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rperrym
08-27-2015, 07:00 PM
I noticed on the DRV website, the new Mobile Suites are equipped with commercial grade EZ lube hubs. I have a 2009 Mobile Suite with Kodiak sealed bearings. After contacting Kodiak, I have decided to replace them with new Kodiak sealed bearings or possibly go to the new EZ lube hubs that the Mobile Suites now have. My decision to replace them is based on Kodiak information that shows some history of failure of these bearings after 6 years of use.
I was wondering if others had replaced them, and if owners of new Mobile Suites are comfortable with the EZ lube bearings.
Thanks for any help.

Rick

wingnut60
08-27-2015, 08:24 PM
I have had the Dexter NevRLube bearings with no failures--replaced them arbitrarily at 6 years, then upsized axles 2 years later and again used the NevRLubes. How old are your Kodiak bearings? I would just replace them with Kodiak again.
DRV seems to be waffling about what type bearing to stay with--regular and NevRLubes, then they tried oil bath (quite a few leaks) and now on to EZ Lubes? It is way too EZ to overpressure them when using a grease gun which usually ruins a seal.
Joe

rperrym
08-27-2015, 08:37 PM
Thanks Joe.
The bearings on our 2009, which we just bought are original. I am planning on replacing them before we take a long trip. Just not sure which one to replace them with. Sounds like you have had great experience with sealed bearings.
Got to hear from a fellow Texan.

Rick

rvdon
08-27-2015, 08:52 PM
I had never lube on my Hitchhiker Champaign for 8 years and no problems. When I ordered my 2016 Mobile Suite I had Morryde IS suspension installed. I called Gary at Morryde who I had dealt with in the past and asked about Neverlube. He did not advise using them. Neverlube switched to China bearings and Morrydes experience with them has not been good. So I went with the easylubes but I will hand pack them.

Don

wingnut60
08-28-2015, 07:51 AM
rperrym,
Your thoughts are much like mine were--at 6 years of age, we were looking at an Alaska trip, so arbitrarily replaced with same bearings. None of the older ones showed abnormal wear and should have made the trip ok.
rvdon,
I priced out the Morryde IS swap for my trailer when I wanted to upsize my 7k axles--Morryde made no comment when I asked for NevRLubes in the quote. However, I went with conventional axles again as the cost differential was close to $3500. Would have liked to have the IS, but...
Joe

rperrym
08-29-2015, 09:37 AM
Thanks Wingnut and RVDON.

rperrym
08-29-2015, 09:39 AM
Oops, thought of another question for Wingnut, did you replace them yourself, or was it an axle company or an RV dealer?

Rick

wingnut60
08-29-2015, 12:23 PM
I had a local welding company who makes and repairs hundreds of commercial trailers, order the complete axle assemblies from Dexter. Had about a 2-week wait for them to come it, but only 1/2 day to install. Sold the old axles for $600 on Craigslist. Got all new axles/brakes/bearings/hubs.
This was 18 months ago--I recently replaced the Morryde spring rubbers in the RE suspension--10years/prob 60000 miles and they were shot. I would not do that again myself--the iron is too much for a single guy to handle without proper equipment, and learning on the job. Had I known they were bad, would have done them at same time as axles, but they did not fail til a year later.
The cost for 8k assemblies installed was $2672 out the door.
Joe