When replacing the inner bearing grease seals, does it matter what brand the seal is? The reason I ask is because I bought National brand seals today at my local parts store for almost $12 each and now I'm finding seals online for less than $3 each. That's a substantial difference. Is the expensive one really any better. This is for my boat trailer, but this question would apply to my travel trailer as well since they both use double lip grease seals. Thanks.

Some seals are designed to be used with the EZ lube or in the case of marine stuff "Bearing buddys" style grease system and are built to take the pressure (in theory..) created during the greasing process. Those seals cost more.If you don't use that "feature" then the cheaper, more common seals work fine for RV's but for a boat trailer, I'd get the better ones becasue they have a tighter seal. Scott

Yes the better seals are worth it. As mentioned before they are better able to handle the pressure and vacuum that develops in the hub cavity due to heat cooling cycles. Really, it it worth $ 36.00 to have one of those $3.00 seals fail while on the road?

National is a name brand and a manufacturer for others. I'd pay the $12 for that quality anyday.

Agreed on the quality for a trailer that is going to dunk the warm bearings under water. If your trailer has the bearing buddy caps then the more expensive seals are hopefully double lip seals which are required. The cheaper seal might be only a single lip seal which will leak with the bearing buddy system.

I worked in industrial maintenance at one of the largest meat slaughter and packing facilities for 10 years. National and Chicago Rawhide seals are what was used in those extreme environments. From 100 below 0 degree blast freezers to 120 degree and up kill floors. I would stick with National or CR instead of no name brands. If you are worried about cash, try the cheapies. Maybe they will hold up? I'll pass. If you're broke down in the middle of nowhere, use what you can get!

Question on inner bearing grease seals | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Jan 21, 2020
Some seals are designed to be used with the EZ lube or in the case of marine stuff "Bearing buddys" style grease system and are built to take the pressure (in theory..) created during the greasing process. Those seals cost more.
If you don't use that "feature" then the cheaper, more common seals work fine for RV's but for a boat trailer, I'd get the better ones becasue they have a tighter seal.

Scott
Nv_Guy
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2020
Yes the better seals are worth it. As mentioned before they are better able to handle the pressure and vacuum that develops in the hub cavity due to heat cooling cycles. Really, it it worth $ 36.00 to have one of those $3.00 seals fail while on the road?
1320Fastback
Explorer
Jan 21, 2020
National is a name brand and a manufacturer for others. I'd pay the $12 for that quality anyday.
opnspaces
Navigator II
Jan 21, 2020
Agreed on the quality for a trailer that is going to dunk the warm bearings under water.

If your trailer has the bearing buddy caps then the more expensive seals are hopefully double lip seals which are required. The cheaper seal might be only a single lip seal which will leak with the bearing buddy system.
Jackathan
Explorer
Jan 21, 2020
I worked in industrial maintenance at one of the largest meat slaughter and packing facilities for 10 years. National and Chicago Rawhide seals are what was used in those extreme environments. From 100 below 0 degree blast freezers to 120 degree and up kill floors. I would stick with National or CR instead of no name brands. If you are worried about cash, try the cheapies. Maybe they will hold up? I'll pass. If you're broke down in the middle of nowhere, use what you can get!
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jan 21, 2020
I'll echo the same sentiment for quality seals and bearings.
Although I'll admit, a "quality" oil bath hub seal lasted about 500 miles on our boat trailer and I stuffed a $5 Autozone seal in it (in the parking lot, stupid oil hubs, grease could've waited until getting home or next year.....) and that was 2 years and a couple thousand miles ago.
I'd still buy better quality given the choice.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2020
Take the National part number and look it up on Amazon and Rock Auto. You will be surprised at the price.
Flute_Man
Explorer
Jan 21, 2020
Are you really willing to risk your boat trailer for a few dollars?
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jan 21, 2020
National seals all the way for me . . .
azdryheat
Explorer
Jan 21, 2020
Don't use the EZ lube feature and you won't have to worry about blown seals. There is also no need for EZ lube on a trailer that is never immersed in water like a boat trailer.