Bearing Keep Failing on One Side of an Escort Boat Trailer with 3.5K Axle

Question:

I have an Escort Boat Trailer with a 3,500 Lbs single axle carrying an 18foot fiberglass Maxum open bow boat. The trailer has new wheels and bearings on both sides, as well as new surge brakes and hubs. Yesterday, I retrieved the boat from storage and drove it 5 miles to my home. I then examined the bearings, races and grease on both sides. I found the Drivers side again to be very creamy in color, almost like light mud. I replaced the bearings and seals, leaving the old races in tact because they looked fine. I checked the passenger side and found the grease to be more normal in color with no sign of water penetration, but I replaced the bearings, seal and re-greased. The spindles on both sided are equipped with grease certs, so I added extra grease as the final step. After finishing, I took the unit out for a testinch run and drove approximately 8 miles, upon returning home, the passenger side was fine,, while the drivers side was too hot to touch and I could smell hot grease. Over the past 5 years, I have probably replaced 6-7 sets of bearings on the Drivers side, which is almost always the culprit. We have had several over the roadinch break-downs after 150-400 mile trips, costing us a small fortune in emergency repairs. I have had a pro-trailer shop go through the entire trailer, replace everything and got only 1 season out of it before it failed, again on the drivers side. We do not put more than 1200-1500 miles per year on the trailer, and we use the boat 8-10 times during a season. It can sit for 2-3 weeks at a time at our campground outside. I now carry 2 complete bearing kits with me for these frequent emergencies. More importantly I would like to get to the bottom of this. Help!

asked by: Paul T

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there is something putting excessive strain on that one side of the trailer. It could be worn out suspension or damage to the axle or spindle causing that one side to be "off" some increasing the friction and causing the failures.

After the first failure there could have been damage done to the spindle which could have led to the failures after that.

It is also possible that the greases you have used are not compatible with each other causing the grease to degrade but if that was the case it would be happening on both sides.

You can have the suspension inspected and repaired as needed. But if it is found to be fine then you might want to consider replacing the axle. After so many failures I would not trust it anymore. Axles are not all that expensive at all. I have included a link to the 3.5K axles we carry.

As far as straight axles go we have some options but if none match the measurements you require I recommend considering the Timbren Axle-Less systems such as # ASR3500S05. This will not only replace the axle but also the suspension so you won't have to worry about worn out metal suspension parts. I have linked a video review for you to check out.

expert reply by: Michael H