Ranger trailer routine maintenance ?

[Bobby05]

Im a member of ranger facebook group and see pics of wheels coming off weekly. What can I do besides making sure my bearings are greased properly to keep my trailer from having any problems. I have a 02 205vs with tandem axles with leaf springs. Are the leaf springs more prone to problems? i know they switched to torsion axles in 03? Just wondering what i need to keep a lookout for to prevent a very bad day. Thanks in advance.

[reelmin5]

Jack up trailer and wiggle the wheels, if there is any side to side play address it!

[bassboat1]

I've got greased hubs, so YMMV. Eyeball the tire to fenderwell clearance - any differences right to left point to a broken spring (height) or axle (fore/aft) issue. Jack up one side and rock the wheel. There should be minimal end play - a little is essential with tapered roller bearings. https://www.etrailer.com/question-45372.html Look for caked grease on the inner lip of the wheel - that points to a failed seal (the first thing to go IME on a well maintained axle). Keep an eye on Bearing Buddies - I've had a number of them depart over the years. Roll the wheel - any roughness suggests a failed bearing. IDK dual wheel equalizers.

[schinkr1]

I'm not great at doing this myself, but check your bolts on occasion. My last trailer I had a caliper work it's way free (luckily no damage) and was dragging on the ground. I have a buddy that had the same happen and it ended up ruining a wheel. Trailers don't have any suspension and take a beating unfortunately.