Measuring Axle Alignment

[Steven@147]

I just happened upon a YouTube from a trailer repair shop discussing trailer axle alignment. They don't discuss caster or camber of the hubs themselves, just axle measurements of the wheelbase and to the hitch. Still pretty good video to simply understand how the axle spacing causes problems,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_JyikwhNQ


But then again, If a tire is wearing on the inside or outside, and if the axle spacing is accurate to within say 1/4 inch as they say, then one might suspect during a tire change, a roller jack was place on the axle tube too far in and bent the axle thus changing the camber of the hub and now the tire will wear usually on the outside.

 

[traveldawg]

I always say the only way to really measure alignment takes an alignment shop with proper alignment tools (similar to automotive alignment set-ups). Small fractions of inch or even millimeters can make a difference.

Self made course measurement are OK, but if experiencing any amount of tire wear then a professional with proper equipment should be involved.

That video might be OK for a utility trailer running around local streets and such, but for our trailers that we depend on for long hauls might be a different case.

 

[ajg617]

That's what I am hoping they do with mine since the shop has documented to LCI that the axles are not in alignment and tires are wearing unevenly. There's a truck/trailer shop right next door that I'm hoping they will check the alignment on once all the hangers are in a straight line front to rear. My problem wasn't with caster or camber - it was the whole rear axle tilted towards the curb side while the front axle was square. To do this, they welded the mid and front hanger further forward than the rear on the curb side - compressing the front spring more and leaving the rear spring stretched. I am pretty confident that is what caused our spring/hanger/bolt failure in Glacier last year and the V-clip weld break this year.

 

[huntindog]

That's what I am hoping they do with mine since the shop has documented to LCI that the axles are not in alignment and tires are wearing unevenly. There's a truck/trailer shop right next door that I'm hoping they will check the alignment on once all the hangers are in a straight line front to rear. My problem wasn't with caster or camber - it was the whole rear axle tilted towards the curb side while the front axle was square. To do this, they welded the mid and front hanger further forward than the rear on the curb side - compressing the front spring more and leaving the rear spring stretched. I am pretty confident that is what caused our spring/hanger/bolt failure in Glacier last year and the V-clip weld break this year.

I have had the rear bolts on both sides depart now. The P side ruined the hanger. It's all fixed now with standard bolts. Tire wear has always been good. I did the measurements and they were all spot on. Hopefully it stays together.