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Old 07-08-2008, 07:01 AM   #1
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Axle alignment question

I've noticed that there is about an inch difference in space between the tires from one side of the trailer to the other. I would think that this should be the same on both sides and that any difference would result in causing the trailer to want to pull to one side during towing. If so, this could cause wear problems. Does anyone know about this and what should be done if anything?
Thanks,
Rich
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Old 07-09-2008, 07:11 PM   #2
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axel alignment

Hello ... sitting at my desk it is of course pretty easy to analyze your axel issue. I will assume all your tires are the same size.
I would slide under the trailer with a tape measure. I would check to see if the two axels are the same "spread" on each side of the trailer. If not determine why.
You did not mention whether the axels are leaf spring or torsion suspension. In either case some thing has apparently shifted, unless the trailer left the factory that way. My biggest concern would be if it has shifted once it could happen again.
If it was my trailer I would want to square the axel up and tighten it down for safety reasons. Tires are cheap, safety is priceless.
Any good "nuts and bolts" mechanic could no doubt determine the problem for you.
Good luck.
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Old 07-09-2008, 09:17 PM   #3
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Rich

Do you have leaf springs or rubber ride torision suspension?

Let us know before I start into a typing fest down the wrong path. Each type has different things to look at that can cause this.


John
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Old 07-09-2008, 09:21 PM   #4
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I'm 99% sure he has leaf springs. As far as I know, the TorFlex weren't available (or at least for Sunlines) in '92.

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Old 07-09-2008, 09:23 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunline Fan
I'm 99% sure he has leaf springs. As far as I know, the TorFlex weren't available (or at least for Sunlines) in '92.

Jon
Duh.... I missed the year. Your right Jon, OK I'll dig up my stuff. I think the Torflex came in 2005, at leas on the T2499 it did.

Thanks

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Old 07-09-2008, 09:49 PM   #6
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Rich

Since we think you have leaf springs, have the TT on flat level surface. The TT can be just parked forward of reverse after driving say about 10 feet, just not right after a hard backed in turn and then stopped as the suspension is flexed then. Trying to get your suspeion in the natural straight towing direction.

Look at each side of the TT between the 2 tires for what we call the equalizer link. It ties the 2 leaf springs together in the middle and had one bolt to a hanger tied to the frame.

See this pic of what, normal is suppose to look like. The equalizer link, and the spring shackles plates should both be pointing upwards so to say and the leaf spring pivot bolt on top.



Here is what wrong looks like. One set of shackles plates down, one up. This can very easily happen when you jack up the TT and the axle drops and flops the links down over center. Then when you put the tire on and let it down, it stays stuck that way.


Once you go thru a “procedure” you can get it flipped back up and look likes this.


If one side of the TT is flopped down and the other side of the TT has one up and normal, (1 side is mixed up), then the axles can be at an angle to each other and the distance between the tires could give you the 1” difference you are seeing.

Let us know if this condition exits. If it does we can explain how to correct. It’s more typing and pic’s to load up. You will need to jack up the TT, Ideally you have a floor jack, do you?

Hope this helps

John
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Old 07-10-2008, 06:20 AM   #7
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Thanks Jon ans John, the pics you posted are correct, that is the set up I have. The shackle plates are all in the "up" position, but without checking, I think the equalizer link in the center may be angled on one and not the other. The trailer is in my slightly angled driveway after having been backed in from last weekends trip. What I will do now is tow it to a level area and allow everything to level out before taking a measurement. Yes, all tires are the same size and brand, so I think measuring between the tires would be accurate, but I can get under and measure the axles themselves. Now that I'm thinking abouit your mention of the shackle plates and equalizer link, I wouldn't be surprised if it is the angle that everything ended up in after backing in that is causing this. I know that the axles have to line up with a peg and hole arrangement at the center of the spring to the axle plate, so it shouldn't be able to shift off center.
I'll repost after rechecking it.
Thanks for the help,
Rich
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