trailer bearings the great debate grease vs oil bath

[WakerideN]

I know we\me don't\did not think about this much. but let me assure you that you should.

I just picked up a different ride this weekend to work on this winter and it was in phoenix.. and i live close to slc. checked everything inside and out on the boat and trailer even had the owner fill up the hubs with oil right in front of me.

but the damage was already done.. it had sat.. and must have had the right conditions for the top of the bearings to get pitted and rusted... 125 miles later in the middle of no where.. not one, but two failed hubs.. and 3 & 4 on their way.

So my take... probably a good idea to read this article and spin those sealed oil bath ones every so often this winter! as for these.. they are now back to grease!

I wont go into detail.. but if your ever stranded see save in wickiup AZ! not only do you get to help.. you get to run to kingman and get your own parts!

http://www.hookedonfishingboats.com/trailerhubs.html

[konajay]

Great reading, thanks for sharing.

[skippabcool]

Glad you made it back.

What did you get for your winter project? Any pics?

[talltigeguy]

I know we\me don't\did not think about this much. but let me assure you that you should.

I just picked up a different ride this weekend to work on this winter and it was in phoenix.. and i live close to slc. checked everything inside and out on the boat and trailer even had the owner fill up the hubs with oil right in front of me.

but the damage was already done.. it had sat.. and must have had the right conditions for the top of the bearings to get pitted and rusted... 125 miles later in the middle of no where.. not one, but two failed hubs.. and 3 & 4 on their way.

So my take... probably a good idea to read this article and spin those sealed oil bath ones every so often this winter! as for these.. they are now back to grease!

I wont go into detail.. but if your ever stranded see save in wickiup AZ! not only do you get to help.. you get to run to kingman and get your own parts!

http://www.hookedonfishingboats.com/trailerhubs.html

Good reading. And that is exactly what I have learned. I swapped out my boat's oil hubs for grease this spring. I think that is the best choice for me.

[mls6722]

great article. Thanks for posting. This agrees with the position I received when asking an expert at Six Robblees.

[murphini]

Back in 2009, one oil bath hub failed on my 2007 model year trailer. I had checked the oil level before I left on a 400 mile trip. Switched back to grease bearing buddies.