Best Boat Trailer Bearing Grease

Finding the best boat trailer bearing grease for your marine adventures is not always plain sailing. You can spend hours and hours scouring the market for the right grease only to come up empty-handed and more confused than when you set sail!

But, proper lubrication is essential.

When it comes to ensuring smooth and hassle-free towing experiences, having the right bearing grease is paramount.

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a newcomer to the world of watercraft, investing in high-quality bearing grease is crucial in maintaining the longevity and performance of your boat trailer.

In this guide, we are going to take away the pain and hassle of fishing for new bearing grease and show you our selection of the best five products on the market today.

After testing each bearing grease product ourselves, we have created this guide to explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best boat trailer bearing grease. 

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of boat trailer bearing grease and discover the best options available, let’s get started. 

1. Star Brite Wheel Bearing Grease

Having extensively tested this boat trailer bearing grease, we can confidently say that it surpasses expectations, particularly in saltwater environments. We love the inclusion of a lube gun cartridge, as it ensures easy application without any messy aftermath. 

If you’re seeking a grease that excels in corrosive marine conditions, this is undoubtedly one of the top contenders. Its unique water-insoluble formulation sets it apart from the competition.

Furthermore, this exhibits an impressive temperature tolerance of up to 325 degrees, making it a favorite among boat trailer owners. Not only does it effectively resist wash-out, but it also combats instant wear, ensuring long-lasting performance. 

Without a doubt, this practical choice will leave you fully satisfied with its application, granting you peace of mind during your marine adventures.

Pros

• Versatile – can be used to grease wheel bearings on vessels, anchor chains reels, water pumps, hinges, and more.
• Special formula – especially formulated to protect bearings from harsh weather conditions and marine environments.
• Corrosion and rust proof features included – protest bearings from rust and corrosion, even in harsh marine surroundings.

Cons

• Only suitable to temperatures specified – will not work for extreme temperatures above 325 degrees 

2. Super Lube Grease

We tested various trailer bearing grease options extensively for this post, but one that stood out is Super Lube 21036. Amongst boaters, this is one of the most popular and highly recommended grease for trailer bearings. 

This compact package offers 3 ounces of synthetic NLGI-grade grease, specifically designed for heavy-duty applications. But, what sets the Super Lube 21036 apart is its versatility.

While it excels in vehicle bearings, it is also suitable for a wide range of applications. 

Its food grade rating makes it compatible with agricultural uses, expanding its usefulness beyond trailers. Additionally, it boasts an NSF rating H-1, ensuring safety, and providing excellent resistance to evaporation and leakage.

With the Super Lube 21030, we found it is a reliable and effective grease that helps protect your trailer bearings and enhance their performance.

Moreover, its compact size provides ample quantity for a single vehicle application, making it a convenient choice for maintenance tasks.

Pros

• Comes in a single package – convenient small size means it is easy for storage when not in use
• Wide temperature rating – its temperature range is from -45 °F to +450 °F, suiting different applications
• NSF rating H-1 – very safe to use and offers supreme resistance to leakage and evaporation 

Cons

• Not ideal for larger applications – would need a larger size for some applications

3. WD-40

If versatility is what you’re looking for, WD-40 is the master! When it comes to automotive solutions and maintenance, WD-40 is a brand that commands high recognition and trust.

Here at Boat Diaries, we all use WD-40 regularly. Upon testing it on boat trailer bearings, we were not surprised that it also works a treat.

The WD-40 Specialist Grease stands out as a top-quality option on our list, offering a military-grade solution that ensures optimal performance and reliability.

What sets WD-40 apart is their specialized options, catering to extreme pressure or water-resistance needs.

One notable advantage of this WD-40 Specialist Grease is its exceptional rust and corrosion resistance properties.

We decided to test it on our trailer bearings over a few months, and we found it protected them very well, even after exposure to fresh or saltwater.

Furthermore, this grease boasts an impressive working temperature range of up to 500 °F, surpassing many competing options in terms of heat resistance.

When you choose the WD-40 Specialist Grease, you’re selecting a trusted product that guarantees long-lasting bearing protection and superior performance.

With WD-40’s reputation for excellence, you can have peace of mind knowing that your trailer’s bearings are in reliable hands.

Pros

• Reputable brand – WD-40 is a well known brand and known for making reliable products, so you know you’re getting good quality
• Can be used for multiple application – large enough to use over and over again for different applications
• Versatile – can be used for farm and construction purposes, too

Cons

• Only available as a single package – some WD-40 lubricants come in a bundle (two or more), but this specialist grease is only available as a single product 

4. Quicksilver 802863Q1

This grease has earned our team’s certification as an excellent quality lubricant for boat trailer bearings. Its performance on vessel trailers is truly remarkable, as it adheres for extended periods without being affected by water.

Without a doubt, this is the ideal lube for your outboard propeller shaft and grease fittings, providing the reliability and longevity you need.

Moreover, this versatile lubricant goes above and beyond by excelling in lubricating various components, such as throttle and shift cables, swivel pins, propeller shafts, remote controls, and steering system cables.

Upon testing Quicksilver 802863Q1 on three separate vessels, we discovered that its effectiveness in these applications is truly impressive, saving you time and effort.

However, it’s worth noting that this grease for boat trailer bearings comes in a relatively small size, and its compact nature may lead to a slightly higher cost compared to other available products.

Nonetheless, the outstanding performance and versatility of this grease more than make up for its size and cost considerations.

Pros

• Fits standard lube guns well – can easily use with a standard lube gun for a mess-free application 
• Highly effective and dependable – one of the go-to choices for greasing bearings on boat trailers worldwide 
• Robust and long-lasting – even when exposed to saltwater over long periods, it is not prone to breaking down

Cons

• Small size – may not suit all projects, especially larger ones
• Expensive – costlier than some of its competitors

5. Lucas Oil 10682 Marine Grease

When it comes to wheel bearings, using a grease of premium quality is crucial. Fortunately, Lucas Oil 10682 Marine Grease delivers outstanding performance, particularly in saltwater applications.

Not only does it excel in functionality, but it also comes at a reasonable price, making it an attractive option for marine lubrication.

Feel free to apply it generously to your vessel trailers and outboards, knowing that it will deliver satisfactory results. That’s exactly what we did, and we were highly impressed by its properties and effectiveness.

However, it’s important to be aware of a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, it’s worth checking the tubes as they may appear to contain more air than actual grease, resulting in less product.

Additionally, we found that the cartridge didn’t fit all our standard small lube guns, causing some inconvenience and annoyance. 

Taking these flaws into consideration is essential before making your purchase decision, but on the whole, it’s an excellent lubricant for boat trailer bearings.

Pros

• Water-resistant – guaranteed to withstand expose to water over a long time
• Corrosion and rust resistant – resist rust and corrosion in both saltwater and freshwater environment 
• Reduces severe friction issues – one of the best at reducing friction issues with bearings, to help them last longer

Cons

• Cartridge doesn’t fit all standard-sized lube guns – may need to purchase a new lube gun to use this grease effectively 

Buyer’s Guide

Now we have looked at and discussed our top five boat trailer bearing grease products, we want to guide you through some important factors that we considered when making our decision on the top five.

Below are some key things to think about when purchasing a new boat trailer bearing grease. Keep these in mind, and you can be sure you’ll find the best grease for your needs.

Temperature Tolerance

A key factor to consider is the temperature range in which your boat trailer operates. Choose grease that can withstand the temperatures typically encountered during your trips.

Grease with a higher temperature tolerance ensures optimal performance even under extreme conditions.

Water Resistance

Look for grease that offers excellent water resistance properties. It should create a protective barrier, preventing water intrusion and minimizing the risk of corrosion and rust formation on the bearings.

If your boat is often in saltwater, look for bearing grease that can withstand this type of environment. The same applies to freshwater surroundings.

Compatibility

Ensure that the grease you choose is specifically designed for boat trailer bearings. It should be able to withstand the unique conditions encountered in marine environments, such as exposure to water, salt, and high temperatures.

Whilst some products can be used for versatile applications, it’s always best to focus on those made specifically for marine purposes. If not, it may not withstand the harsh nature of water, especially saltwater.

Compatibility with Other Materials

You should also check if the grease is compatible with the materials used in your trailer’s bearings, such as steel or synthetic components. Ensure that the grease will not cause any adverse reactions or damage to these materials.

Lubrication Properties

Opt for grease that provides long-lasting lubrication to reduce friction and wear on the bearings. Look for products with high film strength and viscosity suitable for heavy-duty applications.

The higher its film strength, the better it will protect your bearings.

Brand Reputation

Well-known brands are famous for a reason. In other words, they have been tried and tested over a long period and have done the job time and time again.

That is why you should consider reputable brands known for producing high-quality lubricants. Look for customer reviews and ratings to gauge the experiences of others who have used the product.

Factor in good and bad reviews (there will always be bad reviews). The main goal, though, is to find something that has an overall positive rating and suits your requirements.

Ease of Application

If you want to avoid stress (and in some cases, anger), look for grease that is easy to apply, preferably in a suitable form for your preferred method (e.g., cartridge, tub).

The last thing you want is to purchase your grease only to find it is messy and difficult to apply where needed. Consider whether you need additional tools, such as a lube gun, for smooth and mess-free application. If so, this can soon increase costs.

Longevity and Storage

Assess the shelf life and storage requirements of the grease. Some greases have a longer lifespan and can retain their properties over extended periods, which is beneficial if you don’t use your boat trailer frequently.

The longer it lasts, the less money you have to spend on new products regularly.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Check for any safety certifications or environmental-friendly labels associated with the grease. ALWAYS, look for products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and comply with relevant industry standards.

Price and Value

Often the clincher for consumers on whether to buy one product or another is the price. Most of us are on a budget, so you will need to compare prices among different grease options while considering their features and benefits.

Remember that the best value often lies in finding a grease that offers optimal performance and durability, rather than solely focusing on the lowest price.

In Summary 

Selecting the best boat trailer bearing grease is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your trailer. When you have the right grease, you can ensure smooth and reliable towing experiences, especially in demanding marine environments.

Today, we have explored various factors to consider when choosing the ideal grease for your boat trailer bearings. Through our rigorous testing, we selected five of the best boat trailer earring grease products currently on the market for you to consider.

We looked at compatibility and water resistance, as well as lubrication properties and temperature tolerance, with each aspect playing a vital role in determining the effectiveness of the grease.

By carefully evaluating the features and benefits of different grease options, considering customer reviews, and factoring in your trailer’s unique requirements, you can make an informed decision that ensures optimal performance and peace of mind during your marine adventures.

So, take the time to select the right grease and give your boat trailer the care it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions