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Trailer Maintenace
When should I check and regrease boat trailer bearings?
The hub on a boat trailer is highly prone to water intrusion, especially when it’s hot from towing and then submerged during a launch. This temperature change creates a vacuum effect, pulling water into the hub. The sudden cooling can thin the grease, reduce protection, and allow water to seep in by siphon, which often leads to premature bearing wear.
The best time to check and add grease is before and after long trips, and especially after launching in water. Submerging hot hubs can draw in water and break down the grease, so regular inspections help prevent bearing failure.
As a general rule, boat trailer bearings should be serviced at least once per season, and more frequently if you launch in saltwater. On long-distance trips, make a habit of checking hubs at each fuel or rest stop. If a hub feels unusually hot, it may need additional grease or inspection.
Grease should always be added to displace any water that may have entered the hub, except on trailers equipped with Bearing Buddies or oil bath hubs, which maintain better grease protection. Even with these systems, routine checks are still necessary to ensure safe operation.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Maintenance
Freshwater Use:
- Service bearings at least once per season (or every 12 months).
- Regularly check grease condition and hub temperature during trips.
Saltwater Use:
- Service bearings more frequently — at least every 6 months or mid-season.
- After each launch, it’s best to check hubs and add grease to push out any saltwater.
- Saltwater’s corrosive effect makes frequent inspections critical for preventing rust, pitting, and early failure.