Man now I am going to go see what kind my Tracker trailer has and check them.
I haven't had much luck with oil bath hubs. They cause fires. If you ever have a bearing going out, and the hub heats up....or if you have a brake pad unknowingly drag the rotor, the oil in the hub expands and eventually blows the seal and shoots hot oil out that catches fire.
Oil bath hubs on boat trailers have fallen out of favor due to issues like I just described. Most are going to a "hybrid" system like the Vortex hubs, or simply back to straight grease.
Greased hubs have worked well for so many years and parts are readily available at any parts store should you have an issue on the road somewhere. Just something to think about. Not difficult at all to switch over to grease.
If your oil baths aren't milky or causing any issues, I'd say leave them alone, but at least take time to figure out what size you have, and if you want peace of mind for your trip then pick up a spare set of bearings and bearing buddies to hammer on if you have problems. I keep a spare hub/assembly in the truck for long trips, comes in a nice case ready to go should I ever need it. C. E. Smith makes a pre-greased replacement hub kit in a hard plastic case for storage under your truck seat for about $40 to $50 depending on your hub/spindle size. The kits makes a roadside repair much faster and easier.
Man now I am going to go see what kind my Tracker trailer has and check them.
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Replaced bearings and seal on one wheel this weekend. Went today and purchased a complete hub, assembled, greased and sealed in plastic for 38 bucks for a spare. Came with lug nuts, spindle nut, shims, cap and cotter pin.
As for the replacement hubs, are all axles the same size? If not, how do you know what size hub to purchase. For $38, I'm going to purchase one just to have with me at all times!! Cheap insurance!!
I had to pull the hub and measure the spindles the first time I rebuilt the hub. Mine has a 1 3/8" ID inner bearing and a 1 1/16" outer bearing. Some spindles use the same size inner and outer bearing.
Almost all if not a straight same size brg. inner an outer. Are 1 3/8 inner an 1 1/16 outer. Only difference is seal, most old ones , have seal shoulder on spindle for 1 3/4 seal, newer have. 2 sizes . 1 at 1.62 and 1 at 1.68 . when installing wear ring for old axles that sling grease on the in side. Old axles with wear ring at 1. 3/4 those are $27.00 apeice smaller size are 2-3 dollars.
Mbsbeek
I appreciate your knowledge and the time you take to post said knowledge. Welcome to the community.
Chad
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Perhaps you may find this hub information useful.
CE Smith Trailer Hub Assembly w/ Carrying Case for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased CE Smith Trailer Hubs and Drums CE13511