Boat Trailer - Knott Auto-Flex Waterproof Bearings

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bariutt

Member
I recently purchased a new EZ Loader galvanized boat trailer. I decided to add some Bearing Buddies but was disappointed to find out that this trailer had Knott Auto-Flex maintenance free bearings. Supposedly these hubs are waterproof,

I think that these bearings were also used on some Karavan trailers.

If I would have known that EZ Loader boat trailers were using this type of bearing I would not have bought this trailer.

Is there any experience on this forum using these bearings?
 
Never heard of them so I did a search, seems like there are a few mixed reviews for the ones on Karavan trailers.
But also seems like the manufacturers using them are really good about covering failures.
Some of the sites also found replacement bearings at their local NAPA.
 
Never heard of them so I did a search, seems like there are a few mixed reviews for the ones on Karavan trailers.
But also seems like the manufacturers using them are really good about covering failures.
Some of the sites also found replacement bearings at their local NAPA.
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Did the same search... I've always considered EZ Loader a significant step up from Karavan. I own 2 EZ Loaders that I bought new and have been very happy. I will carefully research them before I purchase again. Thanks for the heads up.
 
My EZ loader has the Reliable Oil Bath hubs. I have had no problems whatsoever with them. I like them, but I have had no experience with the Knott Autoflex bearings.
 
My EZ loader has the Reliable Oil Bath hubs. I have had no problems whatsoever with them. I like them, but I have had no experience with the Knott Autoflex bearings.
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They appear to be a sealed bearing, which I don't know anything about on a boat trailer.
 
Sealed bearings do not prevent grease from drying out. I have run across many bearings that were sealed but the grease was like wax. Unless they have a different type of grease and seal that has been around for years I'd be leary after about 7-10 years.
 
Yes I agree as well. I have previously owned 4 EZ Loader trailers all with conventional bearings and hubs.

I will never purchase an EZ Loader trailer again if they have converted to these maintenance free bearings. They are essentially vehicle ball bearings.

On something that will be in the water frequently why switch from roller bearings with Bearing Buddies. Seems stupid to me. My first EZ Loader trailer is nearly 30 years old and the bearings have been serviced regularly. Absolutely no problems. Why fix something that is not broke. I think EZ Loader is trying to save a buck but I believe it will backfire on them in the long term.
 
Yes I agree as well. I have previously owned 4 EZ Loader trailers all with conventional bearings and hubs.

I will never purchase an EZ Loader trailer again if they have converted to these maintenance free bearings. They are essentially vehicle ball bearings.

On something that will be in the water frequently why switch from roller bearings with Bearing Buddies. Seems stupid to me. My first EZ Loader trailer is nearly 30 years old and the bearings have been serviced regularly. Absolutely no problems. Why fix something that is not broke. I think EZ Loader is trying to save a buck but I believe it will backfire on them in the long term.
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Let us know how they work out. Do you have a sense how easy they are to "maintain" (i.e., put new ones in as a precaution).
 
I have done some research on this. Essentially you can do no maintenance as everything is sealed.

As for a breakdown on the highway it would be extremely difficult to change a bearing on the road. The best best would be to carry a complete spare hub assembly. Even with this however it takes 209 ft lbs of torque to remove the nut holding the hub. There is no castle nut with cotter pin. This amount of torque takes a large socket and a very long cheater bar.

I have investigated changing out to conventional hubs but the spindle size on the axles makes this difficult as well.
 
Depending on the size of the trailer, a new axle will almost be cheaper than fixing 2 of these seal bearings.
 
Several years back Bill Burruss turned me on to Bearing Buddy spindle seals when I told him I was having problems of leaky seals and slinging grease. I bought a pair and they work outstanding. Not one bit of grease has leaked out and zero water intrusion. The key is a very smooth stainless sleeve and O-ring that the rubber seals bears against. This smooth flawless surface seems to make the seals seal perfectly and greatly extends the life and about eliminates maintenance. I'm surprised they aren't mentioned more.

http://www.bearingbuddy.com/spindle.html
 
Several years back Bill Burruss turned me on to Bearing Buddy spindle seals when I told him I was having problems of leaky seals and slinging grease. I bought a pair and they work outstanding. Not one bit of grease has leaked out and zero water intrusion. The key is a very smooth stainless sleeve and O-ring that the rubber seals bears against. This smooth flawless surface seems to make the seals seal perfectly and greatly extends the life and about eliminates maintenance. I'm surprised they aren't mentioned more.
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The Spindle Seal System eliminates excessive grease leakage caused by rough sealing surfaces, which will quickly destroy any seal.
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Eric,
I've used these in the past to salvage a badly worn axel. No leakage at all after installing the sleeves. With the seeming lack of quality control now days, one might have to add these to a brand new axle.
 
Dave

They work so well for me at the least I'd install them the first time I packed the bearings on a new trailer.

Eric
 
My trailer has the torsion style axle (no leaf springs) so a new axle is fairly expensive. I wonder if just the spindles could be changed?
 
My trailer has the torsion style axle (no leaf springs) so a new axle is fairly expensive. I wonder if just the spindles could be changed?
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In my understanding, shops can weld new one on for sure, but they would lack hot dip in the worked areas.
 
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