Every rig is only as strong as the weakest part of it. In other words, if discount wheels are used, that top of the line trailer that was purchased last year can only haul the capacity load of the boat trailer wheel that is being used. For that very reason, it is important to get the proper boat trailer tires that match up with the rest of the rig.

Once the type of boat trailer wheel has been decided upon, it is merely a case of matching up the bolt patterns to ensure that the tire will fit and then getting the best deal on them. Of course, there is no place like the Internet to do this as comparison shopping is easy from site to site and there is plenty of information available about the tires that are being considered.

The Internet is very useful in finding the best deals because there are far more tires available today than there was as little as 10 years ago. This is a great thing for the consumer as they have more choices, better choices and for the most part, they are going to cost less money. Instead of having the one local boat supply store to go to, everyone can now get on the Internet and look at the thousands of different retailers that offer boat trailer tires. The best deal is only a click away!

Unlike automobiles that are in constant use, a boat trailer wheel will usually sit around for months at a time with little to no activity. For those that live in an area with changing seasons, the boat trailer wheel will probably be out in the driveway for as many as 6 months. Then, all of a sudden, we expect it to jump into action.

The deterioration occurs because the wheel has been sitting and then gets put out on a hot highway traveling at high speeds that create quite a bit of heat in the boat trailer wheel bearings. When the owner arrives at their location, the trailer is usually dunked into the cold water and this immediately cools the bearings. All of this will eventually lead to bearing failure.

Luckily, the process to change out the boat trailer wheel bearings is not very difficult. In a very short period of time, the bearings can be replaced and the wheel set will be just as good as new. Here is a quick rundown on what needs to be done.

1. Elevate the trailer so that the tires are totally off of the ground and spinning freely.
2. Take the cotter pin out of the spindle nut.
3. Take out the spindle nut.
4. Remove the thrust washer.
5. Remove the outer wheel bearing (rock the tire slightly and this should loosen the bearing so that it can be pulled out).
6. Remove the tire from the axle.
7. Remove the bearing and grease seal (a hardwood dowel is recommended for this).
8. Remove the old grease from the hub making sure to remove any excess with a rag.
9. Remove the bearing races (be sure to be careful when doing this as the area is much smaller and more delicate than the inner bearing).
10. Re-grease the bearing races.
11. Heavily lubricate the bearing to the point of grease is visible between the inner bearing and rolling retainer. When you think you have enough, dip it one more time to be sure.
12. Put the inner bearing back into the hub.
13. Put in a new grease seal and make sure that it is flush with the back of the hub.
14. Replace thrust washer, outer bearing and spindle nut (reverse the process in the early steps).
15. Tighten the spindle nut (be sure not to over-tighten the nut when putting the wheel back on). There should be no play on the bearing and the nut should be aligned properly to allow the cotter pin to be inserted back into place.