Fishing and Dock Talk > Crappie Gear

Trailer Bearings and other extras to always have on hand

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OneBlade:
Getting ready for Lake Powell trip I want to make sure I'm fully prepared.  Making sure tires are in good shape and filled with proper air pressure - and confirming all spares as well for both truck and boat.  I wonder about my trailer bearings.  I pump the grease in occasionally.  I touch them after a long drive to confirm they are not hot.  I know you can life trailer up and try and see if there is any back and forth movement of tire to see if bearings are going.  Regardless, I'm wondering if I should buy and carry and extra set of bearings on trips.  I am not mechanically inclined to replace on the side of the road but thinking having an extra set may be good (I have friends who are mechanically inclined if such a case arises).  Any ideas how I can find out the model/size of bearings so I can order the right part and have along with me?  And does it require special tools I should bring?

I know some folks bring double extra spare tires.  Understood that may be a good idea for a long trip.  Basic tools.  I have really basic stuff like pliers, wrenches, and appropriate jacks.  Anything else you take on long trips or really keep in your truck all the time just in case?

craigm:
Generally you can use the Vin number from your trailer and the manufacturer can get you the bearing and seal numbers ,Some like Spartan are out of business and you have to get the number from the bearing and seal or have NAPA match them from the old ones . If you are going to lift it to check for any wobble , spin the wheel there should be no noise noise is bad . along with spare bearings and seal get a small can of marine grade bearing grease , to change the bearing out you will need a jack , a pair of slip joint pliers (Large one ) large flat screw driver , a rubber mallet extra cotter pin good light source (S--t usually happens at nite). When you tighten the hub nut make tighten it till it does not move easily then back off a bit do it again then back off so the wheel turns smoothly . Check them out before you go , the only time I have ever lost a bearing/ axle is when the guy whose boat and trailer we were using did not ever do preventive maintenance . Other items I keep in the truck ,4 ton come along , 30 ft tow strap , 2 two inch tie down straps. can of wd40 . Wish I could go but gotta go home gonna be a short spring still 50 inches of Ice on my lake maybe Ice out by may 15th ????

sandman:
My experience is that if the bearing really explodes, you need to replace the race as well. That requires a hammer and punch and then you need to reseat the new race. Not a side of the road job.

Service the bearings ahead of time. Inspect for burnt or flaking appearance. New grease, clean Arbor, new oil seals. If you're not feeling heat now and there's no noise or movement, you're most likely good.

I completely service my bearings  every other year.

Fishless:

--- Quote from: sandman on April 17, 2018, 11:53 AM ---My experience is that if the bearing really explodes, you need to replace the race as well. That requires a hammer and punch and then you need to reseat the new race. Not a side of the road job.

Service the bearings ahead of time. Inspect for burnt or flaking appearance. New grease, clean Arbor, new oil seals. If you're not feeling heat now and there's no noise or movement, you're most likely good.

I completely service my bearings  every other year.

--- End quote ---

Yup and if it really lets loose it will often tear up the spindle and unless your trailer has bolt on spindles that is a trip to a trailer shop to cut off and replace the spindle, in a bind in the middle of no where you can make it back to town in most cases.

OneBlade:
Who is your top trusted boat and trailer mechanics you'd recommend in the east valley for a boat like mine?

Actually, I did a search on another fishing social media site and got a couple trailer recommendations nearby:
Rucker Trailer Works: http://www.trailerrepairandservice.com/
Wrangler Trailers: http://wranglertrailers.blogspot.com/

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