trailer tire/axle alignment
One of our 19' travel trailer tires is wearing unevenly and the RV repair place says we need an alignment of both axles. THis will cost about $$400-$500 so I'd like to know just how often we should ha...
Forum Discussion
Having built many trailers over the years, you would be surprised how far off the mounts can be. Many of the manufacturers just throw them together. When I build a trailer, first I use a jig to hold everything level and square. When I bend the tongue, I use a string line to check the front of the coupler (center) to the center of the first cross member and also to the center of the rear cross member. When those are all in perfect alignment I will tack and then weld out the frame. The axle mounts will be as close as I can get them which is well under 1/16". The frames will be withing 1/8" including warpage from welding. It takes more time to do it right, but it sure makes a difference to the way that the trailer tows.
As far as axles, I used to make my own years ago. I don't do it anymore because they are easier and cheaper to find them off of the internet. The spindles are usually set in a strong tube that will hold the alignment very well. The axle will have the arch to compensate for the weight, and the distance between the hanger mount and the hub face is very important because it creates leverage against the axle. It is nice to keep that measurement as short as possible when building a trailer, especially when they get heavier. I have found factory axle mounts that were off. There are so many variables, but a good shop should be able to find the problem. Many times the problem won't be the axles, but the frame construction.
As far as axles, I used to make my own years ago. I don't do it anymore because they are easier and cheaper to find them off of the internet. The spindles are usually set in a strong tube that will hold the alignment very well. The axle will have the arch to compensate for the weight, and the distance between the hanger mount and the hub face is very important because it creates leverage against the axle. It is nice to keep that measurement as short as possible when building a trailer, especially when they get heavier. I have found factory axle mounts that were off. There are so many variables, but a good shop should be able to find the problem. Many times the problem won't be the axles, but the frame construction.
