We all have tow behind trailers. Some haul boats, wood wagons, wheelers, or whatever we need towed. Many of these trailers sit in the field until needed. Few are under cover or protected. Whenever we want to use these rigs, we expect them to work, but…
Many of the first curse words that I learned came from folks trying to back up trucks, to hook onto a trailer. Getting the ball to the hitch is where the foul language starts. “A little left, a little right, back a little, forward a little, Kiss my little a–“.
Once the hitch is in place, the second chapter of cuss words begins when the wiring is connected. Nothing works, wires are busted, rust in the connectors, you need a flat 4 not a round 7, ground wires are gone or corroded. “ #^*$%@$!!!!
Oh, and let’s not forget the flat tires, rotten decks, and bad ungreased, burnt out wheel bearings. Once you have all these things fixed, you are pretty much ready to go. You are also probably hoarse from cussing, yelling, and screaming.
This was the case with my Son in Laws drift boat. The unused boat and trailer were parked in the middle of a field filled with portable toilets! His friend let him keep it there. The boat was filled with water, dead bugs, drowned mice, a dead bird, grass, and a torn tarp. After getting the water out, I was able to hook up. The hitch head was rusted and would not close onto the ball. Wiring was ok but both trailer lights were history. A dog had previously ripped out the wiring and my SIL replaced the wiring inside metal tubing. No anchor or rope in place. The metal brace to hold the boat up, to drain, was gone. There was one broken oar. Tires had 10 pounds of air, but the spare was flat. I was able to drive the rig to my home by using the back roads.
Now, my Son in Law is no slouch when it comes to repair, maintenance, and work. As a farmer, he works hard and simply does not use the boat often. There are priorities.
Once home the work began. Air in the tires, new bulbs, repair the corroded grounds, added a new anchor rope and anchor, new Sawyer oars, repair the spare, unstick the hitch head mechanism, and repair a side roller. After this, it is time to launch.
Finally, I needed to test the lights. I asked Montana Lin to help. My “right lights were not working correctly. They are white, and the left ones are red.” I had not returned the red lens cover until I made sure the lights worked. Oh well.
Maybe think about this story before you store your boat trailer for the winter. Find a space in your garage or shed. Secure a decent tarp to cover the rig. Take the weight off the tires. Cover and protect the lights, connections, and vulnerable fixtures.
If you expect the trailer to work, a little planning, preparation, and maintenance is needed. You will appreciate this effort when it is time to take a spontaneous trip. Give your rig some love and it will love you back.
Hook up and have fun!
Montana Grant
For more Montana Grant, hook up at www.montanagrantfishing.com.
