Re: Trailer wheel bearings
I agree with Upinsmoke, bearing/race should always be replaced as a set. It's nearly impossible to find a qualified source that would recommend otherwise.<br /><br />Easy to do yourself if you're mechanically inclined. If you're not, pay someone to have it done. You can do a Google search for "how to repack trailer bearings" and you'll find many photos and step-by-step walk-thrus to help guide the process.<br /><br />As for the rest of the original question....I trailer long distances year round. As tashasdaddy says, make sure you have a jack that will lift the trailer, AND a lug nut wrench that will remove the tire....more often than not your auto jack and lug nut wrench will NOT work on the trailer...trailers have different sized lug nuts from most cars/trucks. Obviously you need a functional spare tire that's properly inflated. For that matter, you need to check air pressure in ALL tires...fill to the max printed on the sidewalls for the trailer, and fill to the mfr's recommended pressure on the tow vehicle (sometimes going up to the sidewall max on rear tires for tow vehicle is a good idea to handle the extra trailer weight...depends on your tow vehicle, it's tires, and it's towing capacity....I'm not sure what you have). While you're there inspect the tires for any dry-rotting or cracking, replace NOW if any signs of above are present.<br /><br />If you don't know when it was last done, CHECK and repack all your wheel bearings. Likely they won't all need replacement, but they do need to be checked and repacked. If anything is remotely questionable, replace bearing AND race on just that one hub.<br /><br />Obviously check for proper functioning on the lights. And the fact that you have a tandem tells me you likely have trailer brakes. Brakes are the most maintenance-prone item on any trailer...have them checked, adjusted, and make sure they're working properly.<br /><br />For overkill and an absolute GUARANTEE you will not have a failure, I always carry a fully loaded hub assembly ready to install, and the tools to get it done. I have never needed it on the road...and is the best insurance I've ever owned. <br /><br />I absolutely refuse to own one of the many many trailers I see perched on the side of the interstate most any given day with a missing wheel/tire waiting for a tow or repair because the owner didn't properly prepare hismelf for the trip. Preventative maintenance and pre-emptive repairs is the key to making sure I'm not joining the ranks of those who have had an entire vacation ruined by something as stupid as a siezed wheel bearing...<br /><br />Hope this little checklist helps.
<br /><br />I'm sure the establishment you purchase marine parts at wants you to spend as much as possible and insists that a total replacement is required.<br /><br />Wear patterns in trailer races are a myth, if you have any wear pattern at all the bearing is shot. <br /><br />It is always wise to replace the race when changing the roller assembly but it is not a requirement if the race is not damaged, pitted, brinnelled or rusted. When in doubt change the race.<br /><br />I've shared this post at work (got a few laughs to) and we are surprised at the amount of bearing experts in the general public 
