put the trailer on solid footing to keep it from sinking in the ground. If it isn't on pavement, stone, or other solid ground, put a couple boards under the tires. There may be some miniscule benefit to blocking the trailer in the air, but I've never had a problem with any of my trailers. I have 3 single axle boat trailers, 1 tandem axle camper, 1 tandem axle skid steer trailer, 1 tandem axle specialized trailer, and 1 single axle utility trailer in the inventory at the moment and never block any of them up.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

One of the best things you can do for your trailer is to cover the tires to shield them from UV sunlight. Second would be to put wood or something under the tires to keep them from sinking in the dirt and to keep rain from splashing dirt onto the rims and hubs promoting rust.
This is a year round plan though, not just for winter storage. Go to a good RV dealer and buy a set of wheel/tire covers.

If your springs aren't loaded evenly or if their near their max capacity, I'd also consider blocking the trailer, but in most cases it's not needed.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

Thanks all, my thought is that it may be more trouble then good. The trialer is on a solid driveway , so not an issue, but I will get covers for the wheels .

Thanks again all and at least i now know what he equalizer is!!! Ike

 

[180shabah]

Re: Proper winter boat storage to avoid trailer damage

I usually over inflate the tires(60psi) for winter storage to minimize flat spotting.