Horse Trailer Maintenance 101: Wheel Bearings
Horse trailers require regular maintenance, just like your towing vehicle. You may think your horse trailer doesn’t experience much wear and tear since all it does is ride behind your truck or SUV. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
One important area that you don’t want to overlook is the trailer’s wheel bearings. The wheel bearings serve two functions – they keep the wheels rotating with minimal friction and they support the trailer’s weight.
In order to do their job, bearings need to be well greased. However, since horse trailers are prone to sit for lengthy periods – like over the winter, for example – moisture buildup can occur. This buildup can affect the grease which in turn can damage the bearings, leading to bearing failure. Bearing failure can leave you on the side of the road with your trailer propped up.
Most trailer manufacturers suggest you service the wheel bearings once a year. If you store your horse trailer for the winter, a good time to check the bearings is when you bring your trailer out for the new season.
If you’re mechanically inclined, you could repack the bearings yourself. Otherwise, bring your trailer to a trailer dealer in your area. (We’d be glad to help you find one if you like.)
The first sign of wheel bearing trouble is noise. If you hear a rumbling or growling sound, don’t delay, get it checked out. You can lose a wheel if the bearings fail so this isn’t something to take lightly.
We wish you many miles of safe towing, so please take the time for this important horse trailer maintenance.
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