changing from grease fittings to oil bathed fittings on wheel bearings

[Ray Dog 57]

I'm thinking of changing my old grease fittings on  my camper bearings to the new oil bathed fittings. I saw a set in Cabela's and wondered if anyone has done this type of switch and could you tell any difference in heat disapation on the bearings. And do they  run cooler?  Thanks for any replies Ray Dog 57. :eyecrazy:

[ScoobyDoo]

We have been useing oil lubed bearings on big trailers for years BUT if the seal goes bad the oil will leak onto brake shoes much faster than grease. The company I work for has one trailer that doesn't get used very often (may sit for 6 months at a time) and every time we tryed to use it we had to pull atleast one wheel and reseal. I packed the bearings with grease, now we just air up the tires. I think the prolonged sitting was killing the seal, don't have trouble with the trailers we use all the time. I don't know if I use the PUP often enough to try the oil.

[Ray Dog 57]

We have been useing oil lubed bearings on big trailers for years BUT if the seal goes bad the oil will leak onto brake shoes much faster than grease. The company I work for has one trailer that doesn't get used very often (may sit for 6 months at a time) and every time we tryed to use it we had to pull atleast one wheel and reseal. I packed the bearings with grease, now we just air up the tires. I think the prolonged sitting was killing the seal, don't have trouble with the trailers we use all the time. I don't know if I use the PUP often enough to try the oil.

Thanks for your reply.  I have a 12' starcraft popup camper.  We use it at least 1or2 times a month for 8 months.  I was interested in the oil lubed bearings because they advised the ran cooler and prolonged the bearing life.  Anyone else out there with any more input?

[flyfisherman]

I have no first hand experience with the oil bath systems and can only pass on what I've heard & read.  Like Scooby already pointed out their shortcomings, seems they are more directed for units that are on the road constantly.

My Starcraft has the regular hubs and I usually have the bearings re-packed and re-sealed annually. I have, on most years since this popup was new, put in excess of 10,000 miles in a year. Last year replaced the bearings - not that they had failed - but in the estimate of a good mechanic, it was about time. The point I'm trying to make is that regular annual maintenance ought to cover your needs. Now on the new Starcrafts, as with many other bands I'm sure, they have gone with the newer "E-Z Lube" hubs where you can add a tad of grease when you think it's needed; of course, does not do away with the annual bearing service & seal replacement.


Fly

[ScoobyDoo]

My brother has a car hauling trailer, (we built it in '82 or '83) that gets pulled alot sometimes fast, somtimes heavy. The bearings get packed every time it needs brake shoes. How hot are your bearings running? If it ain't broke why fix it?

[Ray Dog 57]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my thread. I quess I was looking for an easy way to keep the bearings lubed.  You All are right if it's not broke don't fix it.   Thanks again for all the input.  :yikes: