Boat Trailer Issue - Back in Business

[dubob]

I think most folks that sell you bearing or axles like that will always err on the side of caution when telling you to repack your bearing every year but it really depends on how often you use it, IMO.

Curt, I'm going to very respectfully disagree with you on this one.  Repacking boat trailer bearings annually is an industry wide recommendation.  There is no way to tell if water penetrated into the bearings during the year without disassembly.  And any water left inside will eventually cause damage.  I learned that the hard way.  I have replaced two boat trailer axles in the past because I didn't do the annual repack.  I'm a little hard headed (ya think?) and it took 2 axles for me to see the light.  I have wet hubs on the new rig and all I have to do is check the oil level on a regular basis.

Also, the industry recommendation is to repack at the end of the current boating season, NOT at the beginning of the next season.  You absolutely don't want to let any moisture (if there is any) sit in the bearings during the 4 or 5 month storage period.  It is, of course, your choice as to when you repack your trailers bearings.  But I'm reminded here of the old FRAM oil filter ads on TV years ago.  The mechanic tells us "You can pay me now, or pay me later."  And he s when he says the last part indicating that paying later will be for expensive engine repair.

With any trailer that is placed in the water, the wise thing to do is repack every year - IMHO.  YMMV!