Trailer Alignment

[Al Kungel]

After I towed (approx 900 miles) my new to me boat & trailer (dual axel) home I noticed that the front tires were very noticeably worn down on the outside edges. Before I made the trek home I made sure that all the tires were inflated within a couple pounds of maximun. The trailer ran well and other than on hills I didn't really notice that it was behind the truck Two things come to my mind that could be the cause of the problem.
1) The ball on the draw bar was approx 5 inches to low. I now have the correct draw bar.
2) The trailer may need an alignment.

What are your thoughts?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Trailer Alignment

My bet is that it was the drop at the draw bar. Too much weight on the front set of tires and tounge.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Alignment

My bet is that it was the drop at the draw bar. Too much weight on the front set of tires and tounge.

Tandem axle trailers cannot have too much weight on one axle or the other since they incorporate an "equalizer". Loading is the same on either tire. Weight is exerted onto the equalizer pivot point which spreads the load equally to each tire. Tongue high or low mere pivots the equalizer. The only time this is not true is if the trailer uses the independent rubber-mounted torsion axles. With those, tongue low does overload the front axle and unloads the rear. Tongue high does the opposite.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Trailer Alignment

If the tires are worn smooth on the outside edges you have a camber problem. Tires are tilted outward at the top, causing edge wear. If the tires are worn in a sawtooth or feathered pattern, you have a toe issue. Either condition may be the result of a bent axle. Component wear will not cause this issue as loose bearings will cause the inside edge to wear in a feathered pattern. If the front axle has been hit and bent up in the middle that would cause either/both issues. It could be bent up or back, impacting camber in the first case and toe in the second case.