Lifestyle

How to Maintain Your Boat Trailer

Published

4 years ago

August 15, 2020

Owning a boat trailer requires great responsibility and maintenance. Avid fishermen understand that proper care, before and after a trip, is essential in avoiding any long standing issues.

Here are 5 simple steps to maintain your boat trailer, without the help of a professional.

Keep it Clean

When it comes to maintenance, the most basic task is to keep things clean where appropriate. Dirt on a boat trailer can lead to serious damage. Having a dirty bilge may stop you from spotting fuel leaks and lead to clogged pumps. Dirt accumulation on the canvas and upholstery of the trailer allows the growth of molds. These are just a few examples of prevention by cleaning. A simple wash and wax will do the trick.

On steel trailers, there is the tendency for rust to appear in areas that are not easily accessible. Regularly inspecting your trailer helps flag such problems before they arise. Paying close attention to the insides of the trailer, the area around the brakes, callipers, bolts, joints, and welds, will timeously help to contain rust issues. With the use of a jack, you can easily inspect underneath the trailer. A little spray and regular clean, will keep the rust at bay.

Keep your Bearings Happy

Maintaining trailer wheel bearings can add years to the life of your trailer boat. For efficiency, your bearings should be changed at least once a year. You can check for wear and tear by removing the bearings and thoroughly inspecting them.

If your bearings show signs of being defective, it’s best to replace them. Otherwise, clean them until they are free of dirt and moisture, re-pack with grease and re-seal. When everything has been re-assembled, turn the wheels and check for any unusual movement or noise. A wheel with healthy bearings should turn without any sound. Should you experience any rocking or wobbling, it is best to give them a tighten.

While you’re at it, give the shaft(s) of the axle a fair amount of grease.

With all the weight carried by the axle resting on the bearings, you can imagine how difficult it would be to turn the wheel if the bearings aren’t smooth and slippery. Both grease and oil serve the same function inside the hub by minimising friction and transferring heat away from it.

Check Your Tyres

Tyre problems are common causes of trailer breakdowns. Develop the habit of always checking your tyres before use.

Telltale signs include rusty or damaged tread and deformed side walls or bulging. Look out for tyre abnormalities especially if the trailer hasn’t been used in a while.

Check the air pressure and inflate as suggested by a trailer professional. Make sure the tyre rims are in good condition as the risk of a blowout is increased, if a rim is damaged.

Inspect Trailer Parts Regularly

So as not to overlook anything, make sure you check all the parts of your boat trailer.

Carefully check the following:

Truck Receiver
Plugins
Truck Ball

You should also inspect your led lights to ensure there are no water leakages. This is a bad sign and should be taken care of as soon as possible. To avoid any wiring issues, use wire wrap on your wires, this will shield them from the elements. Check your connectors to make sure they don’t tear and should you feel they need a clean, simply use a cotton swab.

For every trip, check your trailer. They are constantly exposed to harsh conditions and elements such as salt water when launching your boat. Professional trailer boat dealers will provide you with a daily maintenance schedule to follow. This is usually in line with the manufacturer’s requirements.

All these things are critical and should be taken seriously when properly maintaining your boat trailer. In doing so, you will avoid any unforeseen problems along the way.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.