Dexter 8k axles, nev-r-lube bearings

MSGTRETIREDCSP wrote:
I went out today to check brakes and bearings. After removing dust cap to nev-r-lube bearings, I thought I would ask the guys that have performed this maintenance before.

Would I be better off just replacing the bearings and hub with bearings that I can visually inspect and service myself? What kind of life can a person expect to get out of the nev-r-lube bearings?

After looking at e-trailer, I notice they also have oil-bath. Is there any advantages to those?

What kind of job am I looking into by tearing into the nev-r-lube, just so I can inspect the brakes. I've done plenty of plain ol' bearings, but I've not ever done these.

I've probably towed this trailer 7k miles and the previous owner even less.:h

For my situation, I would not buy a trailer with Nev-R-Lube axles. Read too many horror stories about them and really don't feel like I should carry an entire spare =hub= in case one goes away. 'Sides, I'm not likely to ever have a FW that heavy, so lighter axles with EZ Lubes are just fine for me.

As far as oil bath bearings, we were told by our "hitch guy" that, while they are superior for heavy loads, they are susceptible to leaking if you don't use them very often. We recently purchased a 23k GVW GN utility trailer and really considered one with tandem duals, but the fact that they were only available with the oil bath bearings made a triple-single rig the only real choice. This is, frankly, a "toy hauler" to take antique tractors to club shows and displays, so miles traveled and frequency of use were definitely considerations.

Lyle