Need Ranger boat trailer hub assembly recommendations

[LunarMojo11]

Had my 2003 Ranger 185VS out this past weekend and after losing a bearing mid-trip, I started looking into my trailer setup. Turns out it was originally a Cool Hub system but was swapped to Greased Hubs before I got it. Need suggestions on a reliable hub assembly so I can knock out all four at once and avoid waiting around for parts.

 

[Bassmada]

I went direct through Ranger. Mines only 2 but the replacement for the oil hubs were i believe the vortex grease hubs. Other option is to figure out what you need spec wise and see if you can order them from a trailer shop.

 

[LunarMojo11]

I went direct through Ranger. Mines only 2 but the replacement for the oil hubs were i believe the vortex grease hubs. Other option is to figure out what you need spec wise and see if you can order them from a trailer shop.

Thanks for the roadmap! I'll check with Ranger about those Vortex hubs you mentioned. Are they holding up well for you? Comparing my old trailer to your new 1 might be apples to oranges but I want to get it right the 1st time.

 

[David Beutler]

Thanks for the roadmap! I'll check with Ranger about those Vortex hubs you mentioned. Are they holding up well for you? Comparing my old trailer to your new 1 might be apples to oranges but I want to get it right the 1st time.

I just ordered new galvinized axles, and received a call they are being shipped upstairs today. Will get them installed sometime later next week hopefully. They are the greased Dexter hubs, with grease. Requested stainless steel speedy sleeves and triple lip back seals but the company I ordered them said they do not handle triple lip seals, just double lip. I think the key to all that is in using the speedy sleeves. They are polished which makes the seals slide easier on the spindles. Lots of spindles are not polished to the degree the s/s speedy sleeves are. I hope this works out good. Another tip is when you store your boat for several months to jack it up and put jackstands under the frame. That way when you walk by your boat, spin the tires to keep any moisture in your hubs from sitting there in one spot and rusting the bearings. I did turn 80 this year and it's not as easy to pull the hubs like I should. I think that's what happened to one of my back axle bearings. I have not jacked my trailer up and put jackstands under it. I'm definitely doing that this winter. Here in Idaho we don't get to fish as much as other area's. That's my 2-O.

 

[LunarMojo11]

I just ordered new galvinized axles, and received a call they are being shipped upstairs today. Will get them installed sometime later next week hopefully. They are the greased Dexter hubs, with grease. Requested stainless steel speedy sleeves and triple lip back seals but the company I ordered them said they do not handle triple lip seals, just double lip. I think the key to all that is in using the speedy sleeves. They are polished which makes the seals slide easier on the spindles. Lots of spindles are not polished to the degree the s/s speedy sleeves are. I hope this works out good. Another tip is when you store your boat for several months to jack it up and put jackstands under the frame. That way when you walk by your boat, spin the tires to keep any moisture in your hubs from sitting there in one spot and rusting the bearings. I did turn 80 this year and it's not as easy to pull the hubs like I should. I think that's what happened to one of my back axle bearings. I have not jacked my trailer up and put jackstands under it. I'm definitely doing that this winter. Here in Idaho we don't get to fish as much as other area's. That's my 2-O.

Thanks for sharing all that, @David Beutler! There's a lot in there I hadn't considered. I'll ask about the speedy sleeves when I call the trailer shop and see if they carry stainless ones or have a workaround for the seal setup. Haven't used jackstands for winter storage before but I'll start doing that if it helps keep the bearings healthy. Do you spin the tires weekly or is once a month enough during the off season? Curious if others in cold weather spots are doing the same.

 

[soulsunshine1990]

I just ordered new galvinized axles, and received a call they are being shipped upstairs today. Will get them installed sometime later next week hopefully. They are the greased Dexter hubs, with grease. Requested stainless steel speedy sleeves and triple lip back seals but the company I ordered them said they do not handle triple lip seals, just double lip. I think the key to all that is in using the speedy sleeves. They are polished which makes the seals slide easier on the spindles. Lots of spindles are not polished to the degree the s/s speedy sleeves are. I hope this works out good. Another tip is when you store your boat for several months to jack it up and put jackstands under the frame. That way when you walk by your boat, spin the tires to keep any moisture in your hubs from sitting there in one spot and rusting the bearings. I did turn 80 this year and it's not as easy to pull the hubs like I should. I think that's what happened to one of my back axle bearings. I have not jacked my trailer up and put jackstands under it. I'm definitely doing that this winter. Here in Idaho we don't get to fish as much as other area's. That's my 2-O.

These are super helpful for someone like me who's still learning! Do you find the double lip seals hold up well long-term with the speedy sleeves?

 

[David Beutler]

These are super helpful for someone like me who's still learning! Do you find the double lip seals hold up well long-term with the speedy sleeves?

The speey-sleeves definitely help. They are stainless steel and smooth, which makes the double lip seal do better what it's designed to do. Still haven't got the axles installed yet. The installer says next week. Hope so, I need to go fishing!

 

[LunarMojo11]

Good to see the helpful discussion continuing on seals and sleeves. I wanted to report back that I completed the project and installed four new Dexter greased hub assemblies last weekend. My next step is to get them packed properly.

 

[MakoHunter]

thx for the update