How to Maintain a Trailer's Coupler

Boats are a lot of fun--and a lot of work. As every safe boater knows, a little preparation prevents a lot of headaches. The same is true for your trailer, especially the coupler. This locks the trailer to your automobile's hitch and keeps it from rolling away and destroying your boat. You can see why maintaining the coupler is so important.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with all the parts of the coupler and what they do. Every coupler should have a locking device, safety chains, a cotter pin, a brake system and in many cases an emergency brake lock.

2. Begin by inspecting the safety chains. If your lock fails, these will keep the trailer connected to your truck and prevent it from getting loose and ruining both boat and trailer. Look at each link to make sure it is not rusted or cracked. Replace chains that are worn in any way.

3. Inspect the trailer's locking device. This is the part that fits over the hitch and is the primary mechanism for keeping the trailer connected to the truck. The collar should move up and down freely; if it does not, lubricate it. Make sure it fits snugly over the hitch's ball. Adjust the screw on the bottom of the coupler if necessary.

4. Test the cotter pin for rust and cracks. This pin locks the mechanism in place and prevents the trailer from coming unhitched. If the pin appears rusted, consider replacing it.

5. Pull the brake fluid's dipstick. It's important that your brakes have enough fluid to help stop the weight of the boat and trailer. If the fluid is low, add the appropriate amount.

6. Find the trailer's emergency lock and check its connection to the brakes. This attaches to the truck and, if the trailer comes loose, activates a cable that pulls the brakes tight so the boat doesn't go free.