Tires rubbing on underneath of trailer

Tires were not wearing evenly.The shop installed the springs but could not align the axles due to them being as straight (no camber) as the 3500# springs.

I had slight contact with the metal liner above the tires on our trailer when I went to slightly larger LT tires when the trailer was brand new. For our trailer, we were able to change the spring attachment to the lower mounting holes which gave an additional 1 inch clearance.

Dick

If the tire were wearing smooth across the tread I call FUD on the bent axles.
I think the installer may not want to put 4400 springs on a 3500 axle.
Could be a valid concern. Although never heard an actual issue of such.

I just noticed this year that the trailer seems lower when I would go to install the wheel chocks. Never thought about the springs until now--nastyt: can you PM me where you got your work done? I'm nearby in Lorain Co. Thx

Reply to Downwindtracker2. My springs are mounted on top of axles from the factory. The replacement 4400# springs are exactly the same dimensions as the original 3500# springs. I assume just stiffer to give them more weight carrying capacity. The shop that has my trailer has worked with Lippert and the new axles will be 3" o.d. which should make no difference in trailer height. Hope this info is a help to anyone else having this kind of problem.

Nastyt, I've been down that road too. First off the 3500# axels are lighter than what goes for normal 3500#, I built a couple of trailers using 3500#, they were heavier. And if they bent, they were too light.

But if your trailer springs are underslung, the space for the fatter 5200# is going to be limited. I had to mount the springs over the axels, lifting the TT 7" Heavier spring are usually longer. I didn't bother welding new spring mounts for the 5200# springs, instead just added a leaf to the spring pack. I think that might have been a mistake, the higher trailer center of gravity needs a stiffer suspension to cut down on swaying.

nastyt wrote:
Just a follow up to let everyone know how it stands. Bought some 4400# springs and took tt to shop for install and alignment. Shop called to let me know that they couldn't align it because the axles are bent. This is the second time this has happened. Last time was almost exactly 3 years ago. Trailer is 6 years old. I guess 3 years is all they last, which is complete bs. Before anyone feels it necessary to tell me the trailer is overloaded, I have weighed it several times with all supplies onboard. It is always well within manufactors limits. I guess their limit is too heavy. The shop has ordered 5200# axles and with recommendation from Lippert are going to put the 4400# springs on them. I am sorry post is so long but just wanted to whine a little, I guess.

nastyt, your post caught my eye. Last weekend I had a blow out, 7,600 miles on Carlisle Radial Trail RH ST205/75R15 LRDs. Doing everything "right" from max speed of 65, TPMS, trailer not overloaded by CAT scales, rotation at 5,000 mi, balanced, etc.

Trailer at shop now for estimate on repairs. First thing they tell me, I need new axles, not about fixing the hole in the floor and wiring damage, but I need new axles! No measurements to check alignment, simply the fact the axles don't have a slight upward bow. I asked about alignment, they say they are too far gone. What?

Trailer is almost 3 1/2 years old, have had it out every month since purchase in Aug 2012. Seeing you have only been able to get 3 years out of your axles, guessing that is the life-expectancy? Amazing.

Regardless, maybe time is right to do some upgrades to my suspension!

Many trailer makers design their suspension using 13% tongue weight and a "perfectly balanced" loaded trailer. IMO, one should never use this 13% adjustment. Legally, their math saves more profit dollars for their pockets. As many above folks suggested, simply "up size" the existing leaf spring packs. If they are currently 3,600 lbs leaf packs, simply upgrade to $3,800 or even $4,000 leaf spring packs. Works for me.

nastyt wrote:
Just a follow up to let everyone know how it stands. Bought some 4400# springs and took tt to shop for install and alignment. Shop called to let me know that they couldn't align it because the axles are bent. This is the second time this has happened. Last time was almost exactly 3 years ago. Trailer is 6 years old. I guess 3 years is all they last, which is complete bs. Before anyone feels it necessary to tell me the trailer is overloaded, I have weighed it several times with all supplies onboard. It is always well within manufactors limits. I guess their limit is too heavy. The shop has ordered 5200# axles and with recommendation from Lippert are going to put the 4400# springs on them. I am sorry post is so long but just wanted to whine a little, I guess.

I wonder what bent two sets of axles? Do you drive rough roads or over any curbs?

Thanks for the update. This maybe important for someone in the same situation.

Sorry to hear about your axles. Everything just seems to get cheaper over the years.

Moving up a notch in axle ratings is a real good move. I would bet that the trailer pulls better and your tire wear should diminish, as well.

Good luck with the suspension.