Trailer wheel bearings - standard or stainless

[Lpgc]

For a trailer that gets dipped in seawater and freshwater is it better to fit standard spec wheel bearings or stainless steel bearings?

It's my understanding that standard will withstand more weight and wear less at least if they don't get wet, while stainless shouldn't rust if it does get wet. Would stainless be strong enough to take the weight of the boat? Do some wheel bearing greases cause stainless to rust or degrade?

My wheel bearings seem all good for now but I want to at least buy a spare bearing set and relube the existing bearings that are fitted. I contacted the trailer manufacturer who gave me the following information about what bearings etc my trailer uses...

PE1101 is the part number to the bearing kit ( see below )

BEARING KIT 1-1/16″[UFP STYLE]
Kit Includes:
Part Description QTY
PE1400 BEARING 1-1/16″ [44649] 2
PE1710 RACE 1″ OR 1-1/16″ [44610] 2
PE2015 1-1/16″SEAL [UFP] [198-138] 1
PH2012 COTTER PIN 1/8″X1-1/4″[UFP AXLE] 1

I've seen some of those components for sale in standard and in stainless.

 

[jlh3rd]

my trailer uses the same bearing size. I have Timkens on mine....but I thought all bearings were SS. Regardless, I've been happy with my tandem and in brackish water.

 

[alldodge]

Every bearing will rust "IF" water gets in.

 

[bakerjw]

Make sure that you only use good bearings. We had some cheap Chinese ones in our hubs and had one disintegrate on our way back from the coast. Luckily it was within 20 miles from home.