Trailer and boat on jacks during winterization

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I read in a magazine earlier today that one should put the boat trailer (with boat) on jack stands to take take the stress off the tire and leaf springs as part of winterizations process. I'm assuming the boat will be on jacks for 4.5 to 5 months or so. Is this normal, necessary or recommended practice? What do yo think?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer and boat on jacks during winterization

Absolutely. Buy two inexpensive jack stands at any store that sells auto parts. Lower the tongue jack as low as it will go. Place the jack stands under the frame behind the rear wheels and then raise the tongue. The wheels should come off the ground. The advantage in doing this is that the bearings will not mark the races, the tires won't take a set, and leaf springs will not sag due to the constant weight. Give the wheels a sping now and then.

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: Trailer and boat on jacks during winterization

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine leaving your boat on a trailer. That dude's advice makes sense though. I'm gonna keep mine on the trailer this winter.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Trailer and boat on jacks during winterization

I put mine on stands for the winter also. It has the added advantage of making the boat harder to steal.<br /><br />It is also a good time to look at the trailer brakes to make sure they are working properly.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer and boat on jacks during winterization

.......... Lower the tongue jack as low as it will go. Place the jack stands under the frame behind the rear wheels and then raise the tongue. The wheels should come off the ground. ............. [/QB]

Don't leave the tongue of the trailer supported by only the tongue jack if you do this, they are not particularly stable. Put an additional jack stand under the tongue and lower the jack until the weight rests on the jack stand. Even better is to use four jack stands. two near the axle and two near where the tongue connects to the trailer. Make sure that the jack stands are rated for the weight of the boat/trailer combination. If the jack stands are placed on asphalt or the ground you will need plywood under them to keep them from sinking.<br /><br />BTW: I've never bothered to do this.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Trailer and boat on jacks during winterization

I forgot to add that I use a small piece of wood between the jack stand and the trailer frame to keep from scratching up the paint.