Keep your trailer safe, reliable & warranty-eligible

Quick-Reference Interval Chart

When	Do this
Before EVERY tow (pre-trip)	Tire pressure & condition; lug nuts tight; coupler latched & pinned; safety chains crossed; lights working; jack up & secured; load within GVWR and secured; hitch/ball correct size.
After EACH use (boat/pontoon/watercraft)	Rinse trailer with fresh water (especially after salt/brackish water); check hubs for water intrusion/heat; inspect bunks/rollers and winch strap.
First 10 / 25 / 50 miles (new trailer or after wheel removal)	Re-torque lug nuts to spec at each interval (see Section A).
Monthly / before each trip season	Inspect tires, lights/wiring, coupler, safety chains, jack, springs/suspension, fasteners, frame & welds for cracks or corrosion.
Every 3 months or 3,000 miles	Inspect brakes (if equipped) and breakaway; check bearing play and hub temperature trend; inspect bunks/decking; lubricate hinges, jack, coupler, winch.
Annually or every 12,000 miles	Repack/replace wheel bearings & seals; full brake service; detailed frame, weld, and suspension inspection; replace worn bunk carpet/boards or decking as needed.
Submersion trailers — each season or 2,000 miles	Repack bearings with marine grease; service/verify bearing protectors; inspect seals; more frequent than land trailers due to water exposure.
Tires by age	Replace trailer tires at 5–6 years regardless of tread; inspect spare and keep it inflated.

A. Wheels, Lug Nuts & Tires

Lug nut re-torque (critical). New and freshly mounted wheels settle, which can loosen lug nuts. Re-torque in a star/crisscross pattern, on cool tires, to the specification for your lug size:

• Before first use, then again after the first 10 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles of towing.
• Re-check any time a wheel has been removed or installed, and at every annual service.
• Thereafter, verify at each pre-trip check and periodically during long trips.

Do not over-tighten or use an impact wrench for final torque; finish with a calibrated torque wrench. Use the value on your axle/wheel documentation if it differs.

Lug / stud size	Typical torque (cool, dry threads)
1/2" (most single 3,500 lb axles)	90–120 ft-lb
9/16"	120–140 ft-lb
5/8" (heavier axles)	140–160 ft-lb

Tires. Check cold inflation pressure before every tow and set to the pressure on the tire sidewall / trailer placard. Inspect tread depth and look for cracking, bulges, dry rot, uneven wear, or embedded debris. Replace trailer (ST) tires every 5–6 years regardless of remaining tread — trailer tires age out before they wear out. Keep the spare inflated and serviceable.

B. Wheel Bearings & Hubs

Wheel bearings carry the load and must stay clean and properly greased. Heat and noise are the early warning signs of bearing failure.

Standard (land) trailers — utility, UTV, landscape:

• Inspect bearing play and grease annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Clean, inspect, and repack (or replace) bearings and seals annually, or sooner if play, roughness, discoloration, or contaminated grease is found.

Submersion trailers — boat, pontoon, watercraft: Submerging hot hubs draws water past the seals. Let hubs cool before launching.

• Repack bearings with marine-grade grease at least once each season or every 2,000 miles — submersion trailers need service far more often than land trailers.
• Install and maintain spring-loaded bearing protectors (e.g., Bearing Buddy-style); keep them filled so the hub stays under slight positive pressure to keep water out. Verify the protector spring still moves.
• After each launch/retrieval, feel each hub after a short tow — a hub that is too hot to keep your hand on, or noticeably hotter than the others, signals a problem.
• Replace seals whenever bearings are serviced; cloudy/“milky” grease means water intrusion and requires immediate service.

C. Brakes & Breakaway (if equipped)

• Test brake function at the start of each trip and each season; verify the controller (electric) or surge actuator (hydraulic) operates smoothly.
• Inspect magnets, shoes/pads, drums or rotors, and brake wiring every 3 months or 3,000 miles; full brake service annually.
• Test the breakaway switch and battery before every tow; the breakaway battery must hold a charge to stop the trailer if it separates.

D. Lights, Wiring & Connectors

• Before every tow, confirm running lights, brake lights, and turn signals on both sides, plus the license plate light.
• Inspect the connector and harness for corrosion, chafing, or loose grounds; apply dielectric grease to the connector; secure loose wiring away from tires and the road.
• Submersion trailers: prefer sealed LED lights; rinse connectors after salt-water exposure.

E. Coupler, Safety Chains, Jack & Hardware

• Verify the coupler latches fully onto the correct ball size and is pinned/locked; lubricate the coupler and ball.
• Inspect safety chains and hooks for wear; always cross the chains under the tongue with enough slack to turn.
• Lubricate the jack and check that it raises, lowers, and locks; inspect the tongue and mounting hardware.
• Periodically check all bolts and fasteners (U-bolts, suspension, fender, deck, accessory) for tightness; re-torque as needed.

F. Suspension — Springs, Equalizers, U-Bolts & Shackles

• Inspect leaf springs for cracks, sagging, or broken leaves; check equalizers, shackles, bolts, and bushings for wear and play.
• Verify U-bolts are tight (re-torque during the first service and annually); lubricate shackle/wet bolts where fitted.

G. Frame, Welds & Corrosion

• Inspect the main frame, neck/tongue, cross-members, and all welds for cracks, deformation, or separation — monthly and at every service. Report any structural concern promptly (see warranty).
• Rinse the trailer with fresh water after every exposure to salt water, brine, or road salt; clean off accumulated mud and debris.
• Touch up chips and scratches to prevent rust; keep drain holes clear; address surface corrosion early.

H. Boat, Pontoon & Watercraft Trailers — Bunks, Rollers & Winch

Bunk inspection (each season + every 3 months in use):

• Carpet: inspect for wear-through, tears, or exposed staples that can scratch the hull; replace carpet when the backing or boards show through.
• Bunk boards: check for rot, softness, splitting, or warping (press/probe the wood); replace any soft or cracked board. Treated boards still age — inspect annually.
• Brackets & fasteners: verify bunk brackets, bolts, and supports are tight and not bent or corroded; confirm bunks are aligned to support the hull at the correct points.
• Adjustment: confirm bunk angle/height supports the hull evenly with the boat centered; re-adjust after any modification.

Rollers (if equipped): check keel, side, and bow rollers for cracking, flat spots, or seized shafts; lubricate roller shafts; replace worn rollers.

Winch, strap & bow stop: inspect the winch strap/cable for fraying and the hook for spread or wear; replace a frayed strap. Verify the winch ratchet holds and the bow stop is positioned and tight.

After every launch/retrieval: rinse the trailer (frame, bunks, hardware) with fresh water; check hub temperature and bearing protectors (Section B); inspect lights and connector.

I. Utility, UTV & Landscape Trailers — Decking, Ramps & Tie-Downs

Decking inspection (monthly in use + annually):

• Wood decking: inspect treated-lumber boards for rot, soft spots, deep cracks, splintering, cupping, or raised/loose boards; probe suspect areas. Replace any compromised board; keep boards able to drain and dry.
• Fasteners: check that deck screws/bolts and carriage bolts are tight and not pulling through; re-secure or replace stripped fasteners; watch for raised heads that can snag cargo or tires.
• Composite decking: inspect for cracking, sagging between supports, and fastener security.
• Expanded-metal / steel decking: inspect for rust-through, cracked welds, and trip/snag points; treat corrosion early.

Ramps, gates & hinges: inspect hinges, springs, latches, and assist cables/springs for wear; lubricate hinges and pivots; verify the gate latches securely and the spring-assist functions.

Tie-downs, stake pockets & fenders: inspect D-rings, tie-down points, and stake pockets for cracks or loose welds/bolts; verify load-rating hardware is sound. Check fenders and fender mounts for cracks and tightness.

J. Storage & Off-Season

• Store on level ground; take weight off the tires where possible (or move periodically) to prevent flat-spotting; cover or shade tires from UV.
• For submersion trailers, service bearings before long-term storage and again before the first launch of the season.
• Keep the breakaway/brake battery charged; clean and dry the trailer; lubricate moving parts; protect connectors.

Maintenance Log

Keep records — they support warranty claims and resale value. Track the date, mileage/hours, task performed, parts used, and who performed the work.