Steve ,
I had been paying to have my bearings changed once a year when this happened just outside Glasgow . In this case , the damage was so bad to the axle itself , it meant a total replacement axle !

As a result , I bought myself all the right tools inc. a 1 metre , 1" drive ( I kid you not ! ) breaker bar , and using a convenient fly press in work , I have always changed my own bearings , trailer brake cables & general brake maintenance .

I also bought a spare set of hubs , so I have new bearings pressed in , ready to go . Doing this myself , bearings seem to last about two years , using good quality marine grease .

After this incident , I had recurring nightmares about further breakdowns , but now it hardly crosses my mind ! Happy ribbing ( & trailering )...Bern