What do the axles of a boat trailer need for upkeep?

waterproof grease

You need a grease gun to grease the bearings on the trailer wheels.

If the trailer has brakes then it's also a good idea to use some grease on the moving parts now and then.

I have some special waterproof grease made by castrol.

Using any type of wheel bearing grease is quite foolish. The reason why is certain lubricants are designed to operate in specific environments and load conditions.

Some greases are specifically designed for critical applications and cannot be exposed to water, others are for more general use, and there is the greases that are designed to withstand the marine environment.

Boat trailers MUST use marine grade grease, because this type of grease does not fail as quickly with water present or allow mixing of water as easily.

If you don't have bearing buddies, they must be checked and repacked annually, if not more often. Bearing buddy equipped boat trailer hubs only need to be checked for grease level and for any water present in the hub. This should be done twice a year, before you get it out of storage and right before you put it in storage.

Havoc Squad has pretty much got it. However on my trailer/boat combination which is only 1500 lbs.but go long distances for regattas. I pull hubs annually , check races & bearings for wear & professionally repack bearings..inside & outside.

I take the bearings to a boat shop who packs 'em for cheap. BTW dealer said there is a new style hub that is drilled so the grease comes in through axle side of the bearing, bit more $$ but if I need a new hub I will convert. This new design allows new grease to equally distribute thru both bearings, not just the outside bearing first with bleed thru to backside bearing. I also carry a complete hub assembly ready to rock&roll.

It depends on how far you travel to take your boat out and myself I travel over 300 miles one way and I inspect the bearing buddies half way there and if the bearing buddies loosen up I add grease to push them out again.and after the weekend when I am done boating and when the boat is on the trailer i pump in more grease to squeeze the water out and do the same thing half way during the trip home and grease them again.be sure to use marine grade grease btw.

you can use basically any kind of grease for the trailor! Main thing you need to find out is if the trailor you get has bearing buddies on it otherwise you will have to take the axle apart to grease the axle bearing

Salt water proof grease you buy from a boat suppy

You should never be embarrassed to ask about something you don't know. Only be embarrassed if you stuff something up because you didn't want to look like you don't know anything...........

I suggest you have a yarn with your uncle - he will most likely be tickled pink that you value his opinion enough to ask in the first place.

Good luck.