Bearing Buddy Lifespan

[capt. meares]

Wanting a general consensus on how often one should be checking or replacing trailer bearings on a single axle EZ loader trailer that takes an average of three dunks a month in saltwater and averages maybe 100 miles a month?

Thanks

 

[T.R. Bauer]

It depends....a lot of us check them every year. And, we do that because it is much more "fun" to do them at home than on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere; which is where they always fail. Anyway, sometimes they go a decade or even more with just a quick check, new seals, and a repack. Salt water getting in just kills bearings.....

 

[thataway]

I agree with once a year, or before a major trip. I happen to use the systems where there is grease injected thru the center of the spindle. I also will run some grease thru the spindle before we head home form Powell, even though I have new bearings this year.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I like to pack the bearings and replace seals at the end of a season so any water from the launchings is not there through the winter.

 

[capt. meares]

How many of you use the bearing wheel hub kits? They seems more economic, & less messy. I am wanting to keep two of these in my vehicle full time for back up. Do you think these would be ok to use, or is it better to pack your own bearings the old fashioned way?

http://www.pacifictrailers.com/boat-tra ... ler-axles/

 

[thataway]

I doubt if there is any advantage to the "kits"--other than it is a good replacement system. These are not pre packed bearings. You will have to pull the seals, and put on new seals etc, with the "kit" then lube it. (as I understand it).

Also our trailers should have brakes. (required in the vast majority of states) These are bare hubs, no disc brakes…

Oregon has the following rules but suggests that any trailer over 1500 lbs have brakes.

Brakes: Any combination of vehicles must be equipped with brakes that are adequate to stop within a certain distance. While traveling at a speed of 20 miles per hour without leaving a 12-foot wide lane the combination of vehicles must be able to stop:
Within 25 feet for those vehicle combinations under 8,000 pounds.
Within 35 feet for those vehicle combinations over 8,000 pounds.
Oregon law does not require trailer brakes, but their use is strongly encouraged as an additional safety measure. Oregon law requires that all safety equipment that came from the manufacturer on your vehicle, including brakes, be kept in good working order. So if your trailer is equipped with brakes, they must be kept in good working order.