At work I have to keep three boats on the trailers ready - not for an immediate response, but pretty quick if we need to deploy. Two of the boats are real heavy, one weights in at 17,000 pounds fully loaded and fueled on the triple axle trailer (we tow it with a F-750).

To prevent fretting (the damage discussed above the the roller bearings caused by sitting in one place for a long time) is it better to:

1 - Put the trailers on jackstands? I worry about bending the trailers and about the hassle of getting them off the blocks - we also have to run the outboards now and then, which means pulling each trailer out of the warehouse.
or
2 - Just pull each trailer out of the warehouse once a month or so, since we need to start running the outboards more than we have been doing?

 

Blocks under the axles themselves will keep the load where it would normally be.

Jackstands next to the front and rear spring shackles under the frame should do the job too, although it leaves out the middle support point in a twin or more axle trailer.

I would likely block the axles, or set stands under the axles themselves - so long as the tires are just off the ground.

 

2 - Just pull each trailer out of the warehouse once a month or so, since we need to start running the outboards more than we have been doing?[/quote]

do you use the boats less than once a month?

 

The boats are rarely used, but when we need them they have to work. Its not good for outboards to just sit so I'm trying run them once a month or so, and to do so I need to pull the trailers out. Pulling the trailers out is not so bad since I can do it with a ball set up to attach on one of the forks on the forklift.

 

By moving the trailers once a month you should be fine. If you really want to see a good example of stationary wear, look at a diesel pump on a trailer that sits running all summer...

 

I've been reading this thread and decided to check my wheel bearings on my Tahoe lite TT.I can't get the caps off the axle.Is there a special tool needed?
Thanks for any help.

 

There is a special tool designed to remove the caps. It looks like a large pair of nippers, it grabs the cap just behind the rolled lip and gives you leverage to pull the caps off. On the other hand I just use a flat tip screw driver and a hammer. Add in a little care and paying attention to what you are doing and off the caps will pop.


(I know, I know, use the correct tool for the job.......)

 

Yes boat trailers are hard on wheel bearings. It's always a good idea to inspect them frequently and repack them at least every 6 months or 6,000miles.
I've repaired many a trailer that ended up getting new axles because the owner neglected to service the wheel bearings normally and when the grease went out the bearings get hot and then they get loose and chew the spindle's all up.
Only way to fix that is a new axle which isn't cheap.

Dan

 

bearing buddies according to the manufacturer have a relief in them so the greese comes out when u over fill so u can not blow out your seals. what do u think about them saying this? is there any truth to it?

 

I recently installed the bearing buddy look a likes. These have a small holes 1/32 or so, out about 1/2 " from the outside edge. If you fill beyond that "limiter" you shoot grease out that hole to eliminate too much pressure and blowing out the rear seal.
I do have the original Bearing Buddy's on my boat and have had great success so I've now added to our toy trailer.


One of my axles before the replacement buddy. 2.441 size unit. Pretty common size besides the typical smaller boat trailer size, 1.98.




The axles with the new units. I know some owners re-grease their bearing every two years or so. I decided to use these to extend those periods although regular inspection is still imperative.



Prior to owning this, the original owner had to replace one spindle and bearing assembly because he let it fry. Here's the ez lube unit he had put on the wheel. So I really only put 5 of these bearing buddy type units on the 6 spindles.

 

I put Bearing buddies on my tow dolly several years ago after replacing the bearings.
I never fill past half way and have never had an issue.

 

Bearing buddies work good, when properly used,, I've seen to many cases where the owner just pumps more grease, blowing out the seal..