jet ski trailer bearings question..

[Whiskyecho]

Will be pulling (maybe) a jet ski on its trailer when we head out for the Hill Country this month (probably Inks Lake State Park)

Was going to repack the wheel bearings on the trailer but found that they're "enclosed", with simply a single grease fitting each end of the axel.

Greased those but my question is: the trailer uses the smallish 4.80x12 tires and wheels - anyone with experience towing this sort of trailer have any comments about it's suitability to be towed on back road highway speeds? (I'll take a spare tire/wheel along).

Thanks

[RS 38-40]

Just my opinion here . For as little as they cost and the grief it would save why not just buy new ones ?

[Whiskyecho]

don't know what you're suggesting ..

[VernM]

To appropriately lubricate the central fitting, jack up the wheel and apply grease gun until you start to see clear grease coming back at you from around the outer edges of the hub. Rotate the wheel once or twice helps assure even distribution.

Those little wheels are going to be going almost twice as fast (RPMs) as your tow vehicle. And the tires were not made for sustained high speed. I join the other poster in recommending bigger wheels or tires rated for high speeds/heavy duty, if there is such in that rim size.

[Whiskyecho]

understand now - naw, don't think I care to go to that expense just to take-along and ride a jet ski for a couple of days (we live by a large lake).

and yes, I have greased the bearings, as you suggested.

thanks all.

[Flipper]

If your zert fittings are on the end of the axle they are the good ones, there is a hole drilled thru the center of your axle that exits between the inside bearing and the rear seal . Get a small grease gun take off the center rubber cap and pump until you get grease comming back out. One great thing about your set up is when you want to repack your bearings you dont even have to take the hub off just put a paper towel in front of your wheel and pump new grease in until you get clean grease comming out the old grease will fall on the paper then just throw it away, just pump slowly so you dont blow out the rear seal. Another trick is everytime you stop for fuel put your finger on the hub to check for temp. if it is too hot to the touch you have trouble comming. I also carry a complete hub kit you can get at a West Marine for around $80 that comes in a nice plastic box with everything you need to change if you do have a problem (great for piece of mind) We have a small boat with 4.80x12 and it as thousands of miles on it. I even carry 2 spare tires on the center post of the trailer so if I do get a flat I just throw on a spare and I dont have to drive around all day looking for another spare.