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Post by duff on Jan 31, 2021 19:00:36 GMT -5
Anyone ever try them on a boat trailer? I was just introduced to the idea today and sounds interesting but need more than a few passing comments. Seemed reasonably priced too.
I just repacked my fishing boat hubs today so the idea of not having to do that again may be biasing my ideas.
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Post by esshup on Jan 31, 2021 20:00:13 GMT -5
I have used bearing buddy's forever.
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Post by greghopper on Jan 31, 2021 20:37:07 GMT -5
The lack of grease and cheap grease are the biggest problems with trailer bearing going out. Lucas makes some good grease with high drop points
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Post by esshup on Feb 1, 2021 2:58:06 GMT -5
The lack of grease and cheap grease are the biggest problems with trailer bearing going out. Lucas makes some good grease with high drop points That is true. I have been using a probably 2 gal bucket of moly grease that I purchased a LONG, LONG time ago (metal bucket, metal "ears" on the lid) for wheel bearings. Either hand pack them or shove the grease in a grease gun that I have specifically for wheel bearings. |
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Post by duff on Feb 1, 2021 5:03:22 GMT -5
I looked a bit deeper and the ones I was talking about use oil to lube. Ther are sealed. And you just drain and replace.
Biggest downside is when it becomes unsealed like you crack it and oil drains out without you noticing. Bye bye bearings.
I too have bearing buddies just like fishing more than trailer maintenance! I have had this boat 10 yrs and had the bearing repacked 1 time. The year I bought it! Not smartest thing I have done but everything was in good shape
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Post by esshup on Feb 1, 2021 10:04:14 GMT -5
You want to spend less time greasing bearings and you have the bearing buddies, just buy a battery powered or air powered grease gun. I wouldn't spend the extra for the oil bearings. If the bearings are warm when they hit the water, will they suck water past the seals as they cool down rapidly? Then what happens to the oil?
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Post by steiny on Feb 1, 2021 10:13:59 GMT -5
Bought a late model used boat and trailer a few years ago that had those type bearings. Got to studying on them and discussed with a mechanic friend quite a bit as I had some long trips coming. There is no maintenance or upkeep procedures for those. When they go bad, they go bad. I didn't like that.
They make a replacement kit where you can remove them and replace with greaseable bearing buddies and that is what I did. Turns out it was a good move as one of the bearings was turning a little milky colored as it had some water leakage into the oil.
Regarding trailer bearings, they really don't need to be greased too frequently, most people tend to over-grease. Just a couple pumps of grease, a few times annually will do the trick. Pump them too much and you will blow out the inside seal and start slinging grease everywhere, and eventually ruin the bearing. Also, when on a trip, feel the trailer hubs when you stop for gas, etc. If they are really hot, you've got a problem and better get it taken care of or you will soon be broke down.
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Post by duff on Feb 1, 2021 10:16:43 GMT -5
Less time than 1x every 10 yrs is never! I mean who really wants to do maintenance on anything? I just wanted to remove the old grease and make sure the rear bearings had grease vs just pumping in more grease. The job isn't hard just not enjoyable for me. I'd rather be fishing.
Apparently they are not like grease packed bearings but yes any breech to the seals equal a bad day looming!
I was refreshing my technique when I found a few recommendations to the oil bearings. They sound cool but too much risk of a seal failing on the road without the driver knowing about it. Just wondered if anyone here has had actual experience with them.
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Post by budd on Feb 1, 2021 16:47:28 GMT -5
I repack my snowmobile, boat, utility trailers every couple years. My 10 hole Ranger dog trailer that I use almost daily in the summer I repack every spring and replace bearings every other. Doesn't take as long to maintain as it does trying to find someplace open on Sunday while your trailer and boat sit at the public landing with nobody guarding them. Then driving a half hour home, finding the tools, jack and everything else it takes to replace them.....Been there twice...LOL
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Post by duff on Feb 1, 2021 17:56:25 GMT -5
I repack my snowmobile, boat, utility trailers every couple years. My 10 hole Ranger dog trailer that I use almost daily in the summer I repack every spring and replace bearings every other. Doesn't take as long to maintain as it does trying to find someplace open on Sunday while your trailer and boat sit at the public landing with nobody guarding them. Then driving a half hour home, finding the tools, jack and everything else it takes to replace them.....Been there twice...LOL Like I said, who likes maintaining anything? The answer is anyone who has had to do repairs in the field. I knew I was running the ragged edge of luck. Worked out this timw. |
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Post by esshup on Feb 2, 2021 1:34:07 GMT -5
I repack my snowmobile, boat, utility trailers every couple years. My 10 hole Ranger dog trailer that I use almost daily in the summer I repack every spring and replace bearings every other. Doesn't take as long to maintain as it does trying to find someplace open on Sunday while your trailer and boat sit at the public landing with nobody guarding them. Then driving a half hour home, finding the tools, jack and everything else it takes to replace them.....Been there twice...LOL I knew I was running the ragged edge of luck. Worked out this timw. Exactly. With the bearing buddies, just take a look at the tension spring on them. When it's extended, fill 'er back up. I can't break down on the road with a trailer full of fish. The $$ and time it takes to replace bearings and seals pales in comparison $$ wise to what the fish cost if something breaks on the side of the road. I've got 24 hours from the time they are loaded to get them either delivered, back here or at least somewhere where I can do two 50% water changes. I can carry when pushing things, about 1,100# of fish. If they are all small bluegills for instance, (1"-2.5") that's roughly 100,000 to 275,000 fish......... |
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Post by greghopper on Feb 2, 2021 10:46:39 GMT -5
The number 1 reason many trailers breakdown on the side of road is a under inflated tire.... gets hot then blows or come apart!
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Post by duff on Feb 2, 2021 17:03:56 GMT -5
Did that last summer. Usually drive about 10 miles to boat ramp and back except this day. Spare tires are not over rated either
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