Trailers: the bane of the trailer sailor

[Jammer]

I've come to think of trailer maintenance rather like I think of moving house. Over the years, I've come to be more skilled at doing it, but find that my dislike for it has grown.

Technology marches on. They make trailer bearings that are sealed so well that they never need to be repacked. I have them on my Airstream, and they're great. My boat trailer does not have them and they cannot be retrofitted without replacing the entire axle.

No one has invented trailer brakes that will work reliably on a boat trailer for more than a few years. Some people replace theirs every year.

Lights. Modern technology has not delivered a system of trailer lights that does not require constant troubleshooting and maintenance. So far, I'm not having any better luck with sealed LED lights than I am with old incandescent lights. They both fail. The LEDs fail somewhat less often, but when they do, you have to replace the entire fixture, or the pair or set or whatever if you can't find a match to your existing 10 years old ones.

Bah. Humbug.

[chris mac]

https://www.amazon.ca/Install-Magnet.../dp/B004IAOHZ2
These work well if you expect to replace often anyways. Easy and cheap to use and replace. Can't help with the brake issue.
I dont move mine much. After launch I haul empty to my house, only 15 min drive. Over winter I store boat and trailer at the marina, so I don't have to drop the mast.
I haven't actually needed to do anything to my trailer for the last 3 years. I know a few guys that do, but usually because they keep plugged in when they launch. Water and electrical don't mix well.

If you are launching in salt water, I recommend a good fresh water rinse of the under side every time.

[Aswayze]

I feel your pain...

Just replaced both axles last year, all the brakes and the entire suspension. I tend to trailer longer distances so I keep on top of that stuff to keep the on the road troubles to a minimum.