Trailer Storage

[uplander]

I store my boat and trailer in an unheated garage in northern Illinois. I was considering jacking the trailer up this year.
Which is better:
1) Jackstands under the axle
2) Jackstands under the frame
3) No need to jack up the trailer

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trailer Storage

#1, IMO. It takes the load off both the tires and the springs.
EDIT: I meant #2.

But I do #3.:redface:

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Trailer Storage

#2. No flat spots and take the load off the springs.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Trailer Storage

#3. Have never jacked up a trailer, ever. Haven't had a single suspension or tire issue because of it. I sometimes toss a chunk of wood under the tires though to prevent it from sinking into the mud in the spring, makes getting the boat out on those early spring days much easier!

 

[Fish'n Lewi]

Re: Trailer Storage

Though I am not 100% convinced, I am with #2 and have no load on the axle, springs, or tires. I just figured I could so why not.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer Storage

I jack under the axle, leave it on axle stands, pull the wheels and store them inside till spring.
Makes it a lot more difficult to steal that way as well. (unless they bring their own wheels)

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Trailer Storage

I take the wheels off so I can easily touch up the paint on the wheels. Then I spray the hub down with fogging oil and put a plastic bag around it to prevent corrosion. This also gives me access to the bearings which I can then repack or replace when the weather is reasonable and I have the time. Obviously I jack up the trailer and put it on blocks.

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: Trailer Storage

I would just let it sit on the tires myself. If it is jacked up for a long time (especially cold weather) and not level or uneven you can tweak the trailer frame. To avoid flat spots, just move the trailer occasionally or jack it up and roll the tire a little. Why do you need to jack it up and take the tires off anyways? I know they say it is a part of "winterzation" but what do you do when the boat sits on the trailer without moving during warmer months? Do you take the tires off and jack it up then? Do you take the tires off lawn or utility trailers when they sit for a long time?

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Trailer Storage

Option #2

I put pieces of plywood under the jackstands so it wouldn't gouge my driveway

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Trailer Storage

I havent considered the issue of 'tweaking the trailer frame'. Whats with that?

I take the wheels off so I can touch up the paint (too cold outside), avoid flat spots, reduce weathering on the tires from being out in the rain and cold, and so I can enclose the hubs in plastic bags to reduce rusting. Also gives me a chance to make sure I can get the lug nuts off when I need to since I have had to struggle with rusted-on lug nuts before. Thats no fun on the side of the road in the rain. I dont think its a big deal to do these things. Its just what I do.

I put it all back together once the weather improves and there is a chance to take the boat out on the lake.

As far as my utility trailer goes, I use it all year on my property and so I just make sure to it park so the tires are on a concrete pad so they dont sit in mud for weeks at a time.

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: Trailer Storage

What I mean by the trailer frame getting "tweaked" is bent. If the trailer is not properly supported for long periods of time it can bend. Even though it is sitting on blocks or jack stands, if one side is higher it can put more stress on the frame and over time it will bend, especially if supported at 4 spots. If you are going to set the trailer on blocks for a long period support it in 3 spots, the tongue and one block on each side behind the axle. With it supported in 3 spots it will not twist if the blocks happen to be uneven. For the wheel bearings, use Aqua Shield grease. Water will not wash it off. It works great on lug nuts too. I painted all my wheels with appliance epoxy paint several years ago and have only had to touch up 1 spot. I sand blasted them first. I usually just check to see if my wheel bearings are loose every 6 months. I haven't adjusted, greased or replaced any bearings in several years. Since I started using Aqua Shield there is no reason to. I also pull my boat (one of 4) about 60 miles daily. I commercial fish.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Trailer Storage

Jeff, I guessin by the pic that a toon, how long is that sucker ??

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trailer Storage

The reason for this: I haven't adjusted, greased or replaced any bearings in several years. Since I started using Aqua Shield there is no reason to.

Is this: I also pull my boat (one of 4) about 60 miles daily.

The best thing you can do is drive them around, just liek running the motors. I understand you can't in some parts of the country.
Also if your spare lies flat on the trailer, cover it; the sun will bake it otherwise.

 

[109jb]

Re: Trailer Storage

I vote #3. At one time I owned 7 trailers at the same time with 3 of those being tandem axle trailers. I have also owned trailers off and on for the last 25 years and have never had any problems related to leaving them on their tires.

 

[outdrsmn82]

Re: Trailer Storage

i fish and hunt out of my boat so i really dont have time to jack it up. i have never jacked it up nor have i ever run into any problems with mine. but i guess if i would let mine sit up that long i would have to jack it up to be on the safe side.

 

[outdrsmn82]

Re: Trailer Storage

Option #2

I put pieces of plywood under the jackstands so it wouldn't gouge my driveway

by the way...that boat is huge.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Trailer Storage

Jeff, I guessin by the pic that a toon, how long is that sucker ??

by the way...that boat is huge.

It's a 24' Starcraft. My wife decided we needed a bigger boat for the dog and a family friend had this for sale. It's the fishing model ( starfisher ? ) with a 115 merc, a 9.9 4 stroke kicker and down riggers. It has a hardtop and a bimini top. I also added an electric trolling motor too.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Trailer Storage

Honestly I have never jacked up the trailer for winter...I"d be concerned about snow on it making it unsteady...I do take the wheels off and do the regular maintenance each spring (greasing bearings...check for water intrusion...adjust drum brakes...put grease on back of wheel where it touches the drum to prevent corrosion)....the most important thing with boat trailers is doing this maintenance...letting it sit on the tires all winter isn't going to cause harm and you probably should replace trailer tires every 5-6 years anyway regardless of mileage...I also spray all the u-bolts...springs...roller pivots...etc with Corrosion X or similar...and for a salt water trailer...it has very litte rust....

 

[mwnitz]

Re: Trailer Storage

#3 works for me. I do it every year with no problems. One thing I would recommend is anti-sieze lubricant on the wheel studs/lug nuts. I do this on all my vehicles and on my boat trailer. Remove one lug nut at a time, brush the lubricant on the threads of the wheel stud, and reinstall the lug nut. It is designed for a very wide temperature range and can handle very high heat (much hotter than it will ever get on your trailer). It's a silver paste that you can get at any local auto parts store. I saw a mechanic in a shop I trust use it on lug nuts. It is messy, so use it sparingly. If you get it on your hands it sticks and transfers to your clothes easily. The next time you will have to remove your lug nuts you will be thanking yourself you applied this stuff.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Trailer Storage

keep in mind anti-sieze reduces torque specs by as much as 20% or more. not impossible to strip out a stud if you torque it to spec with anti-sieze on it, as wheel studs are usually rated for bare metal.