RV Wheel Maintenance, What You Need To Know.

Rv Maintenance is extremely important especially the maintenance for your wheels and brakes. Here is a guide to maintaining your travel trailer or 5th wheel. It is recommended to re-pack your bearings once a year or every 12,000 miles and to adjust and inspect the brakes at the same time. I can't say that we have been on the schedule for this maintenance, I'm probably closer to every 2 years. If you are interested in the RV tools we used to do this maintenance or the products we used just use the links below.
Bearing Packer. amzn.to/39FQeLL
Bearing Race and Seal Driver. amzn.to/3bEKtzI
Seal Puller. amzn.to/38EGkdm
Auto Adjusting brakes. bit.ly/322SJ86
Butt connectors heat shrink. amzn.to/2SQfYy7
Brake Cleaner. amzn.to/2wneF2c
Grease amzn.to/326CFSX
Here is our Amazon page for our favorite gear. We will be adding more products as we find more products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
www.amazon.com/shop/jaredgillis
[e-mail]
Passport America WE USE THIS ALL THE TIME. passportamerica.com?rfsn=2638351
Harvest Host Link harvesthosts.refr.cc/jaredgillis
Membership link
/ @allaboutrvs

[@thomascowan9223]

The absolute best how to video of any nature on KZbin. Well done!

[@lousnookman]

Thank you for the refresher. Love watching your videos. Full timers, based in South Florida!

[@EatCampShootRide]

What an excellent video. Love the explanations of what you're doing while showing it happening

[@ONE_GEN_X]

Thanks for the electric brake explanation. I’m learning about RV’s and didn’t know how they worked

[@Servinghimalwyz]

Thanks for showing me what I pay someone else to do! Great job. I'm thankful for folks like you who can do this stuff, but I can't.

[@cor3y.0y]

To the point, and very informative. Thank you for all your great content!

[@charlie9665]

Hi Jarod, love the simplistic nature you attack the repair videos with...straight forward and keeping it simple. It seems that the new bearings now a days, come packed and ready to place, so wondering if downside to just replacing bearings and raceways (2, 4, or 6 sets - and since you probably need to have some extras to start the job anyway - and only once a year, so cheap insurance)... also saw a comment on replacing with disc brakes, they could always check out Mark/Tricia KYD had video on with cost if I remember right. Thank you for all your straight forward, wonderful advice!

[@lawnmowing8143]

Excellent video! Gonna check my trailers before the season starts!

[@pmh1nic]

Excellent video. Very much appreciate the time and effort to share your knowledge.

[@mikefoltynski]

Jared, this video was excellent!! Thank you!!

[@TechnTell]

I appreciate this video. I am experienced with vehicles. But appreciate your RV video. Keep educating the masses. Great work.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@DavidHBurkart]

Making it look easy. Thanks Jared!

[@scottcarver174]

Excellent job explaining every step. Really enjoyed your video

[@brentduvall]

Great video! I like that you got to the points fast, covered everything thoroughly and didn’t take 10 years explaining which way to turn the lug nuts 😂

[@rpodadventure]

Recently had a well-reputed RV tech repack and replace bearings. After a few hundred km, the hubcaps and grease caps fell off. I will be doing my own bearings from now on. Thanks for the video.

[@tahmoresgholamipour4981]

VERY WELL DONE EXPLAINING WHEEL MAINTENANCE.

[@dangitgrossman]

Hands down THE BEST video you’ve produced thus far in my opinion !!! We ALL need to know how and actually do this every year !! I’ve needed to since owning my rig but I’ve been reluctant. So thank you so much for taking the time to do this and I look forward to more “maintenance” type videos from you in the future... I think imo maintenance videos are so valuable because we can always go back to them and rewatch them if needed. So please keep up the great work and kudos to you on the editing also. Overall awesome video !! Safe travels

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you, that is very kind.

[@nal13nal13]

Thank you for doing this video, now I hope it warms up soon in Wisconsin, so I can get it done.

[@remoteflyboy]

Great video, very informative explanation of Brake and bearing maintenance.👍

[@rodneynowgabow8459]

Great video, very informative. You delivered the facts...keep up the good work.

[@mikegreene9215]

Great video, always learn new things from your videos. Thank you sir!

[@brentdreamer2025]

Another helpful video Jared. I'll cya in the next video and maybe down the road. cheers.

[@khoatran9482]

I've watched a lot or RV channels. A LOT I'm on youtube 10 hrs a day. This is the best bearing grease video I've seen. You earned another sub.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@winginitwithjohn8451]

You do a great job at producing easy to follow videos. At one time in my life I was intimidated by a job like this, but that was years ago. You make us realize it can be done, and providing the step by step makes it possible that anyone can do this. Thank you for sharing your skills with all of us. Now, that intimidation thing I mentioned, its in solar now,,, I'm trying to grasp the BEST option for me.... Ugh. Thanks man.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you! Good luck on the solar, it can be a lot of fun.

[@miketucker7384]

Best video ever. Please keep them coming.

[@tjshine7444]

Once a year? Can I do it 15 times at once to make up for the last 15 years? :-)

[@noconz0727]

Thanks for always putting out so much great info

[@daves1646]

Jared, Many many thanks. This year I was thinking I’d need to change my magnets as well as repack; possibly replace shoes if wear was nearing limits. I had no idea that there were fully assembled backing plate units and now I KNOW what I’m going to do, THE WHOLE BACKING PLATE ASSEMBLY because of need AND getting auto adjusters. Super info and idea!! Many many thanks for the major time saver AND way to loose any corroded parts!!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it helped!

[@PasqualVossberg]

Hey Jared! It’s been 2 years since you did this video. Thanks for it and all of your other videos as well. It’s a great (trusted) resource for me! Just wanted to quickly check if you are still happy with the self adjusting trailer brakes? I am on the verge of getting new ones and am considering getting the same ones you have. But there are many others out there in all different price ranges. In case you would get other breakers meanwhile, I am happy for a referral-link from you ;-). We have a fifth wheel (40ft). For me it would just be great to have peace of mind and the trailer brakes are adjusting themselves. 🙏💪🏻✌️

[@nonrevhogan8938]

Great job on explaining everything. Now i have to look up oil bath. 👍

[@robertkaplan6600]

Great video 👍 getting ready to do this. Thanks

[@bbdallas1]

Very quality video. Details. Thank you for sharing

[@alvinadcock5346]

Love your knowledge and your sharing

[@hgoff5617]

Couple of things: Make sure you use the correct type of grease - the type of wheel bearings - not chassis lube. Also, if you have the Dexter EZ-Lube axles, you will not get the seal out with that puller- they have a double seal and are a bear to get out (and back in). Lastly the importance of brake adjustment is that the magnet can in the drum only move so far. if the brakes are so loose that the shoes don't contact the drum at the end of full swing, you won't have brakes....

[@milesbays4186]

Great video, great info. Thank you

[@gazoo1990]

Sad to report that a few days ago, a guy was towing a 5th wheel a few miles from my house, wheel came off and went across highway hitting an suv coming opposite direction, killing the passenger. The guy kept driving completely unaware this had happened. Tighten nuts, check for rust, visual inspections, etc. I know this is probably a rare occurrence but it does happen.

[@46fd04]

In Oakville Ontario Canada, a boat trailer wheel just came off in October 2022 killing the driver of an approaching vehicle. Folks - keep your bearings properly greased and services, AND, make sure you install a cotter pin!!!

[@michaelthompson3679]

Great video Jared thanks!

[@rvdogfl]

Great video and over looked maintenance.

[@garryhammond3117]

Great informative video - Thanks!

[@choimdachoim9491]

No entertainment, just information...perfect video.

[@supertrooperandstreetking]

Excellent video man!

[@tomference4618]

Good Job,..good video and instruction!

[@earlslater8301]

Well done. I really enjoy your straight forward, informative presentations.

[@46fd04]

Excellent video! Note to all; The best way to replace the metal bearing cap/cover is using a rubber mallet. Use light taps and it will go back on without denting.

[@Woodyone1962]

A small block of wood works too if you don’t have rubber mallet YET.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

As a Single Female, I am extremely grateful for you guys!Every Video you make and share help me do things myself or know to have it done professionally. Thank You very much

[@braddomangue185]

Lots of good info, thanks.

[@paulwebb9609]

Just had mine done at a local shop because I was in a time crunch prior to leaving. Glad it was not too much of a crunch because I had to return to get them to correctly adjust the brakes. The brakes would not hold me at a stop sign and when I took it back the tech had failed to adjust one axels brakes all the way out before backing off a little. Said he didn't have a way to see how tight they were. Will do my own next year.

[@ivanbuldo7676]

Mate, priceless info, thanks

[@jaynorthrup3050]

Well presented. Thanks.

[@michaelthompson3679]

Great video Jared

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@serinehart]

Very nice information, did not know how the electric brakes worked.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@Nerves848676]

I really didnt need to see it. Just want some info on how often. Man your videos are soooo hands on. Not just talk about something about the RV or an UPGRADE like other rv owner thru here because some how they sponsored. But all you videos show hand on and how too from you doing All the work. I appreciate that. keep up the great work. 1 day i see u guys in a campground. 😆

[@NormRidg]

Thumbs up on the video. Best simple explanation with all the correct terms. My trailer is due and your video was a great reminder of the steps required. Didn't know we could replace with self adjusting. Thanks.

[@waynec3121]

Very informative thanks

[@patrickdavis448]

Excellent!!

[@cardiocasey]

Thanks Jared

[@barefoot64]

Thanks for the great video!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@AutomotiveZar]

Good job man!..

[@locopixel463]

Great video, very clear. I wish, however, that everyone wouldn't skip over the step of jacking up your trailer. Very few videos seem to include that.

[@gagt5spd]

very well done

[@SycamoreFarmMI]

Great video, but you covered up the part I was trying to see (where exactly to put the seal puller to pull it out).

[@chartrand49036]

Great Video thank you...

[@PlaneSaddles]

If you have a big enough can of grease you can use the side of the can to pack the grease. Also if you find damage on a bearing plan on replacing that race.

[@drs3055]

Long time Subscriber, I watch and review your vids, over and over! This one I am saving and will watch over and over until I have the confidence to do myself!!! In this one, you mention using a “butt spice” and heat shrink connecting brakes… would it be a good idea using a connector, e.g., “bullet connector”? Sooner or later you have to change brakes and or hub. Wouldn’t this make it simpler? Thank you for greatttttt DYI. You cover: what, why, and how, lessons learned, and share tips in an efficient to-the-point manner.

[@Knuckledragnation]

Excellent video. If I may just clarify Drum brakes use brake shoes while Disc brakes use brake pads. ✌🏽

[@thekellycorner]

Good video.

[@timf6916]

Nice information

[@edwinsandel7438]

I had no idea that the trailer has brakes and I need to make sure they work. Also the pull away brake pin was new to me as well. I always thought you need to allow more time to stop with the tow vehicle . I did not know the trailer helps to slow the trailer and tow truck. Scary to find this out after so many years of towing a 25 ft camper.

[@Mudmowerdiesel]

Awesome channel thank you

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks!

[@VARider1]

I have Dexter E-Z lube axles on my RV so the repacking with new grease is super easy. Just check the wheel is tight and no side to side play.

[@AllAboutRVs]

The E-Z lube system can buy you more time but I would still recommend doing it this way every other year with the system you have. It's great to be able to get in there and get the old grease out that is breaking down. The one problem I have seen with the E-Z lube axels is the chance goes up for pumping grease out the back seal and then on the brakes which is not good.

[@semsd]

First off great video very informative and I found it extremely helpful. Only one thing the bearing greaser I’ve seen several people recommend these but if you really look at the way it’s made it does not push grease into the bearings. I believe they are made for standalone races not with a bearing surface. I use a quart size Ziploc bag with a bunch of grease in it and Massage the grease into the the bearings

[@jamesglenn520]

You are Absolutely incorrect. This is an actual bearing packer. You watch closely and you can see the grease come out the top. Packing by hand or with a packer is the only way to ensure they are done properly. Putting them in a bag and rubbing grease on the outside is going to leave air pockets.

[@bigfish222]

I hope self adjusting brakes work out for you. I switched mine and not sure if I would do it again. Mine are Dexter's and seem to over tighten. I keep losing them but all 4 tighten up the same.

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

Great video but I think a short description of tighten nut to 50ft/lbs while slowly turning the drum followed by keeping drum still while backing off the nut then finger tighten nut to tight followed by backing off with fingers to nearest nut slot and hole before inserting cotter pin..

[@albinocastro]

Thanks!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you!

[@sanddollar-ray9125]

thank you enjoy

[@Gunfighter25.5]

I also have a Lance trailer with auto adjusting brakes. The wheel bearings have a grease zert, should I remove the bearings each year or grease the bearings using the zert fittings. Right now I am removing the bearings every other year. Love your videos.

[@ATDLN]

Finally in my life, becoming interested in doing things myself. Kick myself often when I realize how simple a lot of stuff is. Thank you for your great videos. Two quick questions. You showed on adjusting brakes to tighten the adjuster until the wheel is snug when trying to spin, then back off on the adjuster. But, I don't believe you showed how to back the adjuster off? Second question. You said to tighten castle nut, then back it off a little. What indication do you use to know you have backed off sufficiently?

[@plumcrazy9842]

The only proper way is to put the tire/wheel assembly on, tighten a couple of the lugs and then wiggle the top and bottom of tire,tighten nut until there is no free-play then back off to next loosest hole for cotter pin. You never want any preload on that type of bearing.

[@mikeyaw7531]

Great video BUT you don’t mention when you over tighten them to back them off you need to release the adjustment bar by hooking it or pushing (depending on the type) to free the star adjuster. Best is to adjust so they just drag then let them final adjust themselves.

[@doughasson2073]

Good video Jared. I would like to add that you should also put a slight film of grease on the seal lip to prevent dry rubber to spindle. Thanks

[@bptraveler6608]

Pretty good but more info on inspecting the inner drum surfaces and possible need to have them turned or replaced would be helpful.

[@latergator3367]

Please show an oil bath and explain how it works. Enjoying your straight forward approach. Thanks.

[@AllAboutRVs]

I'll see what I can do. I would love to, maybe I'll do it sooner than later.

[@erichunter14]

Me too. Never heard of it but sounds excellent if I don’t have to do that stupid bearing grease every year

[@khankhattak.]

break cleaner is useful too.

[@davidmcconnell8690]

Excellent.. Well Done. :-)))) :-)))))

[@Davidipac]

I feel so intimidated by the ease in which you describe how to do it.

[@jacktyler7599]

Jared, you didn't mention the EZ Lube bearing systems now being used by some manufacturers like Lance. I very much appreciated your clear video of the parts, as this is something I needed to better understand.

[@daves77a]

Same here. I need to inspect and adjust my bearings and would love to have a demo to see how it works. I have a little play in each wheel that needs to be fixed.

[@LivingTheGoodLifeRving]

Will save this thank you for sharing

[@jamesglenn520]

A couple of things to add. They are referred to as brake Shoes not pads. And it's very important not to get Any grease on the shoes during the process.

[@ke6bnl]

the link to the brakes is not auto adj. These brake assemblies should be adjusted after installation and then as needed for the life of the brakes. To adjust the brakes. great video and I will buy the bearing greaser. good demo.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks for the heads up on the link I’ll see what went wrong

[@Haznavy]

Jarod, I have a 2022 GDRV Solitude 378MBS with the 8k axles and disc brakes. Do you know of a resource showing me how to repack the bearings for my drumless setup?

[@user-wl2jo3bb8d]

Forgive my newbie ignorance Jared but what activates the trailer magnet. Other than the break away switch connection I have no other connection between truck and trailer. You must be talking about a brake controller, which I don't have Yet. Lots to learn, many more comments and questions still to come. Keep up the good work :)

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good question. The magnet is activated from the brake controller in the truck/tow vehicle. Many trucks now have them built in and if not it would need one. That then sends it through the 7 way connection to the trailer.

[@jeremyspecce]

I can't wait to do this in the rain the day before I'm about to head out on a big trip. (Just guessing that will be the scenario, since it was last time!!)

[@IanHoyt]

But do you lift from the axle or from the frame somewhere?

[@mlxx4612]

Great video,what is an oil bath?

[@Mattcandy123]

Instead of packed grease it’s filled with gear oil and the bearing is in the “bath” of oil

[@travelcampingblacksmithing786]

Just a nit-pick, but those are brake SHOES. On drum setups, they have brake shoes, on disk, they have pads. When i adjust the brakes, i just adjust the shoes up until they lightly drag and then finish assembling the bearings into the hub and then you should be set on that wheel. Double check for a good lockup on the wheel by activating the brake manually on the brake controller

[@clintstevenson1214]

Those are brake shoes, not pads. I use a large socket to put bearing caps on, or tap around the lip with a blunt punch. Awesome video though! Keep up the great educational series. :-)

[@themorgansonthemove2705]

Great Video. I have a fitting in the hub for greasing the bearings with a gun, which I have done and was pretty easy, but, does it grease the inner bearing also, or just the outer bearing? Again thank you for the great videos they are very helpful.

[@jameshodgins1937]

It pushes grease through both the inner and outer bearings.

[@curtwalp5120]

Just be careful. If you over do it, you'll push the grease seal out the back and coat the brake pads with grease.....then you have no brakes...

[@jameshodgins1937]

@@curtwalp5120 Yep. That is why I do it with a hand grease gun and go slowly. Never use a powered grease gun.

[@NormRidg]

Don't forget to spin the wheel as you grease it.

[@johnjackson9564]

Jerod you might have touched on how to get the races out and back in. But again it might be better to have them get that information in person because if they don’t seat them right in could be a big problem.

[@AllAboutRVs]

That would have been a good idea but you're right there is potential to not set it properly.

[@erichunter14]

Do you like using bearing buddies? Do they really eliminate this process?

[@coderedfit]

Thumbs up!

[@clarkvalcoic1736]

Hi , I wanted to know why we need the 12 volts from the car battery to the trailer. Does it only help charge the trailer battery or is it necessary for the braking aspect. Im using a 7 pin connector.The 12 volts from battery to the brake controller but only a blue wire from brake controller to/for the brake signal. will that work? along with the old 4 pin connected as needed. Im not sure what that added 12 volts does.