Buying a Trailer Hub Cap

As the trailer owner, you know that your trailer wheel hubs must be kept in excellent condition. A little maintenance goes a long way to extend their life, and a well-designed and manufactured trailer hub cap can help. These simple-to-fit accessories keep dust and debris away from the wheel nut threads, protecting them from rust and allowing you to change your trailer wheels with ease.

Many people who are new to towing are overwhelmed by the variety of terms, equipment and parts available. They often have questions about the basic things like gross vehicle weight ratings, tongue weight and tie-down hangers. However, one of the most important trailer parts is often overlooked — the grease cap. These small, round metal covers are a critical part of your trailer wheels. They protect the wheel bearings from dirt, dust, sand and road salt that will otherwise destroy them. They also provide a seal that keeps out moisture, air and other contaminants, get more info here.

Often called dust caps, they are usually made of chrome or black paint that provides some contrast against the white hub cap and lug nuts. They may also be trimmed with an attractive design, such as a star, arrow, diamond or cross. They are a good way to add some style and distinction to your truck or trailer.

The best trailer hub caps are designed to withstand the most rugged road conditions. They're constructed from a tough, durable material that resists corrosion and helps to prevent the trailer wheel nut from becoming stripped. They're also available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate most different applications.

There are even specialized hub caps that allow you to switch between grease and oil, depending on your needs. These are great if you're towing an RV or other large vehicle that requires more maintenance. These are typically made from a special type of aluminum that's resistant to rust and corrosion, and they can be plated with zinc or other material for added durability.

To determine which type of trailer hub cap you need, start by measuring the stud size on your trailer wheels. Common stud sizes are 8 of 5/8", 8 of 3/4" and 12 of 1/2". You should also note whether you have a Bearing Buddy or other grease-lubricated hub, as these require a different kind of hubcap. Click here for more info on trailer hubcaps .

If you have a Bearing Buddy, it's easy to remove the dust cap and inspect for contaminated grease. If you see black grease, the grease has become hot from overuse or bad adjustment. In these cases, it's best to replace the hub and use a hand grease gun instead of an automatic model, which can cause overfilling.

If you're a beginner to trailer maintenance, be careful when using a hammer or other tool for removing the dust cap. Trying to pry it off can damage the castle nut or cotter pin and break it off. A non-marring mallet is recommended, or you can use a flat-edge screw driver. Then, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess grease and expose the cotter pin. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_spikes .