Buying Trailer Hub Caps

 


 

It's a good idea to check the hubs on your trailer at least once a year. If you do, you'll have one less thing to worry about when you're reassembling the wheels. While you're at it, you should also make sure to replace the dust cap. This is a small item that costs between four and eight bucks for a pair.

 

A dust cap is an easy way to keep dust and dirt off of your wheel nuts. The best part is that they don't require much effort. Using a hammer and wood, you can pry the cap off without having to raise the wheel and jack the trailer. In fact, you can do it right on the ground with just a flat edge screw driver. You can then use a hammer to unscrew the castle nut that secures the hub assembly to the axle.

 

There's a good chance you've already purchased a wheel cap for your trailer. However, the dust cap is only one of many components to consider. Other parts you'll need include grease, a grease lubricant, seals and a cotter key. Once you have all your parts, you'll have a much easier time replacing your wheels.  You may need to check out this helpful article to get more info on the topic.

 

While there are many types of hub caps available, you don't have to settle for the cheap and cheerful. Stemco offers a line of hub caps made to handle the punishment of a hard day's drive. These include the standard plastic type and the more rugged steel and aluminum versions. They offer patent pending Lock Collars for even more security. Some models are equipped with magnetic vent plugs, as well.

 

Purchasing a trailer hub cap isn't as complex as you might think. Generally, you'll find that it's not hard to find a manufacturer that offers these parts, as long as you shop around. One of the easiest ways to locate a reputable company is to ask a mechanic you trust. Most of the major manufacturers produce these products and they are usually stocked on hand. If you have your eye on a particular brand, you might want to consider contacting the distributor before making your purchase. For instance, Stemco is a leader in the hub cap market and you can find a wide selection of their products online. Education is a never ending process, so continue reading more from this company website.

 

One of the most important parts of the wheel hub is the bearing. These cylindrical pieces are filled with grease to reduce friction during the wheel's spin. Unfortunately, if you're not careful, you could damage the bearings or worse yet, remove the hub altogether. To avoid this fate, it's wise to install the aforementioned dust cap on a dry day. Keep in mind, however, that dust is a component that can easily become damaged over time. Also, if you have a solid rotor disc brake on your trailer, the oil-filled version is probably not the best option.

 

On the other hand, if your trailer has a non-oil laden hub, a grease-filled model isn't a bad idea. It should be noted, however, that oil-filled models can be prone to contamination if your trailer sits in a garage for an extended period of time. To learn more, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_spikes.