How often to repack wheel bearings on TT
How often do you all repack the wheel bearings on your TT's. Should it be done every year or a specified mileage/usage. Thanks for your advice!
Forum Discussion
myredracer wrote:
Do you only inspect and repack at 10 years?
This is our second travel trailer and I have never repacked the bearings. I take hub thermal readings at most fill-ups. I collect the data by logging the temps into a small notebook. I also inspect the tires at each fill-up. Please understand that I'm very observant and take lots of data to monitor the condition of my equipment. I change the engine oil once per year (typically at 10,000 - 12,000 mile intervals. I pull an oil sample at every oil change to monitor the condition of the engine oil and to see what's going on inside the engine. I also run Amsoil 5W30 Heavy Duty Diesel oil, which again, most people would say is wrong. Just because something appears wrong doesn't mean it's wrong if you have a legitimate way to monitor what's going on with your equipment.
myredracer wrote:
Dexter says to remove, inspect and repack bearings every 12 months or 12K miles, whichever comes first, and Al-Ko says 6 months & 6K miles. If that's what the manufacturer says to do, why would anyone intentionally ignore that?
Manufacturers have to contend with liability issues. They want to play it safe because they don't know what type of abuse people may put their trailers through, plus they are leaving room for human error in manufacturing parts, installation, etc.
myredracer wrote:
I just don't understand what's so great about EZ-lube axles (or the other ones) if they say to re & re once or twice a year anyway. Like others I've read others say on forums, and I agree, I think it's more of a sales thing than being a practical thing.
EZ lubes are highly effective if properly used. Again, you need to monitor the condition of your hubs. If you are a geek for data, then you will find enjoyment in monitoring your system's components.
myredracer wrote:
I've read about some cases where owners have found that the factory did not pack the bearings properly at the factory and had little grease.
From my understanding, the factory does not give the bearings a lot of attention because it is the responsibility of the RV dealer to repack the bearings correctly. Both RV dealerships that I have purchased from have repacked the bearings even though the trailer is new.
