Who Makes The Best Quality Trailer Bearings?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Calvin!

All of the pre-greased hubs/drums, like the Terran Industries Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3.5K Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 # TX68VJ, come with bearings made overseas and are all basically the same quality. At least that I have seen. That said, As long as you do regular maintenance, they should last a good long time. The only downside to Terran Industries specifically is the Mobilgrease XHP 222 grease they use. It can be a bit hard to find and we have heard it does not mix with other greases at all. If you can't locate it when you repack everything, you will need to fully clean everything, like with acetone or brake cleaner, to make sure there is absolutely none left.

If you are wanting American made, you would have to go with an option that isn't pre-greased. I have a Dexter hub/drum as well as a Timken bearing kit below that is al American made. You would need to pop out the races that come in the hub/drum and put the American made ones in, but then everything is American.

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized # 8-247-50
Timken Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle # TMK52VR

The correct grease cap will depend on if you have the EZ-Lube spindle or not, so I included an option if you do and if you do not:

Dexter EZ Lube Grease Caps with 1.99" OD - Fits 7" and 10" x 1-1/4" Dexter Hubs - Qty 2 # DX69HR
Dexter Grease Caps with 1.99" OD - Fits 7" and 10" Hubs - Zinc-Plated Steel - Qty 2 # DX59HR

Then to grease them up, you would the LubriMatic Prime Guard High Temperature Wheel Bearing Grease - Red - 16-oz Can # L11380, which is also American made.

The last things you will need are lug nuts. We have two options for American made with these as well:

CE Smith Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - Zinc-Plated Steel - 1/2" - Qty 1 # CE11051
CE Smith Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - 1/2" Diameter x 1-1/4" Long - Chrome - Qty 1 # CE16720

So this would all end up being more work, but you would also have all American products. And yes I know I went a bit off topic and there are a lot of parts here, but if you want the best quality parts, these are what I recommend.

What are you wanting to install the hubs/drums on? Since you asked, I'm guessing you have had bearings fail in the past?

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

Calvin R.

3/27/2026

Thank you for the informative reply. It truly helped me make a decision. My trailer is an old camper frame and yes one of the bearings failed. I do try to buy American if I can or at least good quality. Thanks again for the information.

Lazer S.

3/30/2026

@CalvinR You're very welcome! Just let me know if there is anything else I can help with!