Laser Alignment

As far as I know there is no adjustment on standard style axles. They change alignment by bending things or that's what I have read. A good spring shop is where I would start. Also, I would ask CW how they correct an out of alignment problem and see what they say.

Glad you caught it before major problems. thanks for sharing and letting us know the final result.

First off: Thanks to everyone who replied with their thoughts.
I did read each post and took some advice that was given.

The outcome was there was a crack in my frame where the rear shackle was welded to the frame. The mechanic welded it and welded two plates on each side of the frame to give it some strength. The space between the tires is now back to where it should be and hopefully that will be the end of that problem.

hddecker wrote:


Weight has little effect other that an accelerated wear evenly cross the tread profile. Misalignment causes uneven tread wear on the tread profile.

The way a tandem axle trailer suspension works the more weight on the springs the closer the tires get to each other. If there is a BIG weight difference from side to side the gap would be noticeably smaller on the heavy side.

MM49 wrote:
Laser alignment on a suspension system that is not adjustable???
MM49

They are non adjustable, but the centering pin on the springs is smaller than the hole in the perch. It is possible to fix alignment issues just with minor movements.

Big Shoe wrote:
I am going to check around with a couple other places to find out what they have to say. I will also be looking for a frame shop in the area to speak with them. I am just a little suspicious of CW's alignment system. All of a sudden this is the way to go and you have to buy this alignment system that works with the laser alignment machine.... and it's not cheap.
I thought maybe I would need some new bushings but not this.
Once again thanks for you input...

Laser alignment on a suspension system that is not adjustable???
MM49

I am going to check around with a couple other places to find out what they have to say. I will also be looking for a frame shop in the area to speak with them. I am just a little suspicious of CW's alignment system. All of a sudden this is the way to go and you have to buy this alignment system that works with the laser alignment machine.... and it's not cheap.
I thought maybe I would need some new bushings but not this.
Once again thanks for you input...

Until you pull it dead straight on perfectly level ground for 50 yards or so before you measure it you are just kidding yourself.

AH64ID wrote:
Side to side gap can and will be slightly different, but should be very close in a static environment. The only real reason it would be different is misalignment or a severe different in weight from side to side.

Weight has little effect other that an accelerated wear evenly cross the tread profile. Misalignment causes uneven tread wear on the tread profile.

If you measure the trade depth across the tread and it is even across the tread you do not have an alignment problem.

A tread gauge is always in my glovebox, it's a good tool when your shopping for tires of any sort. I check the tread depth in comparison to the makers claims.

Yes there can be alignment problems, and yes they can be corrected…
I had mine done at a spring and axle place because of tire wear issues, and it worked out very well and resolved the problem…

Number one, go to a frame shop, not an RV dealer, unless it is warranty work. RV dealers fix Rv stuff, Frame shops fix frame/axel problems.

You can go the measure bend the axels route or you can go with the Dexter fix that supposedly allows for future adjustments.

I am still waffling, the alignment options require the same travel distance. Do one or the other or just replace the tires a year or so eariler.