Can Trailer Hubs with Grease be Converted to Oil Bath

Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 03/13/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak XL ProLube Kit for 3500-lb Axles

(81)

$92.04

Kodiak XL ProLube Kit for for 5,200-lb to 6,000-lb Axles

(81)

$85.99

Question:

Can a travel trailer axle bearings be converted from grease lubricated to oil bath?

asked by: Hayden W

Expert Reply:

Hey Hayden, yes you can convert a trailer hub designed for grease to be an oil bath setup. It really comes down to just the seal be swapped out and the cap on the other end of it. I would need to know your axle capacity to pick out the correct components. Is there a reason you want to go to oil bath? Normally I will warn people that grease is more forgiving overall. If you blow a seal on an oil bath setup you will fry the bearings pretty quick on the highway since the oil drains out quick whereas with grease normally most of the grease will stay in the hub if a seal lets go so by time you find it you just have to replace the seal and clean the brakes up.

If you have a 3,500 lb axle you'd want the part # XLPROLUBE1980KIT or if you had a 5,200-6,000 lb axle you'd want the part # XLPROLUBE2440KIT.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

10/27/2025

Hey Hayden, how did things go with converting your trailer bearings to the oil bath setup? Your update could make it easier for others deciding between grease and oil bath hubs.