The following is a guest post by HDCN reader Rod Walton…
A Simple Trailer Modification for $12.99 That Can Save You A Load Of Trouble
I would venture to say that most of us that build the EZ Built Hotdog Cart use the trailer Steve recommends because it is inexpensive, works well and is readily available.
But one issue with trailers with small tires is excessive wear on the bearings.
Small diameter tires means the axle spins at a higher speed and more revolutions per mile means more bearing wear especially if not lubricated properly.
Now your trailer may already have a zerk fitting but can you tell without taking the hub dust cap off how much grease is in there? Is it easy to reach? Pumping in too much can also cause the bearing seal to fail. Fortunately there is a simple solution.
Over the years I have used trailers from various manufacturers and I have installed on most of them a product called “Bearing Buddy” and I have never yet experienced a bearing failure (knock on wood). It is a spring loaded device that keeps your bearing grease under pressure at about 3 P.S.I. and is loaded from a zerk fitting on the outside. You can see at a glance if you need to add grease.
Installation is as simple as replacing your dust cap with the correct size “Bearing Buddy” or similar product.
There are various technical reasons why “Bearing Buddy” will protect your trailer bearings and you can read all about them at http://www.bearingbuddy.com/best.html .
They come in multiple sizes and you should be able to find one to fit even your non-Harbor Freight trailer and are available at most marine dealers and some auto parts stores.
An alternative to the “Bearing Buddy” is the Harbor Freight version made by “Haul Master” which can be found at Harbor Freight stores or online at http://www.harborfreight.com/198-inch-wheel-bearing-protectors-1-pair-97166.html which of course are cheaper . The 1.98 inch size is the one Harbor Freight told me is the correct size for their 40 x 49 inch trailer and is currently on sale for $12.99 a pair.
While at Harbor Freight, you might want to consider picking up an extra bearing set. At only $7.99 ea. it would be good to have if the worst happens.
Happy Hotdogging,
Rod Walton
Thank you Ron (and Steve) for a great article. I’ll be passing the Harbor Freight store in Phoenix in two weeks on my way to a job in Tuscon, and I’ll be calling them today for availability of their bearing protector, and a few more goodies.
Skip
My Dad (who passed march 2009, God bless him, I miss him) showed me these years ago. he used them for many years and never had a bearing failure on any of his trailers.
Measure your inner hub diameter with a caliper, order the coresponding sized part, tap in the bearing buddy with a hammer and wood block, fill it with grease, and forget about it!
Great product, great price, great process of installation.
He’s absolutely right!
If your tow vehicle has, say 16 inch tires on it, when your speedometer in your tow vehicle shows you’re doing 60 MPH, your 8 inch trailer tires are doing approx. 120 MPH! Twice as fast!
Therefore the grease get’s hotter and starts to channel out of the bearings, and then you’ve got some real problems!
It happened to me on a boat trailer years ago, I fried a bearing coming home from a fishing trip.
I not only recommend these bearing buddies, I would recommend upgrading your tires on your trailer to 12 inch tires & wheels. Your trailer will tow much better and be more stable with the taller tire.
I’ve never had another bearing failure since going to this style system!
This is real good info. I was wondering about this, since you pull these trailers to many places through out the month almost every month. I am certainly glad that this info. was sent out. Thank you, Steve for sending this information. The more info on maintance, the smoother the operation, will continue. Also, your less chance at losing your regulars, due to break downs!
LET ME SUGGEST SOMETHING SIMPELER THAT A LUBRACATION CALLED PROLONG GURANTEEDED NO WEAR .. GO TO PROLONG.COM … I HAD LOST ALL THE WATER IN A 5.9 CUMMINS DEISEL PULLING A 30 FT. TRAVEL TRAILER DROVE ANOTHER 27 MILES TO THE FIRST DODGE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR NO DAMAGE PROLONG WORKS
Great article Rod sure beats pulling the drums 2x a year (depending on mileage).
I have used these for many years after burning up a set of bearings in the middle of no where. The hub actually fused to the axel. Check the size as there are 2 to choose from.
I changed to 12 inch tires (make sure you buy 12inch the same as cars I found mine at a Farm And Fleet) they cost more but give you the safety factor. It raised my cart about three inches but, I found it easier to move by myself. I will be looking for some” bearing buddies” before the season starts. Thanks for the info
so I guess you don’t want to hear how I changed from bearing grease to 90wt gear oil..for 75cent’s a wheel…gear oil in the bearings just like 18 wheeler’s have on trailers and front wheel’s also…
You really can’t go without your buddies..
Well worth the money !!
1st mate Jim.
I now know why I continue to read your post, I find out so much information about things that I would never think about. Thanks
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
My trailer has the 12″ wheels and unfortunately the 1.98 Harbor Freight version does not fit (too small) in spite of what I was informed at HF. So yes I would recommend taking your dust cap with you and confirming the size. I suspect the 1.98 version will work fine with the 8″ wheels and perhaps somebody here can verify that. The larger size available at HF appears to be too large so it looks like I will have to go with the original Bearing Buddy.
I did the same thing with my big dog, went to the larger tire from a 8″ to a 12″, I have zert fittings in both sides but I am going to get this new fitting, need to check my bearings anyway. Thanks for the great information.
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!