Trailer Bearing Covers for Dri-Doc

[vols203]

Greetings,
Replacing my bearing buddy's on my 2000 Dri-doc trailer....ordered some new ones from UFP and noticed that they do not fit through the champion metal plate that covers the lugs....anyone have this issue or did i purchase the wrong size (1.980's) . Thanks!
v/r

Brian

[U.S. eh Champ!]

I had the same problem with mine last year. I happened to have a hydraulic punch set that I used to make the hole in the wheel bigger. UFP redesigned their bearing a couple years back which is why they don't fit now. I would think a machine shop in your area could take out the extra 1/8th inch around the plate.

[vols203]

Copy all, i posted in the trailer forum and i think they misunderstood...like you said, it appears that they have re-designed the bearing buddy completley and the new ones will not work w/ old champ trailer lug covers. Oh well, off to a machine shop

[Bowhunter]

So whats the verdict on this. I have a 2000 Dri Doc under my boat and was looking to put buddies on.
Did you have to get the cover plates with holes punched out or will the old style work?

Thanks

[vols203]

Verdict is still out...look over in the trailer forum, i have some more info posted. Looks like if you want new Bearing covers you will have to remove your wheel covers completly or make the diameter bigger....i'm going for the leave them off option. They don't make the older style anymore

[Bowhunter]

I was thinking that if I go that route, I would have to order # 4 or # 6 of these cover plates...

http://www.candomarineparts.com/Wheels.html

Just thinking of how I would do this... thanks,

[remaly181]

Hey, vols203

I ran into the same problem a little while back with my 2000 dri-doc. My solution: I found the center of the covers and hit them with a punch. I then clamped them on the drill press and used a bi-metal hole saw to bore holes through them. I filed off the rough burrs then touch them up with a drum sander. Had no problems whatsoever and it looks way better than running without covers. It was about a twenty minute job - if that...

[DChamp]

When I put the new buddy bearings on my 2000 dri-doc trailer I had to take a air grinder with a 2" flap wheel until the new ones fit like a glove. Took about 15 mins. for each.