Wheel alinement

I installed these Lippert-87220-Correct-Suspension-Alignment Kit on my fifth wheel. They allow you adjust alignment of axles in 1/4" increments, and also raise trailer 2". My trailer was properly aligned already, but I needed to raise it several inches to tow level.

allen8106 wrote:

Second Chance wrote:
The individual wheels are not adjustable for caster, camber or toe.

Incorrect according to my trailer frame and axle expert. He said the only thing he couldn't do was align the wheels to the hitch because the axles hangers are welded in place. No adjustment, but he can adjust caster (toe) and camber.

X2 Had mine aligned 3 years ago as the toe was off. Been fine since then.

I looked all over in the Kansas City area for someone the bend the axles back in line after finding both tires on the drivers side wearing on the inside. I was told there was no one in the area that did that anymore. The only option was to replace the axles. That is what I did and it was a very easy change and only around $170 an axle (#6500, 3" axles). If I'd been able to find someone to bend the axles I'm sure it would have cost the same. I even had one of the several places I talked to say that if he could straighten them it wouldn't be cost effective due to the cheapness of new axles. When we bought our 5th wheel used it had new tires on it. After the first 5,000 miles I understood they had probably hit something and bent both axles to the outside and the new tires were to cover up that problem.

Second Chance wrote:
The individual wheels are not adjustable for caster, camber or toe.

Incorrect according to my trailer frame and axle expert. He said the only thing he couldn't do was align the wheels to the hitch because the axles hangers are welded in place. No adjustment, but he can adjust caster (toe) and camber.

azdryheat wrote:
My tires are wearing fine, no need to mess with anything.

My tires had no visible issues but he told me they were out of alignment.

I had mine checked two years ago by a trailer frame and axle shop right before I put new tires on. No particuar reason to do so but I did. They were out of alignment. The alignment guy told me some camper owners have them checked annually as part of thier routine maintenance. He could have just been saying that to generate income who knows, however this company has been around for longer than I can remember and is considered reputable. I'm not planning to do it every year but I don't think it hurts to do it every few years no more than it cost ($175). For me, the hassle of taking in to town and dropping it off is the bigger issue.

My tires are wearing fine, no need to mess with anything.

On conventional towable suspensions (solid axles, leaf springs), the only alignment that can be done - on some rigs, but not all - is to make sure the axles are parallel and perpendicular to the center line of the trailer. The individual wheels are not adjustable for caster, camber or toe. If you have tire wear issues on one tire, the spindle/axle will have to be replaced. A truck/trailer alignment shop with Hunter equipment can check your alignment - but they may not be able to do anything about it. If you're not having problems, don't worry about it.

Rob

spud1957 wrote:
I would only get it checked if you notice abnormal tire wear. Usually the only correction method is to bend the axle. I had that done.

If you are not experiencing any abnormal tire wear, why bother.

X100

I would only get it checked if you notice abnormal tire wear. Usually the only correction method is to bend the axle. I had that done.

If you are not experiencing any abnormal tire wear, why bother.