Can Bearing Buddies Be Used on Utility Trailer

Question:

I recently bought a small utility trailer. Can I replace the bearings with buddy bearings. I will be doing a lot of traveling with this trailer. It would make it a whole lot easier if I didnt have to take the wheel off to grease the bearings the old way. Also how would I identify what the right size of the new bearings would be? Thanks

asked by: Phil S

Expert Reply:

Although bearing buddies are primarily meant for boat or PWC trailers, you can certainly use them on a utility trailer. To choose the correct diameter Bearing Buddy, measure the outside diameter of your grease cap the inside diameter of your hub bore. This measurement will be the correct Bearing Buddy size for your hubs. The measurement needs to be pretty precise, using a digital caliper works best.

Even if you are using bearing protectors, you should still pull the hubs every now and then to ensure the bearings and spindles are in good shape. When using bearing protectors, be sure to use a double-lip grease seal, which can help prevent grease from blowing out the seals. If they are still in good shape, you can continue to use your existing bearings.

If your outer bearings are the # L44649 that you referenced, the hub bore should be 1.980 inches. If this is indeed the case, I would recommend the stainless version, part # BB1980A-SS. Part # RG06-020 is the double lip seal appropriate for the L44649 bearings. The seals are sold in pairs.

expert reply by: Mike L