Trailer hub recommendation

[PhishingNole]

I have a new to me trailer with Reliable Sure-Lube hubs. One appears to be in good shape, but the other started slinging grease on the way home and I can feel a small amount of play.

I'm not very knowledgeable about this style of hub, and would appreciate some recommendations about replacing it.

This trailer will be used in salt water, and I'd like something easy to maintain. From what I've read online, the sure-lube system is older but well regarded. Finding replacement parts seems a little tricky.

Would you replace it with another sure-lube hub, or replace them both with a different brand or style? Is there a better hub style/brand I should be looking at?

Thank in advance for your time.

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[silverking]

Since one hub already needs repair it's probably prudent to do both at the same time. That way you know exactly what you have for dependable trailering going forward.

Not familiar with the Sure-Lube hub brand, but there are three good trailer shops in the area depending on your location that can get you back on the road safely. All can advise the best options for your axle, load and use.

Lee's Trailers, Crawfordville Rd, Tallahassee
Coastal Trailer & Hitch, Medart
Capital Hitch, West Tennessee, Tallahassee

[tailwaters]

If one is failing then the other one isn't far behind so do what Dave suggested, replace them both. I order bearings from eTrailer.com . They also sell the complete hub assemble which is a little easier to install. Both are easy to do your self but you can always drop it off to be fixed too. Besides the three trailer shops mentioned I know Parkway Marine replaces them. If you want to do it yourself I suggest watching a YouTube video if it's your first time. Again it's pretty easy.

I would also suggest keeping a spare hub in your truck in case one goes out while on the road. Good luck!

[Red Beard]

Costal Trailer & Hitch have always done well by me. They have even drove to the ramp and fixed my trailer issues while I was out fishing. I just stopped by on the way home to square up.

As silver king stated go ahead and replace both; it’s worth the peace of mind.


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[silverking]

I've been a customer of Coastal Trailer for years. Great guys and it's more convenient for me since I keep my boat at the coast. But with the one hub loose, the OP may not want to chance trailering any distance.

And I agree with tailwaters, the best insurance against a hub issue on the road is having a total replacement handy in the tow vehicle.

[STMU]

I've used Capital Hitch a lot for any parts I need for quick repairs. Always been helpful, but heard the same about others. It's really not hard to do it yourself. Rebuilding and repacking can be a huge pain, but I've starting opting for the prebuilt hub kits. They only cost $15 to $20 extra, and lack of ahuge mess and the hours in time savings makes it worth it (IMO). I can usually knock mine out in an hour or two. You will learn a lot while doing, and be much more comfortable should anything come up on the road somewhere.

I'd also recommend keeping a spare pre-greased hub kit. I used to keep one in my truck, and now I have it mounted on the trailer with the spare. Pays for itself 10x overs the moment you blow a hub driving somewhere. Easy to replace and gets you back going on the road super quick. I'm pretty OCD about maintance, but accidents will ineviably happen so having a back-up handly is really nice.

[PhishingNole]

Thanks for the shop recommendations.

I've replaced bearings and hubs before, so that's not too big of a concern.

This bearing system seems to be a system that combines the hub and torsion axle. The diagrams are attached.

Am I reading that correctly that the excess grease from the hub goes into the axle? If so, can I use any other brand of hub with this system?

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[leonreno]

The problem you have is that basically any hub will be fine but you can’t really change the greasing option as it’s built into your spindle. That system seems ok but I like the other type of spindle where the grease goes through the middle of the spindle into the back of the hub and then pushes back out the front.

[PhishingNole]

Leon:

You are correct. If I ever replace the axles, that's what I'll replace the hubs with.


I called around to see if anyone local sold the parts and had two of them tell me the system did not exist, one saying it was impossible.

I called the trailer manufacturer (Hoosier, should have been my first call) who gave me a part number for the hub and bearings. Ordered two complete hub kits today in addition a set of bearings and seals to rebuild one of the existing hubs as a backup.

In case anyone finds this thread in the future:

Hub part number is bt-150A
Bearings are L44649
One 1.25" seal
One 1.5" seal



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