Trailers

3oaks wrote:

laknox wrote:

Wisconsin Bums wrote:
Recently had a discussion about taking your 5th wheel to a alignment shop for alignment. He said that the trailer axles get out of alignment when you hit a curb or big pot hole. OK what do all of you guys think

(cynic mode)

Probably, since the mfrs use the cheapest junk they can find to build these things. I'd say that it's bent axles and hubs are probably the leading problems, with just plain cr@ppy build not far behind.

(/cynic mode)

Lyle

I agree. Misaligned frame structure, misaligned spring hangers, axils, etc., right from the trailer manufactures. Close is good enough to them, just get the trailers out the door and leave the consumers to deal with the problem. :(

Someone posted last year about how his FW would hit his truck when turning one direction, but not the other. When he checked, he found that the king pin was off-center by about 1.75", IIRC. THAT's just unacceptable, IMO.

Lyle

I guess I have been pretty lucky. My trailer is now 12 years old and on it's second set of tires and have no unusual tire wear.

laknox wrote:

Wisconsin Bums wrote:
Recently had a discussion about taking your 5th wheel to a alignment shop for alignment. He said that the trailer axles get out of alignment when you hit a curb or big pot hole. OK what do all of you guys think

(cynic mode)

Probably, since the mfrs use the cheapest junk they can find to build these things. I'd say that it's bent axles and hubs are probably the leading problems, with just plain cr@ppy build not far behind.

(/cynic mode)

Lyle

I agree. Misaligned frame structure, misaligned spring hangers, axils, etc., right from the trailer manufactures. Close is good enough to them, just get the trailers out the door and leave the consumers to deal with the problem. :(

There is a place in Ashland VA that offers alignment services on all RV's... they use a laser system to check, if it needs adjustment, they add the Correct Track system and perform the proper alignment.

Like mentioned, if you're not having any tire wear issues then there's no reason to have the axles aligned. If you have a brand new trailer and it would make you feel better, then get the axles checked out.

There are ways to to do a DIY alignment check with plum-bob and tape measure. IF everything calculates to be in alignment no reason to take it to alignment shop and waste $$. Unusual tire wear is also a sign.

I would say it is possible for the axles to get out of alignment by hitting a curb or pothole. But I would not say it is common.

Wisconsin Bums wrote:
Recently had a discussion about taking your 5th wheel to a alignment shop for alignment. He said that the trailer axles get out of alignment when you hit a curb or big pot hole. OK what do all of you guys think

(cynic mode)

Probably, since the mfrs use the cheapest junk they can find to build these things. I'd say that it's bent axles and hubs are probably the leading problems, with just plain cr@ppy build not far behind.

(/cynic mode)

Lyle

Lots of different reasons for alignment issues. You mentioned a couple. But overloading can also be a cause, as mis aligned spring hangers.

I am thinking many trailers are somewhat out of alignment, even some new ones. Unless misaligned enough to show improper tire wear, I wouldn't worry about it.

A big rig, truck alignment shop could fix the issue, if one arises.

Jerry