Oil Bath Hubs

dliguori 03-02-2006, 9:54 PM

After 5 years of f-ing with bearing buddies I've decided to switch to oil bath hubs. I see that there are now quite a few companies that make them. If any of you have any experience, good or bad, could you give me some advise. I figure it's time to replace the bearings anyways so I guess a complete kit is what I'm looking for. Any help would be greatly appriciated! Thanks guys! DL

(grant_west) · (grant_west) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-03-2006, 6:29 AM

yes I to would like the feed back from people that have the oil bath hub's. Some usfull information would be.

#1 Type or Brand.
#2 How long you have had them.
#3 A estamate on how many miles you have towed with them.
#4 Are you on a single or twin axle trailer with disk brake's ect.
I was intrested in in switching over to oil bath on my DHM trailer. DHM sells and installs then they told me they havent installed to many of them so he couldnt give me a answer if they were better or worse than traditional greese style bearings, Thats why I was wondering if any one had any information about the long term wear. Thanks

(byrd) · (byrd) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 03-03-2006, 6:39 AM

I have them on mine, but I have not had a lot of towing on them. I just got my new boat, and the trailer has them on it. My MC dealer, who is also a good friend swears by them. He said he has towed boats all over the southeast, and loves them. He told me that coming back from Atlanta, he had a bad bearing on a new trailer and when he stopped, the oil was bubbling, but it kept it cool enough so that it would not come apart. I'll get you the brand this weekend.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-03-2006, 7:14 AM

#1 Type or Brand.

I have them on my 04 boatmate trailer, I don’t; know what brand.
#2 How long you have had them.

About 7 months
#3 A estimate on how many miles you have towed with them.

About 2000-2500. That includes my trip to pick up the boat which was 11 hours of non stop trailering.

#4 Are you on a single or twin axle trailer with disk brake's ect.

Dual axel trailer with rear disc brakes.

I like my oil bath hubs, they are easy to check for routine maint. IF the oil level is low (you can see thru clear plastic) ….just spin the tire unscrew the allen screw fill hole cap and fill with whatever weight oil you need. They are very easy to replace, and maintain. I had a seal go out on me on a 180 mile trip in the middle of no where. All the oil ran out of one of the oil baths. I was able to remove the tire and trailer to the nearest auto parts store down the road (20 miles); the rear seals are automotive seals, so they are readily available. There are not a lot of parts to them and takes very little time to re-install.

bocephus 03-03-2006, 9:01 AM

Why don't you just go with a sealed bearing system? No packing, no nothing? I have them on my trailer, they cost me $64. an axle.

(big_ed_x2) · (big_ed_x2) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-03-2006, 9:48 AM

1)Tandem trailer
2)disc brakes
3)2 years this April
4)towed approx.30,000-35,000 miles give or take a few.
5)zero problems and zero maintenance

like Adam said....real easy to check for maintenance.IMO far superior to the OG bearing buddy.

(big_ed_x2) · (big_ed_x2) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-03-2006, 9:50 AM

as far as the brand,not sure but if you go to MC,I'm sure they can hook you up.

dliguori 03-04-2006, 12:16 PM

Hey I really appriciate all the help guys!

(p_e_ski) · (p_e_ski) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-04-2006, 2:30 PM

My 04 Centurion with Boatmate trailer came standard with them and I love them. 2 years without problems. I have previously put them on myself on my 98 Escort trailer from Bayliner.
1. Liqualube.com
2. 4 years
3. approx 2000 miles per season.
4. single axle with drum brakes. All I did was empty the old lube and fill the with new lube at the beginning of each season. Prior to the liquid, I had grease problems almost every other week. Will never go back.

(toyotafreak) · (toyotafreak) **Join Date: Sep 2003** 03-05-2006, 9:16 AM

I thought that Turbo Lube was the only mfr., and they didn't have a setup for disks. Also, I've got four disks, so sheeez, that's some bucks just to get rid of flinging grease. Just love the idea, though.

dliguori 03-05-2006, 11:00 AM

Derek - There are at least 4 companies that make them, maybe more. I don't think it should cost that much - If you get the kits that are just the seal and the cap it should be less than 100 bucks. For the full hub it should be around 150.

(phatboypimp) · (phatboypimp) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 03-06-2006, 7:44 PM

My experience might be unrelated, but if you look at every tractor-trailer combination, you will find oil bath hubs. These guys travel millions of miles a year and it has proven to be the long term solution for bearing care. I used to sell these systems for the long haul trucking companies and the maintenance is virtually zero. The only reason they replace the oil and seals is during hub replacements, some brake pad replacements and when a seal blows. I imagine the fact that our boat trailers would enter the water on a regular basis might cause some issues over the long term with the seals but I doubt it should be a major concern. I will tell you, it is UGLY when these seals blow, you will have oil over every part of your trailer and the cars behind you :-)

(although our oil volume should be much less). Like Adam mentioned, when you lose the oil for whatever reason, you will not have the option to drive for very long before you seize a bearing. Grease holds on longer than oil. Might be risky for a single axle trailer over long distances.