Oil bath bearing changeout

[ski4evr]

I added a second set of disc brakes to the rear axle of my prestige trailer this week (Original dealer must have cheaped out with one set). I contacted UFP about the kit and they were happy to sell the whole kit for around $260. When specifying the type of hub (I had oil bath) they were pretty insistent that I replace them. They were even willing to give me 4 of the trailer buddies (about 20 bucks apiece) for free if I would replace the oil bath assemblies. When I asked why, they said they had numerous failures and the wheels were flying off of the trailers. HOLY CRAP!!!! So needless to say, I now have greased bearings and 4wheel disc brakes. Can wait for the snow to melt so I can drag it around and try them out!!

[xrichard]

Did you change out the spring in the coupler? I added brakes to my second axle and didn't know that I had to do this until the guy selling me the parts pointed it out...(at least with a UFP A60 coupler)

[ski4evr]

Yes I did, thanks for checking on me. That actuator is a pain to be such a simple design. Probably was just over thinking it. The rotors also had this black powdercoating on the and had to clean that off as well.

[xrichard]

Heh....I thought the same thing about the actuator. Once I stepped back and took a deep breath, it wasn't such a problem-but it was frustrating for a bit.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

dual disc brakes are super over kill on dual axle trailers
unless you have an 8000LB boat

[ski4evr]

I roasted the rotors on my truck during a long haul through the mountains, so I contacted UFP about their braking system. The engineer there stated their disc brakes are only rated for 3500 lbs. The boat trailer and gear weigh well over 4800 lbs. Could just be the way I drive, but trying to do something to keep from having to change out the expensive rotors again.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

it is based on axles weight not boat weight

so 4200lbs per axle is their maximum rating

you also when need a reversing valve, that could be your problem with eating cars brakes up

[xrichard]

I talked with UFP tech support before I installed a second set of disc brakes. I was told, at the time, that the 3500lb rating is based on load. So, if I"m 5500lbs (including the trailer), then I need a second set of brakes. I also asked the trailer manufacturer....their line was that single-axle brakes are adequate for my setup in flat-land towing, but for hills and mountains, they'd recommend a second set of brakes.

Though, immediately after I wrote that I looked at their site and it says: max tandem axle GVWR with one brake axle: 4200lbs. Two brake axles: 6000lbs. So, I'm not sure why I was told 3500lbs. Either way, the rating is based on GVWR...so if your load is over 4200 lbs, then UFP is going to tell you to go with two sets of brakes (or more). Better safe than sorry.

[TRST]

I'm curious how many have had problems or failures with the oil bath hubs.

[Quinner]

Have an 05' Eagle with Dual Axle-oil baths, a couple hubs have gotten a little milky so I changed the oil, other then that no problems.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

its strange because my pacific trailer i wanted 4 disc
my boat is around 6800
they said twin disc is over kill, based i use a Denali to tow

yes if you tow with a pick up, less weight in the rear, then twin disc will be better

as for water in the oil hubs, i have seen it more then once
to fix it we used blue lock-tight on the seal

[AirTool]

Though, immediately after I wrote that I looked at their site and it says: max tandem axle GVWR with one brake axle: 4200lbs. Two brake axles: 6000lbs. So, I'm not sure why I was told 3500lbs.

Maybe the 3500 was the payload and the 4200 is the total weight including the axle and wheels. I'm not sure all the gear would add to 700 lbs...but it might.