Any RV veteran will tell you that greasing wheel bearings regularly increases the lifespan of your vehicle. Keeping everything well-greased cuts down on metal-to-metal friction, reduces the wearing rate and prevents corrosion from outdoor exposure.
Travel trailers are no exception to this rule, and RV owners who use travel trailers should pay special attention to wheel bearing maintenance.
So what wheel bearing grease is the best? Check out our reviews and buyer’s guide so you can make an informed decision about the best wheel bearing grease for your travel trailer.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Sta-Lube SL3121 Water Resistant Marine Grease- 14 oz. tub (200)
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2. Royal Purple 01312 NLGI No. 2 High Performance Multi-Purpose Synthetic Ultra Performance Grease – 14.1oz.
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3. Valvoline Full Synthetic Grease (VV985)
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4. Lucas Oil 14.5 Ounce 10301 Heavy Duty Grease, 14.5 oz
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5. Lucas Oil 10005 Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease – 14 Oz.
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Sta-Lube SL3121 Water Resistant Marine Grease- 14 oz. tub (200)
Specifications
| Type | Marine |
| Viscosity Rating | 2 |
| Form | Sem-solid |
| Color | Blue |
| Base-Type | Aluminum |
| Pour-Point | 0 deg F |
Features
- Polymer adhesives for superior retention
- Aluminum complex formulation
- Refined base oils for reduced friction
Sta-Lube has a loyal following of RV and travel trailer users. Most online reviews place it in the top 3 for best wheel bearing grease, and it isn’t difficult to figure out why. Sta-Lube SL3121 has everything RVers want in a wheel bearing grease: adhesion, viscosity, and ease of application More importantly, SL3121 possesses excellent heat dissipation regardless of exterior conditions, making it ideal for RV travel trailer owners who like to roam. Sta-Lube is also marine-rated, so keeping moisture and corrosion at bay is easy. Moreover, its unique composition means it has the longevity to keep you on the road without needing to reapply grease on the go.
Sta-Lube SL3121 isn’t just for wheel bearings either. It works great on steering quadrants, winches and many other RV components that need grease for regular maintenance. Even if it’s not your first choice for wheel bearing grease, it’s a good idea to keep a tub of Sta-Lube around in your RV toolkit in case you run into trouble on the road.
There is some important feedback I’d like to share about Sta-Lube that should factor into a buying decision: some users have commented online that the grease has a tendency to leak even when applied in small amounts. Others have stated it is a bit thin for some lubricating purposes, and needs regular reapplication. My advice is you should still grab a tub the next time you pick up maintenance supplies and experience SL3121 for yourself. This stuff really does not disappoint.
#2 Royal Purple 01312 NLGI No. 2 High Performance Multi-Purpose Synthetic Ultra Performance Grease – 14.1oz.
Specifications
| Type | Synthetic |
| Viscosity Rating | 2 |
| Form | Sem-solid |
| Color | Purple |
| Base-Type | Aluminum |
| Pressure Tolerance | 6,000 psi |
| Temperature Range | 525 deg F |
Features
- Synslide Technology for superior performance
- Aluminum Complex Base
- Multi-Temperature Service
- High Oxidation Stability
An all around multi-purpose performer, Royal Purple 01312 has a reputation for delivering excellent reliability, longevity and performance for travel trailer wheel bearings. This grease keeps every surface quiet, cool and smooth. The synthetic composition also offers better water resistance and corrosion protection than conventional wheel bearing grease.
What I like best about this particular grease (in addition to the performance) is the easy-to-use cartridge kit. You can operate and apply the grease cartridge one-handed with the included application kit, or you can drop it into your own suction loaded grease gun and get to work. The bright purple color also makes it easier to keep track of whether you’ve applied sufficient grease, taking the guesswork out of maintenance.
There are a few drawbacks to the Royal Purple 01312 Ultra-Performance Grease. First of all, it’s a bit pricer due to its synthetic composition. It performs extremely well, but you should expect to pay more for that higher performance level. Additionally, some users have commented that oils in the 01312 tend to separate quickly, leading to inconsistent results and occasionally to more frequent applications. All in all, it’s a great wheel bearing grease that should give you the performance you need to keep your travel trailer or 5th wheel on the road longer and with less wear.
#3 Valvoline Full Synthetic Grease (VV985)
Specifications
| Type | Synthetic |
| Viscosity Rating | 2.5 |
| Form | Sem-solid |
| Color | Gray |
| Base-Type | Lithium |
| Pressure Tolerance | 5,000+ psi |
| Temperature Range | 425 deg F |
Features
- Moly-fortified to increase film strength and load resistance
- Rust and oxidation inhibitor additives
- Dry formula for superior moisture protection
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly performance wheel bearing grease, the Valvoline Full Synthetic Grease VV985 should be a good fit for you. The VV985 formula is fortified with molybdenum for superior film strength and load resistance even after hundreds of hours of wear. Better still, it’s also high temperature resistant and water repellent, making it easy to ride safely even in extreme weather conditions.
I like this wheel bearing grease as a budget option thanks to the addition of moly-fortification. Moly-grease provides some of the best adhesion you can get, and once you’ve got moly-grease on a moving part it takes some serious detergent to get it back out again. Valvoline’s VV985 also works well keeping other moving parts and joints functioning efficiently too, so it’s not a bad grease cartridge to keep in your RV emergency bag should something go wrong with an axle joint. tow hitch or wheel bearing on the road.
For me, the big drawback for this wheel bearing grease has to be the color. It sounds silly, but brightly colored bearing grease makes proper application so much easier. If the new grease doesn’t contrast enough with the old grease, it’s difficult to tell if you’ve fully exchanged the existing grease. It’s probably a minor issue for most people, but it’s definitely my first choice for this reason. Finally, some users have complained of occasional liquefaction even at temperatures under 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaking oils from bearing grease not only affect proper lubrication, but they can also be an ignition hazard under the wrong circumstances. It’s a rarity by all accounts, but still an important consideration.
#4 Lucas Oil 14.5 Ounce 10301 Heavy Duty Grease, 14.5 oz
Specifications
| Type | Synthetic |
| Viscosity Index | 99 |
| Form | Sem-solid |
| Color | Green |
| Base-Type | Lithium |
| Pressure Tolerance | 6,000+ psi |
| Temperature Range | 500 deg F |
Features
- Remains stable at high and low temperatures
- Effectively waterproof
- Fortified with a special blend of additives for maximum longevity and durability
- Ready for instant use
Definitely a fan favorite of veteran RVers, Lucas 10301 X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease is the go to wheel bearing grease for full-time and casual RV owners. It has excellent temperature stability in all climates, and its essentially waterproof thanks to its unique blend of additives.
What I like best about Lucas 10301 is how much time it adds to the maintenance cycle for RV wheel bearings. Thanks to its long lifespan and temperature stability, you will rarely find yourself adding fresh grease. Best of all, even when it does come time to grease your wheel bearings, the bright green color makes it easy to verify you’ve done a thorough job.
Conversely, I will say that I wish their packaging was more durable. Resealing a cartridge is nigh impossible, so you should stick to buying a cartridge only if you plan to use all of it. If you aren’t especially careful, you can crack the cartridge wall or cap when installing it in your grease gun, too. It’s great wheel bearing grease, just be sure you know what you’re getting into before you buy some.
#5 Lucas Oil 10005 Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease – 14 Oz.
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Specifications
| Material | Blend |
| Brand | Lucas |
| Liquid Volume | 429 Milliliters |
| Item Weight | 0.95 Pounds |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Mechanical |
| Pressure Tolerance | 6,000+ psi |
| Temperature Range | 550 deg F |
Features
- Excellent mechanical stability
- Effectively waterproof
- Long storage life
- Superior corrosion and water protection
Lucas Oil 10005 Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease is the perfect choice for those who need a reliable, long-lasting grease. It’s formulated with rust and oxidation inhibitors to keep your equipment running smoothly, and it has excellent water resistance and washout properties.
Plus, it can withstand heavy loads for extended periods of time. Whether you’re using it in an agricultural, automotive or industrial application, Lucas Red ‘N’ Tacky Grease will get the job done.
And because it’s fortified with extreme pressure additives, you can be confident that it can handle even the most demanding conditions. Make Lucas Oil your go-to choice for all your grease needs.
BUYER’S GUIDE
What is the best grease for trailer wheel bearings?
I like the Sta-Lube SL3121 best for travel trailers. It’s got excellent water resistance, protects well against corrosion, and its very easy to apply and clean up.
How often should you grease wheel bearings on a travel trailer?
It depends on the type of grease and what additives are part of its formula. Some wheel bearing grease can last for 6 months to a year even with heavy driving, while others need to be replaced or replenished every month. The smart choice here is to choose a wheel bearing grease that’s got a great reputation for longevity, then see how long it lasts.
How do I grease my travel trailer bearings?
Most people have a suction-based grease gun in their tool kit for greasing wheel bearings. They make one-use grease kits with pre-fitted nozzles, but they are not as easy to use as a standard grease gun. Most ball joints that need regular lubrication have a port on one side for applying fresh grease. Plug the grease gun or nozzle into the slot and squeeze until you have added the manufacturer’ recommended volume of grease.
How much grease does a bearing need?
The amount depends on the type of bearing or joining you are greasing. Generally, the general rule is one shot of grease from a standard grease gun per inch of shaft diameter.
What happens if you over grease a bearing?
The bearing will begin churning the grease, spiking its temperature and causing it to eventually liquefy and drain out of the bearing.
What is the ideal dropping point for wheel bearing grease?
Look for grease with a dropping point between 500 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit. That should be more than enough to maintain proper lubrication even under extreme conditions.
CONCLUSION
My top choice for the best wheel bearing grease for travel trailers is definitely the Sta-Lube SL3121. It’s got great water resistance, excellent stability across a wide temperature range and it helps prevent corrosion.
Best of all, the bright blue color makes it easy to see if you have applied sufficient grease to bearings even when you haven’t stripped out old grease first. Grab a tub for yourself and give it a try.
You will find it is useful for many applications beyond keeping your wheel bearings from wearing out too fast.
Valvoline grease is the greasiest of the greases. I have greased some things with this grease. Those things have been greased and will continue to have been greased. The container leaked a little though during shipment and some grease was on things that did not necessarily need to be greased. I cleaned it up though. No worries. Grease.
Lucas Oil has a great price as I go through a couple of tubes a year. I do not believe this product is a Synthetic Grease. Have used it for years. Does not leak out like I have had others do. I live in Arizona, at times the temperature in my garage hits 115 degrees F. I have had other greases leak down and liquefy making a huge mess. This green goop stays together. I use it on my front end components, U joints, trailer bearings. I also use it to lube the giant Orings on my pool filter and pool pump, backwash valve. Saves me lots of money over the pool specialty product.
The best RV wheel-bearing grease that I found is Plews & Edelmann LMX. It is really convenient and easy to use. It is soft enough to be applied to bearings. It does not drip easily, so it will linger where it has been applied. In addition, this grease has anti-corrosion properties that help prevent the gradual deterioration of my bearings. This is very convenient because I won’t have to think about getting a replacement soon.
I can say that Valvoline SynPower Automotive Grease is an extraordinary product. It is affordable, easy to use, and works properly at high or low temperatures.