Best Boat Trailer Mods On A Budget DIY

Here's the parts I rigged in this video

Book a guided fishing trip with me

These mods to my Jon Boat Trailer have been a life saver. LITERALLY in the case of the LED lights. The boat buckles have been great as well. No more stowing the ratchet strap in the car, getting tangled, having it pop loose after hitting a large bump. Seriously, everyone needs those things. I hope this inspires you to get out there and do these modifications yourself. There's no reason to have to pay someone else to do this.
~Eric

[Stargate]

I don't trust crimp connectors. Recently I re-wired my whole 20ft boat trailer with LEDs. I used only Solder & heat shrink on all wire connections, I'm confident it will last the life of the trailer. Also, I used to work at a trailer parts/service store and we would have people coming in all the time who lost their license plate after the cheap plastic bracket broke. The plastic becomes brittle after some time and just snaps off whether you hit anything with it or just from the wind while going down the highway. It's a good idea to use an aluminum or steel license plate bracket. Just my 2 cents. Good how-to guide though.

[OldMysticFantasist]

Was already familiar with the LED lights, but gave a big thumbs up for the boat buckles & well done vid.

[tripwest]

Good video, very to the point.

My only suggestions are...

I probably would solder the wires together and use heat shrink. Then I would smear some dielectric grease on the ground connetions.

And...

I use Neverseize (or your favorite equivalent) on everything I take apart or put together. I even have a nice little supply of marine grease for just such an occasion.

And I probably would blast the new rachet mechs with WD-40 or whatever you like to keep them running smoothly. Yes, I know that WD-40 on a trailer is going to attract a lot of dirt but I would rather clean the things once in awhile then have it freeze up on me and die. They don't look like stainless, and even if they did, I would still blast them!

Oh, and red/white reflector stickers for a little extra protection.

Peace, Love & Happiness, Brother
✌🏼❤😀

🎶 gonna miss her...

...oh, looky there, I got a bite" 🎵

[monzsterman]

I just upgraded to LED Submersible on my boat trailer. Those Boat Buckles are sweet though. Im using those ratchet straps like you had and I agree, total pain in the ass. Definitely gona check out those bad boys. Thanks for the video.

[fwood]

Nice tips. The boat buckles are quick and easy but I had rusting issues pretty quickly even though I rinsed them every time I used in salt. That was about 10 years ago so hopefully they've improved.

[eriverany]

I'm curious, , , does having the boat buckles mount underneath the boat cause the strap to wear, where it is tight to the bottom edge of the transom? Thx.

[gageackley-dechant]

You should consider extending the length of your trailer frame to better match the boat length. In my personal opinion at least. Like, the boat buckles are a nice addition, however if you look closely at the angle of the strap and how hard it cuts backwards to the transom before going up, it's putting a ton of tension on the top of your buckles and pressure in a manner different than they were built to last while holding. Plus it's an odd shearing pressure on the mounting bolt as well. But, maybe you fish right up the street or plan on upgrading to a different platform when you can, idk. If it were mine, I'd feel better about it if the trailer cradled the entire hull, especially if I have a motor mounted and the added weight from it and it's fuel tank. Plus in my state the regulations for overhang are too strict to legally run the setup on the roads. What do I know lol I'm just a stranger with an opinion. Just finished adding reverse lights to my own last night. Evening as it's getting dark and you're coming off the lake, nothing better than nice clear light to see the landing and orientation to the dock 👌

[visualkeirockstar]

I still use a strap over the gunwale because the transom straps I have are not the ratchet type and they kind of will come loose.

[BFFG-bigfoot-research]

Good job man. Your moving in the right direction

[Jason-fqzp]

You should wire loom the wires for a cleaner look

[richardspark]

How wide should the bunks be spread apart from the center of the trailer in reference to the hull of the boat? Should the bunks be on the edge of the trailer or 2/3 or 1/3 from center hull?

[lovebbqnoles]

Hey Good Job Brotha! Hey What Size Tires and Rims are Those?

[rickhemsley]

Good video, I like your others too.
Quick question about the boat buckles, have you had any issues with them being dunked every time you launch or load your boat? I have been using the strap (over 30 years now) and I agree that I’m not loving it, but it works. The buckles seem like they’d get mud/dirt/grit in them from the nasty water at boat ramps, and the hooks just hold those grab handles on the transom, which aren’t seeming to be that strong. How have those boat buckles held up over time?

[retiredoldsarge]

DO you remember where you got the lights? I am getting a HF trailer tomorrow to convert to a JON BOAT trailer and want to do it right to start with. Great Info on your video.. Thanks for it as I am researching.

[Robert]

Are you from Michigan? I saw a 2 door golf hauling a boat on a trailer similar to this like 3 weeks ago

[edwardchapman]

Can’t use them in the winter in Michigan!

[monoskier]

Since it’s been a year how have the buckles held up with the trailer going in and out of the water have they seized up or are they still working very good?😎🇨🇦

[joshanderson]

"cold water, hot bulbs, equals kaboom"

[saykimbuk]

Thank u sir..i learned alot to make thinks easier.

[kenledson]

How can you see smiling faces in each of these videos? Lol nice mods