lost an entire wheel and drum

First off "Bearing Buddies" are not for greasing bearings. They put the bearing under pressure with grease to help keep water out of the bearings. As you put a trailer in the water the warm bearing contract leaving a potential void. With the grease under pressure grease is pressed into them not allowing water in. Ez lube axles if done correctly have worked for me. You pump grease in slowly, it goes to the inward beating first, then the outward bearing. Pump slowly and rotate the wheel. I would not try it again on a cold day but that's just me.