Vault Wheel Hubs

[stevedan]

Does anyone know of another wheel hub that is a true submersible wheel hub other than "NOW" Dexter vault?.

 

[stevedan]

Are Dexter vault wheel hubs the only true submersible wheel hub on the market and are new boats sold with the hubs??

 

[cyclops222]

All boat trailer hubs are submersible.

 

[stevedan]

All boat trailer hubs are submersible.

can you describe what clarifies a hub as submersible, (No one seems to be able to) I have received multiple reviews and opinions on this subject matter. And as mentioned, a Dexter Engineer advised, that Vault wheel hubs were the only true submersible wheel hub being sold.

 

[matt167]

So the reason that Dexter can say that, is because it’s an oil type bearing and is fully sealed. A grease type ( run of the mill ) hub is not 100% water tight in all instances. It is good enough for dunking, but they do need to be checked and serviced

 

[stevedan]

So the reason that Dexter can say that, is because it’s an oil type bearing and is fully sealed. A grease type ( run of the mill ) hub is not 100% water tight in all instances. It is good enough for dunking, but they do need to be checked and serviced

well said matt167,, I was told the same, all wheel hubs need to be inspected annually no matter of the situation or equipment. If you have ever been left on the side of the road with a bad wheel bearings,, a single day of prep would have made a world of difference. (PMs are worth the weight in GOLD ) !!

 

[cyclops222]

Any trailer that is backed in water higher than the top of the axle. Is / should be using water proofed / sealed, rust resistant bearings.
I am a mechanical engineer. I remove waste materials from our house.

 

[cyclops222]

The ancient little trailer does not have sealed bearings or hubs. Just packed full of front wheel bearing grease. There is only the tiniest of air pockets in there. No room for rust / water.

 

[stevedan]

I certainly wish someone would design a new type wheel hub, (sealed type bearings), (sealed hub), with site glass to ensure your wheel hubs are lubricated to reduce the heat, should be standard on any boat trailer. Manufactures are getting out cheap and leaving the repairs to the owners with standard grease wheel hubs.. Plus they are polluting to water, when they leak, and grease gets all around the wheel hub on a lot I should say. (sorry just venting due to lack of updated engineering) long over due!!!

 

[dingbat]

I certainly wish someone would design a new type wheel hub, (sealed type bearings), (sealed hub), with site glass to ensure your wheel hubs are lubricated to reduce the heat, should be standard on any boat trailer.

Which version do you want to discuss.....lol

There have been many versions of "sealed", grease and oil hubs fitting your description that have come and gone in the past 10-15 years.

All involved rather high inital costs and involved maintenance procedures that the normal owner doesn't have the knowledge or experience service.

They either don't inspect, or wait for things to go south before servicing. Find out the "sealed" componets are expensive and complicated replace. End up replacing with $29.95 hub from Farmer Express.

 

[cyclops222]

Most people cause damage by opening up the axle bearings.
UUUHGGG I am not going to deal with that mess. Put it all back together. And makes sure to tighten up that oddball nut. No need for those weird extra parts.

Oh well.

 

[dingbat]

Most people cause damage by opening up the axle bearings.

I would agree……flawed installation procedures and components are responsible for the vast majority of failures.

The shaft tolerances and surface roughness for seals in particular, are quite tight even in machinist terms. H11 tolerances are pretty standard.

Who here checks shaft tolerances and surface roughness for conformance when installing new bearings and seals?

What’s interesting is that the axle manufacturer of EZ Lube axles no longer recommends needlessly removing the hubs as part of annual grease change routine.

 

[roscoe]

I hope you never bump into anything like a rock, fence, dock, garage door frame, with an oil bath hub.
They can be easily damaged, or knocked off, causing all the oil to leak out.
While some people might carry an extra hub, or a set of bearings for emergencies, I doubt many people will carry an extra vault type hub and oil when they go on vacation.

 

[dingbat]

While some people might carry an extra hub, or a set of bearings for emergencies, I doubt many people will carry an extra vault type hub and oil when they go on vacation.

You would have too.......they not "field" repairable.

Any attempt to do would void the 5 year, upgrade to 10 year, warranty that comes with them

 

[cyclops222]

How would anyone not a mechanic. Get repairs in water areas of going around in Canada ?

 

[Scott06]

Which version do you want to discuss.....lol

There have been many versions of "sealed", grease and oil hubs fitting your description that have come and gone in the past 10-15 years.

All involved rather high inital costs and involved maintenance procedures that the normal owner doesn't have the knowledge or experience service.

They either don't inspect, or wait for things to go south before servicing. Find out the "sealed" componets are expensive and complicated replace. End up replacing with $29.95 hub from Farmer Express.

I'm with you on this. Seems like the best design is the ones where there is a grease nipple and passages where it will push fresh grease through the bearings and out the dust cap. We have this on our jetski trailer and its fantastic and simple

 

[stevedan]

thanks for everyone's reply, certainly a subject for anyone with a boat to discuss. As mentioned, the Vault hubs were on the boat when I bought it, about 4 months ago. Once I serviced them I feel good about the design as well as the fact they are a true sealed submersible hubs. Also as mentioned, I will service them just like I would with grease hubs, "inspect annually" and add grease / oil as needed. Now if they were to fail in anyway,, I would probably go back with normal grease hubs, since I am servicing annually anyway. again thanks Every one, great discussion . !!!

 

[dingbat]

How would anyone not a mechanic. Get repairs in water areas of going around in Canada ?

You don't....
You can carry a spare hub or an entire hub/spindle assembly if you your torsion axle have removable spindles.

A lot easier to change than rebuild on the side of the road.