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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Storing my trailer

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/11/2006 : 10:41:49

I looked through the archives, but get too many hits relating to boat storage. I have a galvanized trailer, and I live in the Pac NW (rain only in the winter, seldom freezes, snow once a year maybe). What I'd like to know is if there is any point to trying to cover my stored trailer with a tarp? It seems like the water is just going to leak in there anyway, that it will be humid under the tarp, etc etc. The C250 trailer has a big mast at one end, so I can't cover that, and it would require effort to come up with tarps that would cover the trailer and still let the mast poke upwards.

Is it worth the effort?

I *do* plan to put the trailer on jack stands. I don't plan to cover the tires, as the trailer spends most of the days in the shade anyway due to trees and endless Oregon clouds.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 11:04:46

I would think that you don't have to tarp the whole trailer, but covering some areas might be a good thing.

With every trailer my Dad owned, during off season storage he would block the trailer and remove the wheels. Doing so prevents deforming the tire from prolonged storage and keeps them out of the sunlight. After inspecting the wheel hubs/brakes and performing any required maintenance, he would then put a plastic garbage bag over each hub to protect it from the elements. Additionally, he would spray the trailer connector with something and put that in a small bag too.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 11:07:14

A good galvanized trailer shouldn't be a problem living outside. You might cover the tires though if you like them. (that's easy to do). Clouds or no clouds they will undergo UV degradation and weathering.

Unless you have rubber-torsion suspension, the springs will rust a bit where the galvanizing rubs off... might spritz them with some diesel.

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 13:31:59

May be a good idea to cover your winch strap, the UV got to mine. I was on a steep ramp and having trouble loading one day. I needed to crank down on the winch pretty hard and when I did, the strap broke about 3 inches from the hook. The strap was a dark blue color everywhere except for the last foot where it was grey and that's where it broke. That's the area that remains exposed to the sun even when rolled up on the winch. So by protecting the strap from the UV it may last longer.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 14:00:52

Kevin, I dont take the tires off but do cover them, winch
and hitch with heavy duty leaf bags and tie up with bungee chords.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 15:59:39

I agree, protect the tires, winch, and springs. You can spray rust preventative on the winch and springs. Taking the tires off is a great idea, if you have a place to put them, and won't get in trouble for having a less than complete trailer sitting there. (Wouldn't get away with that in my neighborhood -- I tried.) Alternatively, covering the tires is good too. The HD trash bag idea is certainly economical. RV accessory sources have fancy tire slip covers up to whatever you care to pay. The tackiest tire covers I've seen were old worn out winter jackets. (You might be a redneck if...)

-- Leon Sisson

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 16:20:25

If you get some small jack stands, you don't have to take the tires off, just take some air out of them after your jacked up a bit. Be sure to refill prior to letting the jacks back down

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2006 : 23:00:22

Thank you.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.