How to Choose the Right Bearing Buddy Size: A Comprehensive Guide

Bearing buddies are essential for protecting your trailer wheel bearings from water, dirt, and other contaminants. Choosing the right size bearing buddy is crucial to ensure proper protection and extend the life of your bearings.

Let's delve into the factors to consider when selecting the correct bearing buddy size for your trailer.

1. Spindle Diameter

The spindle diameter is the most important factor to consider. It determines the inner diameter of the bearing buddy that you need. To measure the spindle diameter, use a caliper or a micrometer. Measure the distance across the spindle at its widest point.

Spindle Diameter (inches)	Bearing Buddy Size
1-1/16	1.16
1-7/16	1.37
1-9/16	1.50
1-11/16	1.62
1-3/4	1.75

2. Seal Type

Bearing buddies come with two types of seals: single lip and double lip. Single lip seals are more common and provide adequate protection for most applications. Double lip seals offer superior protection against contaminants but are more expensive.

Seal Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Single Lip	Economical	Less protection against contaminants
Double Lip	Enhanced protection against contaminants	More expensive

3. Trailer Type

The type of trailer you have will also influence the size of bearing buddy you need. Travel trailers and boat trailers typically require larger bearing buddies than smaller utility trailers.

Trailer Type	Bearing Buddy Size
Travel Trailer	1.50 or larger
Boat Trailer	1.62 or larger
Utility Trailer	1.16 or 1.37

Success Stories:

"I replaced the original bearing buddies on my travel trailer with the correct size, and the difference is incredible. My bearings are now running cooler and have zero contamination." -John Smith, RVer

"After installing larger bearing buddies on my boat trailer, I noticed a significant reduction in corrosion on my bearings. They now last much longer." -Mike Jones, Boater

"I avoided the common mistake of using too small of bearing buddies, and my trailer has never run smoother." -Sarah Wilson, Trailer Owner

Tips and Tricks:

Check the bearing buddy size chart here to ensure you're getting the right size.

Use a torque wrench to tighten the bearing buddy bolts to the specified torque. Overtightening can damage the seal.

Inspect your bearing buddies regularly for damage or contamination.

FAQs:

Q: How often should I repack my bearings?

A: Repack your bearings every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.

Q: Can I use bearing buddies on greased hubs?

A: No, bearing buddies are only for use on oiled hubs.

Q: What is the best way to clean my bearing buddies?

A: Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean your bearing buddies. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents.

How to Choose the Right Bearing Buddy Size: A Comprehensive Guide