We spend plenty of time thinking about what can go wrong on the water. Sometimes the trip comes unstuck before the boat reaches it.

A boat trailer deals with heavy loads, long periods sitting still, highway speeds and regular saltwater immersion. Spring boat trailer maintenance is your chance to find corrosion, deterioration and loose components at home – not on the side of the road.

1. Start at the coupling

Check that the coupling operates smoothly and locks correctly onto the tow ball. Inspect safety chains, attachment points and rated shackles, then check the trailer plug and cable for damage.

2. Test every trailer light

Confirm the indicators, brake lights, tail lights and number plate light all work. Intermittent operation usually deserves investigation, particularly after a winter of moisture and salt around electrical connections.

3. Look closely at the tyres

Check pressure, tread and sidewalls for cracking, cuts or other deterioration. Trailer tyres can age before their tread wears out. Inspect the spare tyre too, and make sure the jack and wheel brace aboard actually fit.

4. Pay attention to wheel bearings

Listen for noise and check for excessive play or roughness. During a trip, a hub running unusually hot can signal trouble. If you are uncertain, have the bearings inspected and serviced by someone familiar with boat trailers.

5. Inspect the winch and tie-downs

Pull out enough winch strap or cable to inspect it properly. Look for fraying, UV damage, corrosion and damaged fittings. The winch should not be the only restraint holding the boat during road travel, so check the bow safety connection and suitable transom tie-downs too.

6. Check rollers, skids and supports

Inspect rollers, skids, brackets and mounting hardware. Make sure the hull is supported correctly and nothing has shifted, seized or deteriorated while the trailer was parked.

7. Give the brakes proper attention

Where brakes are fitted, inspect and maintain the system as required. Saltwater is hard on braking components. Rinsing helps, but it does not replace regular inspection and servicing.

Make the road part of the boating plan

Trailer maintenance may never be the glamorous part of boating, but it is what gets the glamorous part to the water. Work from the coupling to the tail lights before your first long spring trip.

Need parts, maintenance products or practical advice? Talk to your local Boating & Outdoors marine experts, or read our Road to Water Trailer Safety Checklist and browse trailer accessories online.