Trailer Bearing Buddy: Essential Maintenance for Smooth Towing

Every trailer owner knows the importance of proper maintenance to ensure a hassle-free towing experience. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the condition of trailer bearing buddies. These small but mighty devices play a vital role in protecting and extending the lifespan of your trailer bearings, preventing costly repairs and ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

Benefits of Trailer Bearing Buddies

Benefit	Description
Reduced Friction and Heat: Bearing buddies contain grease that lubricates the bearings, reducing friction and preventing overheating. According to the National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA), excessive heat is a major cause of bearing failure.
Contaminant Protection: Bearing buddies create a seal that prevents water, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the bearings, which can cause corrosion and premature wear. The Trailer Industry Association (TIA) estimates that bearing contamination accounts for up to 30% of bearing failures.

How to Use Trailer Bearing Buddies

Step	Description
Inspect Regularly: Check bearing buddies before and after each tow to ensure they are properly seated and free of cracks or damage.
Fill with Grease: Use a grease gun to inject bearing grease into the bearing buddies until grease starts to ooze out.
Wipe Down: Clean up any excess grease that may have spilled out to prevent dirt from sticking to it.

Stories of Trailer Bearing Buddy Success

Story 1:

* A camper who experienced repeated bearing failures on his trailer during long trips installed trailer bearing buddies. After using them for a year, he reported no bearing problems and saved hundreds of dollars in repair costs.

Story 2:

* A boat owner noticed that his trailer bearings were overheating on hot days. By adding trailer bearing buddies filled with a high-temperature grease, he significantly reduced the bearing temperature and enjoyed a trouble-free summer of boating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling: Avoid overfilling bearing buddies, as this can cause excessive pressure and damage the seals.

Incorrect Grease: Use the appropriate grease specified in the trailer bearing buddy manufacturer's instructions.

Neglecting Maintenance: Regular inspection and greasing of trailer bearing buddies is crucial for optimal performance.

FAQs About Trailer Bearing Buddies

Q: How often should I fill my bearing buddies?

A: Most manufacturers recommend filling bearing buddies every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

Q: Can I use any grease in my bearing buddies?

A: No, use only a high-quality grease specifically designed for trailer bearings.

Q: Where can I buy trailer bearing buddies?

A: Trailer bearing buddies are available at RV and trailer supply stores, as well as online retailers like etrailer.

Trailer Bearing Buddy: Essential Maintenance for Smooth Towing