Bearing Buddies

[TsnTexas]

I’d like some advice on using Bearing Buddies on my Fiver. I’ve had them on my boat trailer for years and have never needed to replace the bearings. Anyone using them on their TT? Having found all the zerk fittings on the suspension to be dry as a bone when new, Bearing Buddies seems like the easiest way to make sure the bearings are greased. Thanks

[Hoopy Frood]

I believe the idea behind Bearing Buddies is to have pressurized grease force out any water that came from the trailer wheels being submerged. Unless you're putting your 5th wheel in the lake a lot, they're unnecessary. And possibly lead to brake shoe contamination. Once you've confirmed the bearings are in good shape and have the proper amount of grease, you're good to go. If you have time on your hands you can do annual inspections.

[sande005]

They don't force anything out, but do maintain a bit of pressure to prevent water from entering. Usually due to grease contraction when suddenly dunked in water colder than they are. Because RV's don't see the big/fast temp differences boat trailers do, of little benefit. Biggest harm when using is by "topping off" too much, forcing grease to blow out of the back seal.

[Second Chance]

If you use the search function on the forum, you'll find that this has been discussed several time. Bearing Buddies are generally intended for use on boat trailer axles which are submerged in water and are no substitute for regular inspection, cleaning and packing of RV bearings. I would advise against them for reasons cited above.

Rob

[TsnTexas]

As always this forum is great for providing good information which is greatly appreciated. The discussions about bearing buddies led me to discover that many Reflection TT come equipped with Dexter axles and some of those include the Dexter easy lube system. The next time I run out to the lot where keep the Fiver I'll check to see what brand of axles I have, but in any case I'll not be using the standard Bearing Buddy. Thanks again!

[Second Chance]

As always this forum is great for providing good information which is greatly appreciated. The discussions about bearing buddies led me to discover that many Reflection TT come equipped with Dexter axles and some of those include the Dexter easy lube system. The next time I run out to the lot where keep the Fiver I'll check to see what brand of axles I have, but in any case I'llnot be using the standard Bearing Buddy. Thanks again!

There are also many discussions on the forum about the E-Z Lube system. You'll get varying opinions on it, but many of us believe that it is also fraught with issues: pushing grease out the rear seals, tendency to prolong proper inspection, cleaning and repacking, etc. Personally, I would never use it and have always done bearing maintenance the regular way. That way I know exactly what's going on inside the hubs.

Rob