Boaters trailering a vessel, too, and from the boat ramp put a lot of miles on wheel bearings every year. Boat and trailer owners are reliant on wheel bearings positioned inside of the wheel hub. Bearing failure renders a trailer useless because the wheel can no longer spin but instead seizes. Boxers have the option to pull and replace bearings or switch the entire trailer hub witch houses the already installed bearings. If your trailer is due for bearings or if the hub assembly has seized you need to know where to purchase a boat trailer hub near me. 

What Is The Function Of A Boat Trailer Hub

Without question, the function of a boat trailer hub is quite simple. The hub allows the wheels to spin while being pulled by a tow vehicle. 

From a more detailed perspective, the hub attaches to the axel, and the axel is connected to the trailer’s frame. 

Within the hub are bearings. The bearings facilitate the ability of the wheel to spin while the hub assembly is bolted to the axle. For this reason, bearings are highly important. Wheel bearings require maintenance and period replacement. Additionally, the hub’s inner workings fail for many reasons. 

What Are The Reasons For Replacing A Boat Trailer Hub

Undoubtedly, trailer hub components are not built to last for a lifetime. Not only do bearings require routine maintenance but also periodic replacement. Here are the top three reasons why trailer hub bearings fail. 

Water Intrusion

One of the leading causes of trailer bearing failure is water intrusion. When comparing saltwater versus freshwater, both are the culprit of failure but salt intrusion is far more corrosive. 

Water intrusion is a result of damaged or missing seals around the bearings. I have encountered this situation with my trailer, thus resulting in the need to pull and replace bearings and seals during winterizing. Without question if you suspect water intrusion remedy the problem immediately. 

Excessive Loads

A second cause of bearing failure is overloading the trailer’s weight capacity. The weight of the load strains the springs, axel, hubs, bearings, and tires. 

Excessive weight changes the angle of the axel, thus putting pressure on the hub, internal components, and tires. For this reason, the bearing begins to heat and ultimately fails. Never exceed the trailer’s weight capacity ratings. 

Heat From Friction

Without a doubt, ensure that the bearings are well greased at all times. In fact, the bearings should be re packed with a high grade grease once per year. 

Unquestionably, without proper lubrication, the bearings will fail. Consider the amount of heat generated by the rotation of the hub. The grease allows the moving parts to move with ease. Without the grease, the bearing and hub heat and ultimately seizes. 

Without a doubt, stay on a routine of applying grease to your hubs consistently. I typically add bearing lubrication every three months with a grease gun. 

So Where To Purchase A Boat Trailer Hub Near Me

Avoid the mess and replace the hub assembly compared to pulling and replacing wheel bearings. Here is where you will find boat trailer hubs in your area. 

Boat Dealership

One of the most convenient places to find replacement trailer hubs is at boat dealerships. Boat dealerships most often have a parts department with an abundance of parts in stock. 

When relying on a dealership, I recommend having the boat trailer model number on hand to locate the exact match. Remember, if the part isn’t in stock, more times than not it will be ordered in by the dealership. 

Marine Supply Stores

Similar to boat dealerships are marine supply stores like West Marine. Recently, my brother in law was able to source and purchase replacement hubs at his local West Marine. 

However, I do recommend using a local dealership compared to a marine supply store. I say this because the dealership parts department knows parts. Marine supply stores do more than just parts. Therefore, the store associate may be challenged in matching the correct part. 

Online

The most convenient way to purchase a boat trailer hub near me is online. When shopping online you are able to do so from the comfort of your own home. 

Unquestionably, Etrailer.com is an excellent source for buying trailer hubs. You are highly likely to find the exact part that you need when shopping on the website. However, to avoid a hassle, I recommend ensuring the correct part is ordered the first time, else you will need to ship it back. 

Buy You’re Replacement Trailer Hub

Now you know where to purchase a boat trailer hub near me. If  you’re in need of new bearings, save the hassle and mess and buy the complete hub assembly. I have replaced bearings and hubs but can tell you first hand changing the hub is far more straightforward. Importantly, be safe when performing the work and ensure that the bolts are snug.