10 Boat Trailer HACKs

[@Follower_of_The_Word]

1000% Agree on the ratcheting boat tie downs! I’ve had em for years and it is a definite time-saver and more secure.

[@bradscottbutler]

Thank you! I’ve been boating for 35 years. It’s nice to see a list like yours for something I always overlook. Retractable tie downs and the abrasive tape for stepping on trailer.👍

[@Callmestick103]

The tie downs are pretty good but expensive and they don't last forever. My boats came with them but I added them to my ATV trailer. In my experience they last about 5 years but they are totally worth it.

[@mrz6462]

I also lock the safety chains so they are too short to hook onto a hitch. A thief can wrap the chains around their hitch so the locked coupler hangs in the air as they drive away with your trailer.

[@scottgarbs7761]

Great video! One thing I added was a bright, submersible, LED back up light. It really helps backing up in the dark....even when you're stuck looking through those annoying passenger side mirrors.

[@chrissewell1608]

I grew up in our family owned, boat business ("Sewell Marine", in Newnan Ga. - free plug!) And you are spot on, with all your upgrade tips / hacks! I might even add, not all boat trailers are Drive On trailers. You can buy the Drive On (side) Bunk Board Kits, which can be added to most trailers. Which help to line you boat up perfectly, when loading it, at the boat ramp. And a Boarding Ramp, can be mounted along the trailer tongue. Those allow you to Safely walk down the frame of the trailer, and push the boat off the trailer! (These are used mostly on Jon Boat Trailers,with a long trailer tongue!)

[@yoshisaidit7250]

agreed m8

[@charlesdriggers199]

I did not know Sewell Marine was still open.

[@jimjordan5630]

I lived on Hickory Dr in Newnan in the late 1980's.

[@jasonjackson329]

I didn’t know there was different bunks far as Drive On kinds. But that walk plank board. I’ve been actually building out a PWC. I took a Triton Double PwC. Shifted the winch / bow stop to the center. Made new bunks with LEDs embedded in the bunks. And been trying to figure out what’s best to use for the walking planks. I want to be able to walk on either side of it but not sure what’ material is best to use

[@chrissewell1608]

@@charlesdriggers199 Yes Sir! Still in business, since 1976! My Father, who started the business is still there. My Brother and his son are there too!

[@gr0uch02a]

+1 for the Boat Buckles. Probably my favorite addition to the trailer so far, aside from swapping out the old lights for bright LEDs.

[@FishinNStuff]

I agree 👍

[@BennettBuilt-yu2gw]

I picked up some stainless ones since I fish in the salt from time to time. They are awesome since they will pull in any slack should you hit a bump and normal straps could come loose a little.

[@jeffrude135]

I am a big fan. Put a smile on my face every time. Learn a lot of neat stuff from your videos. Keep em comin.

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you very much Sir

[@outofbounds218]

I also added a Drotto latch and love it Keith. Keep these awesome hacks coming

[@jasondeansmith79]

Tie down is the best thing I’ve invested in.

[@user-ht4fb9jp1f]

Always a great video!! Those rear boat tie down straps are the bomb!!!

[@darrellcollins877]

i was hoping to see you back your boat and trailer into the neighbors pools and demonstrate the guides ! LOL

[@hkc6817]

Another great video! The spare tire cover was a nice improvement. Remember to add checking your spare tire to your fishing check list, especially if you cover it up.

[@MisterWolf8888]

The “spurr turr” hack was a good one thanks for sharing

[@loriebriarton2285]

Great ideas!! Love the video...as always!! Even enjoyed Cranky's smart a$$ jokes😂. Really liked them retractable rachet straps! Appreciate all you do!

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol he's a Cranky Crankbait ain't he lol

[@erich4647]

Boat buckles are ......awesome

[@turdferguson5300]

Tow hitch hack number 11. I did this in 1992 and still have the same hitch today so I think it may work. Since my trailers fit a 2" or 1 7/8" ball that's the two sizes that I used. Using a standard hitch get one ball with male bolt type threaded and one ball with female internal threads, put Loctite on the threads and tighten them on the hitch. Today they make multi ball hitches but in 92 they didn't. The heaviest boat I pulled was a Ranger Comanche but I've never an issue with the hitch. We had to make a lot of things back then.

[@joesummers9864]

You were 100% right on putting those locks on trailers I'm just saying

[@jay-717]

Thanks again keith , always giving us tips and info . Good job as always. Nice video

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you

[@bretburt7317]

My number one trailer hack is to install 2 sets of trailer guide-ons, then connect the 2 (horizontally) with a 2x10 at the appropriate height. Done right, it self centers the boat on the trailer. Wind or current doesn't matter. I've done it on two Pontoons, a Bass boat and a Jon boat. Saves me grief every time. On the Bass boat and Pontoon, it made getting the boat on the trailer a breeze in 7+mph current! Not easy with a Pontoon otherwise. My Dad was amazed how much easier it made the process. The first set was even coated in black Line-X. It looked bad ass. Good video and I agree with you on the Boat Buckles! Love mine.

[@jessejames1973]

Good idea for the pontoon thx. I have issues with windy area and my toon lol

[@choimdachoim9491]

After watching at least a hundred videos of people at boat ramps I've been wondering why they don't do as you suggest. It seems like a no-brainer. Another idea I don't understand why people don't do is a dash-cam so the operator can see their target winch as they're loading out.

[@nrfishinman009]

I don’t have a boat but I’d like one. We sure do like your videos no matter what they are about. Great stuff Keith!

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you so much for watching them .

[@tomballard4794]

The best boat to be on is somebody's else's.

[@nrfishinman009]

@@tomballard4794 I agree 100%!

[@martelvonc]

Thanks for another informative video. I never fail to learn somethin' new.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I'm not sure about submersibles, Keith... That one submersible on the news last month didn't work out too well. LOL.

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol 😁

[@markmeier4206]

Lol. That submersible’s problem it wasn’t from harbor freight!

[@bassmedic]

😂😂😂

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@markmeier4206 that submersible's problem was it wasn't built by KEITH!

[@kevinkelly5430]

I'm guessing the batteries died in the controller of that submircible 😂

[@75novaguy73]

We always unplug the boat lights from the truck before backing into the water. It helps.

[@championplayerdo7604]

I actually used to do that until I got LEDs on one of my trailers... submersible of course

[@kasperaquatics]

I don’t even have a boat or trailer and I absolutely loved this video and hacks. Thank you.

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you very , that really makes me want to get started on my next video . I appreciate that

[@iainhetherington4608]

Great hacks mate the boat buckles are great for about 3 yrs then the tiny springs rust out and you can’t get replacements and I probably would put that anti slip on your tongue you wouldn’t be able to taste anything Cheers from Aus

[@craigviers2973]

My boat trailer had backup lights in the tail lights . I mounted small white LED light bars to the back frame and tied them into the taillight wires. Easy to backup at night.

[@Leightr]

My ancient trailer has a few bits of pressure treated lumber in it's construction. My trailer guide-ons are two of the orange fiberglass rods you can buy to mark the edge of your driveway. I drilled out to appropriate sized holes put 'em in when I'm at the ramp. The newer pickups seem to have taller tailgates and I absolutely agree that having the rods to mark the edges of the trailer is a huge help when backing down the ramp. A side benefit of the fiberglass rods in that while they are strong enough to guide the boat onto the trailer they are flexible enough to bend out of the way if you inadvertently catch them on a log or pier edge.

[@davemaier2563]

My 2 additional hacks are submersible back up lights, great for parking at night plus they let other drivers see that you are backing up, and a self centering lower/front keel roller it centers my boat perfectly every time.when I power load or winch. I have every hack you mentioned except for the guide posts. I don't really need them because i keep a foot of my bunks out of the water to aim for, plus the trailer centers the boat perfectly everytime. Great video though, very informative!

[@d3ni5tp]

Wrap some reflective tape around the cap and you will be able to see them fine as long as your reverse or brake lights are illuminated.

[@johndalton6453]

Your videos Rock and your energy and enthusiasm is Awesome. Keep em coming!!! Thank You so much..

[@tomballard4794]

Heres a hack for the tongue of the trailer. Paint it a light color. This way you can see it better when you backup in your backup camera.

[@manuelfuertes5875]

Love the lure

[@daniellecrawford6933]

One of my favorite channels and I don't fish I don't drive I don't have a boat but I still love this channel and all the hacks. Thanks

[@sk8trcm1]

West marine sells a light kit that mounts on top of 2” pvc pipes. Made my seavolt and they give a second set of full functional trailer lights up high where they’re more visible.

[@armedmariner]

Love ur videos man. Always something to help us country boys out with. I like them retractable boat tie downs! That’s the cat’s azz.

[@FishinNStuff]

They are the best upgrade I've done so far on my boat trailer

[@markmeier4206]

Nice video Keith! That weird looking green mouthy guy is getting out of control!!!😂😂😂. Need to take him snipe huntin!

[@jeffreyneely9283]

Thanks for the info ,as always a great video. 😊

[@rudder645]

Hack 11. Harbor Freight has some heavy duty peel and stick rubber mat. Getyasum of dat and trace around your license plate cut to fit and stick it on the back of your license plate. Drill you sum holes where the screws go and then zip tie it into place. Now you have a heavy duty sturdy license plate that hinges without a hinge. Works great on mine

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

..I like all your video's ... but I Love Cranky's humor !! ..

[@prestonrussell605]

Great bunch of hacks , thanks for sharing them with us!

[@gonefishn1975]

All the videos are great, haven't missed any.

[@georgethompson5459]

You can also mount the taillights at the top of the guide-ons that way the lights are not in the water.

[@chrissewell1608]

I was thinking that same thing, when he mentioned getting the tube topper, marker lights. And submersible marker lights along the trailer, help loading at night.

[@JCASTELLUCCIOJR]

Whole heartedly recommend drilling a 1/4” hole in the cap of the guide poles…prevents the “capped-tube/guide will float off metal guide IF submerged even half submerged!

[@cancelchannel3394]

I enjoy watching all of your videos 😊

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you

[@SandmannOZ]

If you mount a stub axle where your spare tyre holder is you can mount a spare hub with a new set of greased bearings on it, then mount your spare tyre on the hub. No more having to carry spare bearings/hub in your car in case you need them... just unbolt the spare hub and swap it out. It's also funny as hell when someone tries to stand on your spare tyre to climb onto your boat and it spins on them.

[@sciguyjeff]

You beat me on the lights for the boat guide, if you don't want to worry with lights, get some reflective tape and put on them. For mine, I bought some LED strip lights and put one on each one (red) and wired them into my trailer lights and turn signal. This way, they acted as additional turn signal lights and when parked, lit up each pole. I also find that installing a second pair closer to the front of the trailer will help guide in and center the boat on the trailer. Speaking of reflective tape, I run a strip down the sides of the trailer too. That way the peanuts running through parking lots at night can't complain they didn't notice the trailer before they hit it. One other suggestion, get a cheap, blue tooth back up camera and put on the back of the boat. Tremendous help backing up boats.

[@davidfuentes7855]

Good idea. Thanks for the tip.

[@johnnymissfire8464]

I tied my rear led lights for casting at night to the reverse lights in my truck so i can backup without guessing what's behind me at night. And the retractable straps are simply amazing but a close #2 to backup lights.

[@AndTodaysProjectIs]

I like to also drop a little weld bead on the trailer tongue where that last 2-inch receiver section is bolted on. That way someone can't just easily remove a couple bolts, slap on a quick trailer tongue and take off with my boat. First they have to get through the welds which usually they're not expecting.

[@CatfishWeekly]

Another winner Keith!!!!

[@pawsnazzy01]

Another fine video Sir. You always give me ideas.

[@kentwicker6818]

I agree with the boat buckles, love them! On my second set because i wanted to see how long it would take salt water to destroy the steel ones 😁, 2 seasons. Now i have rhe stainless that have been on a few seasons now.

[@billjamison2877]

Great ideas buddy! Thanks for making this useful video.

[@russhayes4882]

Be easy on Cranky because he is awesome! Know what I'm saying !!

[@sherrybeaubien7007]

I sure have enjoyed your videos, been following for about a month. Keep up the good work!!

[@spencer6764]

Thanks Keith 👍 🤣🤣

[@timothystacy6509]

I bought a led light strip that goes under your tailgate and put it on my boat trailer and there are awesome especially when backing up because it has the back up lights, I just cut the plug off and wired into the trailer lights only had to run a wire for the reverse lights

[@samdoe5087]

On the trailer locks. Any of them that use a lock like that gold one can be easily defeated by reaching under the hitch and unbolting the mechanism and bolting in a spare one. On some trailers the whole hitch piece is bolted to the frame and can easily be removed and replaced. Chain the wheels to the frame. A tip for the trailer driver, open ALL of your windows and turn the damned radio off. I have seen many times when a disaster was about to happen and people were screaming at the driver to stop, but they could not hear them and boom.

[@Callmestick103]

Locks only keep honest people honest. Any one that shows up with tools is taking your trailer no matter what you do.

[@chatjocc6180]

Awesome hacks as always! Thanks for sharing!

[@kwood2523]

I put reverse lights on my boat trailer. Helps when backing down dark boat ramps.

[@LivinWith3M]

Absolutely Awesome video! 🤝🏻

[@dirtybuzzard5977]

Now that was a good video Trailer.👍👍 Keep’em coming Sir

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol

[@CryptoGhostie]

Boat trailer hack #11 Install waterproof LED strips light on the side of your trailer bunks. That way when you fish at night it makes it much easier to line your boat up to the trailer. I used some 1'' aluminum angle an stuck the LEDs to the aluminum👍

[@alecfullgraf3691]

Great stuff! Love your videos super funny and great tips!

[@markwestphalen6008]

Put a golf ballot top of the metal guide-on post and the pipe will rotate freely.

[@markwestphalen6008]

Golf ball on top.

[@BoringFisherman]

I work with boat trailers for a living. I agree with 9/10 hacks here. Everything but the bearing buddies. Anyway. Great video.

[@FishinNStuff]

I can't use em on my trailer. What don't you like about ?

[@BoringFisherman]

@@FishinNStuff I personally just don't like them. They are "snake oil" in my opinion. I prefer the easy lube spindles. They actually grease the bearings.

[@Callmestick103]

Solid Video. You should look into Oil Bath hubs. My last boat was almost 20 years old when I changed the oil in them and it was because I was worried about it, not because I had any issues. IMO they are a much better option for boats.

[@kevinr99]

Great video I have already been using some of them, locks, boat buckles and I will be adding track paper today! One more suggestion for #11, adding an Anti Rattle bracket to the trailer hitch.

[@922crappiebbq8]

Always awesome and entertaining keep up the great work and tips

[@robwinemiller9712]

one habit i got into years ago, weather you have regular lights or led, most folks will stop to get out, undo the straps, prop motor for the water, always unplug your lights from the truck, that way they cool down some. just good habit i think to get into. then when done for the day and loading and strapping boat and motor, plug them back in. easy job.

[@FishinNStuff]

I always did the samething . That's way I bought LED lights I have never poped a bulb since

[@KC2003-sn2rt]

I couldn’t tell at first if you said square tire or spare tire….that right there, that raised an eyebrow

[@cch3483]

The SeaArk dealer at 3:48 looks like Cook's in Troy, MO. Fun to see our local shop in your video.

[@guyh.4553]

Another good video Keith! Another good reason to get a tire cover is to protect your tire from UV light. 😁😁

[@davidharris4030]

Always professional videos! Thanks

[@3falexchina]

Great Hacks! Watching you from Kazakhstan) Thank you for video!!!

[@shuppr]

Received a 12 ft Jon boat which is a pelican intruder (plastic) for christmas. Do you have any boating hacks for it. such as how to mount rod holders, fish finders, etc.

[@floyd6545]

PVC leather? PLEATHER! That's what we used to call vinyl car seats.

[@manuelfuertes5875]

Stairs are awesome

[@thomastirolflorida5363]

Hack number 11...put that bolt back in on your trailer tongue thats missing. Fun video !

[@greenpighunter6930]

Best boat trailer hacker is white back up lights. I can always see where I'm backing.

[@olegoat6226]

Just ordered some Boat Buckles. Your channel is detrimental to my bank account...and my wife doesn't like you either...lol. Keep the vids coming brother, love em all!

[@chrissewell1608]

Mrs. Fishin N' Stuff, did a great job with that tire cover. I was impressed. She is Awesome! You should get her to add your Logo & KZbin symbol to it to, if possible!? Free advertising while at the boat ramp!

[@FishinNStuff]

She is awesome lol . That's a good idea

[@DHW448]

You missed one of my favorite add-ons I did to my trailer. Upgrade the hand wench. I put a larger wench on mine and love it. It pulls my 19ft. Ranger up like it was a kayak. When I load my boat on the trailer. I dont have to use the outboard after the boat no longer floats. So you will never blowout a ramp. Its been so worth it to me.

[@FishinNStuff]

I like that

[@BURNETTWEALTHGROUP]

I just your fish counterpart 😂😂

[@donmers3160]

I love your channel!! I have a older Chris craft cuddy 21' not having any tracks to rod holders on. Have any ideas how to make holders. Where I was thinking mounting the is on the ski Deck at the rear of the boat. Any ideas would be appreciated!

[@johnstrain240]

If you fish by yourself a lot and automatic latch to catch the bow ring is worth its weight in gold. The “Drotto Boat Latch” or the “Ramp & Clamp” are two of them.

[@mattwaters6987]

These are awesome hacks! Thanks!

[@richarddowner4292]

PVC Leather, we call=== PLEATHER (pronounced, PA-LEATHER= Plastic leather) 😂🤣🤣😂 For real.... Love your videos and you DAD JOKES! Thank you for your time, and thank you for the videos. THUMBS UP 👍👍👍

[@bigdaddydh13]

Awesome stuff!

[@DillyDillyBar]

Nice list! Thanks for the info!!! Great video sir!

[@JaimeBobby1776]

You should always rinse the trailer guides -Especially when in salt water. Love them but, they’re the weak link. I had new ones made out of stainless. No more rot. ( I got the stainless from someone who scraps…)

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Excellent trailer hacks Buddy 👍👍👍👍

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

Get rid of the bearing buddies and upgrade to oil bath hubs. They have a setscrew that you remove, turn the hub upside down and let the oil drain, turn hub upright and add new oil, replace setscrew and you're done. You've just changed the lubrication on your wheel bearings in about 10 minutes.

[@downwitakrowdy]

Even better, get Air tight hubs - Zero Maintenance

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

@@downwitakrowdy I don't know what those are, never heard of them. I'm off to Google to find out about them.

[@Chris-ei7iz]

I like your magnetic boat guides that you made and that 1 video. Better than the Malt at once that you're showing in this video

[@farmingfishingfamilyontari2814]

Lol. Where do you come Up with all the lure buddy jokes? Great video again buddy

[@mikeedwards2384]

Awesome Awesome Awesome totally Awesome

[@billybobhornton5484]

#11 Get you some Gatorbak Bunks to get rid of the carpet, You can light them up too. and make sure your spare hub has lug nuts, If you loose a tire it will take the lug nuts with it and disappear into the woods at 70MPH

[@fishman6892]

Hack master does it again!!!

[@rudder645]

Good stuff Cleatus!! Where do you recommend getting the rollers? I need sum.

[@davida5232]

Enjoyable video, laugh the whole time. I'll do a couple of your hacks.

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you Sir