A Navy munitions trailer may not sound glamorous, but the engineering behind it is vital. Designed to carry bombs and missiles both on ships and land, this equipment demands precise steering and rugged durability. When NAVSEA engineers needed a bearing solution that could handle salt air, heavy loads, and constant motion without the burden of lubrication, TriStar stepped in.
Steering Reliability Under Harsh Conditions
The trailer’s compact design requires smooth steering in tight quarters, often while supporting extreme loads. Traditional bearing materials struggled with this combination, absorbing moisture, corroding in salt environments, or requiring frequent lubrication that added costly downtime and maintenance. These shortcomings created risk in an application where reliability and maneuverability are mission critical.
Ultracomp UC300A: Built for Demanding Environments
TriStar’s engineering team recommended Ultracomp UC300A, our self-lubricating composite proven in defense and marine systems. On the trailer, UC300A bearings were specified for the tow bar link, frame pin bearings, steering clevis points, and front axle pivot pins. In each location, UC300A’s unique properties—low friction, high load capability, resistance to swelling, and immunity to saltwater corrosion—delivered the durability NAVSEA required.
UC300A’s advanced formulation also plays a key role. Special fillers reduce friction even under excessive loads and rotational speeds, ensuring smooth maneuverability. The self-lubricating design eliminates the need for costly greasing, while the material’s toughness allows it to absorb impact and vibration—critical for power-lifting and heavy-duty defense applications.
A Material with Many Missions
This Navy trailer is just one example of a broader trend. Ultracomp UC300A has become a go-to choice in applications ranging from winch systems and ship-to-ship cable equipment to over-the-road trailers and even RV steering systems. With its ability to operate maintenance-free in wet, high-load, and low-speed conditions, UC300A consistently proves itself as both cost-effective and performance-driven.
Proven Performance, Ready for the Next Challenge
Ultracomp UC300A shows how a smart material choice can transform the reliability of mission-critical equipment. Whether on land, at sea, or somewhere in between, UC300A provides confidence where other materials fall short. Contact our experts for help with your toughest bearing challenges.