bear service, Alko axles

[PHS79]

Our 2013 Passport 3220BH has Alko 3500 lb axles under it, we bought the camper used last year and the dealer said that they had "checked the bearings" as part of their multi point inspection of the camper prior to taking delivery. We live in Wisconsin and the camper was previously titled in Washington, so we don't know how many miles are on the camper when we bought it but apparently atleast a couple thousand to get from WA to WI then we put on about 1000 last year.

We have a trip to Mount Rushmore/Black Hills planned for this summer so i was thinking about having the bearings serviced. I talked to a local equipment trailer dealer who I trust and I have bought trailers from. He said $250 to disassemble, clean up, inspect (bearings, races, spindles) pack bearings, inspect and adjust/replace the brakes and reassemble. He said that he stocks all replacement parts that could be needed, if any.

Do you think I would be having unnecessary work done? Does anyone know what the recommended service interval is with Alko axles? Any recommendations?

[Lynnmor]

Kayteg1 wrote:
I have 25 years old utility trailer that never had the hubs out, but it does have grease fitting where I pump some grease every few years.

A 25 year old trailer may have better quality bearings than the junk made today.
If the utility trailer has no brakes, then you can pump grease without worry.

[Kayteg1]

I have 25 years old utility trailer that never had the hubs out, but it does have grease fitting where I pump some grease every few years.
But planning the trip, I agree that $250 for quiet mind is not a bad deal.

[rupprider]

Didn't Bear have a contract with the Indy 500 (back in the fifties), to provide tire balancing services for practice/race? I know, off topic! Is Bear still around?

[Lynnmor]

Chris Bryant wrote:


Changing the subject- am I the only one who saw the thread title and thought of this?:

I thought of that right away. I wrote a reply but, for some reason, it would not post.

Back on topic, I would never put a trailer in service (new or used) till the wheel bearings are completely inspected and serviced.

[Chris_Bryant]

I would also have it done- an equipment dealer is ideal for this type of service.

Changing the subject- am I the only one who saw the thread title and thought of this?:

[craig7h]

I would get it done for piece of mind alone. I have my Alko's done every two years. Each time all has look good.

[fla-gypsy]

Not going to hurt but I've never took my Al-Ko bearings apart. Never had any reason to

[fj12ryder]

It's possible that when they "checked the bearings" they just jacked up the trailer and spun the wheel to see if it turned and didn't make any noise. Or they could have just looked at the outside of the wheel and since the wheel hadn't fallen off the bearings are good. 🙂 Very hard to say.

Having the bearings and brakes checked is probably a good idea since you have no idea how many, and what kind of miles are on it. The price for the service sounds pretty good IMO, but you might check to see what the parts would cost if he has to replace brake shoes or bearings. I just did half of the wheels on my triple axle toyhauler and it's a pain, so having it done for a decent price is worth it in my book.

[enblethen]

Personally, I would say it is over due for service. Not knowing actual miles on trailer.
Price seems good if it really includes adjust/replace brakes.