Trailer wheel bearings can take lots of wear and tear when in use. They spin around and carry the entire weight, which adds high pressure and more load.
If for any reason, there is insufficient lubrication, wheel bearings can seize, overheat and fail. If you are off on a family trip, or you are a full-time RVer, then you’ll know wheel bearing failure is the last thing you’ll want to deal with.
Here, you can use our reviews to find the best grease for trailer wheel bearings to make sure your trips go without a hitch.
Why You Need a Good Wheel Bearing Grease for Travel Trailers?
RV wheel-bearing grease is useful to keep in your rig. Wheel bearings perform two vital functions on your RV. First is RV wheel bearings enable wheels to rotate without friction. The second is in supporting your rig’s weight.
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When you cover thousands of miles, these forces build up, and it is at these times you need travel trailer wheel bearings in good shape. This is true if you are in the middle of the great outdoors and no garage insight.
Wheel bearing greases keep bearings in good condition through lubrication and protection. It does this as it generates a seal around the wheel bearing, which keeps grease in and contaminations like water out.
Greases for travel trailers wheel bearings can be replaced as needed and not just when your vehicle is serviced. It is a cost-effective preventative service task you can do to prevent a failed wheel bearing on your travel trailer.
Top Wheel Bearing Grease for Travel Trailers Reviews
1. Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease 14.1 OZ Cartridge
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Pros
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- Molybdenum content makes it ideal for high-pressure applications
- 2x wear protection above industry standards
- A vast range of operating temperatures -60oF to 425oF
- Meets Ford and General Motors specs[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- It may be messy to apply
- Not waterproof[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Valvoline’s VV985 is a best-selling synthetic high-performance grease for RV trailer or any other vehicle.
With the added molybdenum, the Valvoline VV985’s formulation delivers exceptional performance for anti-wear on metals. The molybdenum-containing grease is well-suited to lubricate steering linkage, CV joints, trailer, and vehicle suspension on a wide range of vehicles or machinery.
Ford and General Motors recommend such products for use on their vehicles as it meets their spec.
Including a lithium complex allows the VV985 to operate in a wide range of operating temperatures from minus-60 degrees Fahrenheit up to a high temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit. One drawback being the grease isn’t 100% waterproof.
With a guide price of below $10, the Valvoline VV985 Moly-fortified Synthetic Grease is an excellent choice to grease travel trailer wheel bearings or many other lubrication areas.
2. Lucas Oil 14.5 Ounce 10301 Heavy Duty Grease, 14.5 oz
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Pros
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- Suitable for all heavy-duty machinery and vehicle applications
- Suited for high-speed wheel bearings
- Longer service life than conventional grease
- Nearly waterproof offers optimum water resistance[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- It comes with online shipping issues
- Not suited for marine use[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Since 1989, Lucas Oil has created innovative grease products, lubricants, oils, and additives, so it’s not surprising they have trailer-bearing grease for RV bearings.
The Lucas Oil 10301 X-TRA Heavy Duty Grease hasn’t been specifically designed for wheel bearings, though features make it ideal for such applications.
The Lucas 10301 has an extreme-pressure additive formulation exceeding commercial machinery specifications. The X-TRA’s additives can handle more than this and protect high-speed bearings, no matter how fast or long the bearings are spinning in your RV.
Lucas’ additive technology can extend the life of your grease by almost 400% compared to conventional grease. It is virtually waterproof, although Lucas doesn’t recommend grease for marine applications.
With a guide price of just under $15, it is more expensive, yet it is suitable for many applications. There have been a few customer reports of poor shipping, yet this isn’t the fault of the grease, and it deserves a place among the best wheel-bearing greases for your vehicle and trailer.
3. Allstar ALL78241 Timken Brand Premium Red Type Wheel Bearing Grease 16 oz. Tub
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Pros
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- Great adaptability for many applications
- Affordable
- 90-day limited factory warranty
- Made for wheel bearings[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Oils may separate from grease
- No cartridge for application[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
The Timken brand wheel bearing grease from All-Star is perfect for any high-temperature situation. It has been made specifically for drum and disc wheel bearings.
The formula contains anti-wear additives, inhibitors to prevent corrosion, and also water-resistant properties. The Timken grease produces excellent protection for any demanding environment.
This iconic Hi-Temp Red grease is manufactured in the USA, and the iconic formulation helps prolong travel trailer wheel bearing life.
It is heavy-duty and tacky, and as it doesn’t come in a cartridge, it will require filling a container or used in applications where you don’t require an applicator.
With a guide of just below $14, you get high-performing grease, yet there is little additional information on the can detailing the finer details, such as operating temps.
Aside from this, the Timken brand of wheel-bearing greases for travel trailers is a premium, hi-temp, red grease formulated to cope with disc and drum bearings’ highest demands.
4. Royal Purple 01312 NLGI No. 2 High-Performance Multi-Purpose Synthetic Ultra Performance Grease
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Pros
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- Simple application
- High flash point of 221C
- Reduces wear and heat
- Can reduce vibrations[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Expensive compared to similar products
- Oils may separate quickly[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
The Royal Purple grease comes with a synthetic base and aluminum thickener to deliver unparalleled anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion for parts where it has been applied.
The grease has water-resistant capabilities, including prevention against emulsion and washout. You can find this premium trailer wheel-bearing grease is more stable than a good deal of lithium-based greases.
It can withstand high pressure up to 6,000 psi and withstand high-temperature conditions, with the manufacturer claims it aids in cooling moving parts.
These grease products come without an NLGI rating, although it’s safe for chassis and wheel-bearing lubrication.
You can apply the grease to U-joints on marine equipment, many pieces of machinery, and motor vehicles, as well as household appliances.
The grease comes in a cartridge, yet with a guide price of just under $18, it is more expensive than many others for greasing the wheel bearings on your travel trailer.
While a premium product, you can find it breaks down after only a year, and a change will be too often, should you grease the trailer’s wheel bearings using this type of grease.
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5. Plews & Edelmann LubriMatic 11404 Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing and Corrosion Control Grease
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Pros
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- Formulated for marine use
- Can protect against freshwater and saltwater exposure
- Suitable for other automotive use besides wheel bearings
- Good temperature stability up to drop point of 550 F[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]
Cons
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- Not very easy to work with
- Not in grease gun cartridge, so gun needs manual filling[/su_list][/su_column][/su_row]
Plews & Edelmann offer the LubriMatic 11404, which offers superior corrosion control and waterproofing. The LubriMatic Marine protects boat trailer bearings, winches, swivel hinges, and many other water-facing components from corrosion.
It makes dropping your boat in the water worry-free when you grease your wheel bearings with this type of grease.
The grease products here have other applications, and many use it as a general-purpose lubricant to stop water or moisture from getting into any parts of their vehicles.
Even if your wheel bearings reach 550 degrees Fahrenheit, the LubriMatic Marine retains its tacky consistency thanks to its high drop point temperature.
You’ll never have to worry about the grease losing its protective properties. Its formulation ensures strong adhesion to all of your wheel bearing’s contact surfaces.
LubriMatic Marine is one of the best greases for travel trailers available. This is a good product to have, but it lacks a cartridge to make the application easier.
With a guide price of just under $14, you get a high-performance grease for trailer bearings that can resist the worst the weather or roads can deliver.
Best Wheel Bearing Grease for Travel Trailers Buying guide
Selecting the right wheel bearing grease involves a few factors, and it is better to know rather than purchase the wrong one.
Viscosity
Grease comprises lubricants and thickeners (calcium sulfonate), and these two ingredients mix to a certain level of viscosity. (Read Propane Refrigerator RV)
Viscosity will be measured from zero to six, and near-zero the grease is runny while six is hard. Wheel bearing greases need ratings of two, as they offer great protection while soft to use.
Compatibility
Grease compatibility is vital as you need to be sure you have one type and the thickness is the same. Ideally, you’d remove old grease and fill it with new. You can also use enough force to push the old grease out.
Water Resistance
Any wheel-bearing greases need to deliver water-resistant functions, and they can protect your rig against water or moisture issues.
Should you feel, you may suffer, you can opt to use marine wheel bearing greases rather than regular road vehicle grease.
Dealing with High Temperatures
Even if you are in the depths of winter, your wheel bearing will operate at extremely high temperatures as you travel. You should find a rating of any grease you purchase. A grease that operates outside its rating will stop working. (Learn Paint RV Exterior)
Withstand Pressure
RV wheels suffer from extreme pressure when traveling. Thus, any grease you use needs to deal with high pressures. Like the temps, grease can have a max pressure operating limit. Moly EP greases tend to be the best to deal with high pressure.
Types of Grease
You may ask, what type of grease for trailer wheel bearings is there? You can find many, yet not all-wheel bearing grease types that are suitable for RVs.
- Multi-Purpose Grease: Multi-purpose grease is the most affordable, though not suitable for wheel bearings.
- Moly EP Grease: Moly EP greases are made for lubricating high-pressure areas. They are ideal for heavy loads and farming equipment as it contains molybdenum disulfide.
- White Lithium Grease: All white lithium grease types contain Zinc. You’ll find this an alternative to multi-purpose grease that gets dirty.
- Disc/Drum Wheel Bearing Grease: Here, you have the first made specifically for wheel bearings. Disc/drum wheel bearing grease is useful as it deals with high heat from RV wheel bearings. This grease has water-resistant abilities and can be used as a multi-purpose option.
- LMX Red: LMX Red is a premium grease for high pressure, water, and temperature fluctuations. LMX red grease offers top-tier protection for trailer tires and lots of other equipment.
- Marine Grease: Marine wheel bearing grease is made to work on equipment, which intends to contact water. It provides water resistance, and wheel bearings won’t suffer water damage.
Final Verdict
It was a simple test, and it was clear the Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease 14.1 OZ Cartridge was coming out on top. It is at the right price, yet it sits at the top of the scale for performance. Also, it comes in a cartridge, so you have ease of application.
If there is any downside, it lacks waterproofing, although it can deal with water splashes while driving. It has the support of Ford and GM, and the addition of moly is something none of the other greases offer.
If you want to stay on top of your servicing, this is the best performing trailer grease and could only be improved if they make a marine grease with the same features.
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