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RV Wheel Bearing Service

Published on Mar 25, 2024 by Talia Mushinsky

How to Keep Your Travel Trailer Rolling Smoothly: Wheel Bearing Care

Are you ready to hit the road with your travel trailer? Before you embark on your next adventure, there's an essential maintenance task you shouldn't overlook: taking care of your travel trailer's wheel bearings.

At Kunes RV, we understand the importance of keeping your home-on-wheels in top shape, and that includes ensuring your wheel bearings are properly maintained. Let's dive into the crucial steps you can take to keep your travel adventures smooth and safe.

What Are Wheel Bearings and Why Are They Important?

Wheel bearings might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to RV maintenance, but they play a pivotal role in the safety and performance of your travel trailer. These small components sit inside the wheel hub, helping your trailer's wheels spin freely and without friction.

 

Properly maintained wheel bearings are essential for a smooth ride and can significantly reduce the risk of wheel malfunctions while you're cruising down the highway.

When and How to Maintain Your Wheel Bearings

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has set forth guidelines suggesting that wheel bearings on travel trailers should be inspected and maintained annually, or every 6,000 miles—whichever comes first. This maintenance includes several key steps:

  • Inspection of Brakes and Bearings: The first step in wheel bearing maintenance is a thorough inspection of the bearings and the trailer's brakes. This helps identify any wear and tear or potential issues that could lead to problems down the road.
  • Repacking Bearings: After inspection, the bearings are carefully cleaned and then repacked with fresh grease. This step ensures that your trailer's wheels can rotate smoothly and reduces the risk of overheating, which can be a common issue with neglected wheel bearings.
  • Replacing Hub Seals: Over time, the seals that keep the grease inside the wheel hub can wear out or become damaged. As part of the maintenance process, these hub seals are replaced to prevent grease from leaking and to keep dirt and water out.
  • Adjusting Brakes: Finally, the brakes are adjusted to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Properly adjusted brakes are crucial for your safety, especially when towing a travel trailer.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining your travel trailer's wheel bearings might seem like a small task, but it's a crucial one for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you're a seasoned RVer or planning your first trip, taking the time to perform this annual maintenance can save you from future headaches and keep your travels smooth.

At Kunes RV, we're dedicated to helping you get the most out of your travel trailer adventures. If you're not comfortable performing wheel bearing maintenance yourself, our team of experts is here to help. Schedule your maintenance today and hit the road with confidence, knowing your travel trailer is in top condition.

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