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Alignment for Travel Trailers

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  • Alignment for Travel Trailers

    Do travel trailers (2 axles) need to be aligned? (Is there such a thing?)

    After 20.0k miles on my 2018 Class C I see one of my drive tires is worn unevenly. While talking with manufacture, I learned that the chassis was aligned prior to the RV build but never afterwards. I have since taken the unit to a fleet service group and now our Class C drives 100% better. Alas, we are moving from our Class C to a two axle Reflection travel trailer. If either when new or following axle and brake upgrades, would you recommend getting the unit aligned? Is there a way to perform alignments on travel trailers? I have no idea about this stuff.
    Al & Ann
    F150 with Max Tow Pkg.
    Imagine 2670MK (2021)

  • #2
    Some dealerships and specialty alignment shops can align travel trailer axles. It's normally not done unless a problem starts to develop with poor tire wear.
    In the past, some have recommended Hunter Alignment equipment. So you may be able to look up a shop that specializes in that type of equipment.

    Jim
    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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    • #3
      humunuku
      Hi Al & Ann,

      The alignment of beam axles (as used on most trailers) can only be done by bending the axle tube. Unlike your motor home that had alignment adjustments built into the suspension design. Unless you see uneven tire wear on a trailer, the alignment does not need attention. Having the axle tube bent to correct alignment should be a last resort.

      Rob
      Cate & Rob
      (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
      2015 Reflection 303RLS
      2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
      Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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      • #4
        Humunuku, there are several ways to align trailer axels. You can find youtube videos online as well as kits that do the job, one I believe is a Lippert product. We once had a medium duty trailer that "dog tracked" down the road, my dad being an old hand at fixing things simply did some measurements loosened the u-bolts on one side and evened up the axels as measured from a fixed point. Don't know if I would do that on a travel trailer though. Oh BTW isn't it humuhumunukunuku-a-pua-a, I used to get free drinks with that one. Dave.
        flyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)

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        • #5
          Originally posted by David Nicolls View Post
          Humunuku, there are several ways to align trailer axels. You can find youtube videos online as well as kits that do the job, one I believe is a Lippert product. We once had a medium duty trailer that "dog tracked" down the road, my dad being an old hand at fixing things simply did some measurements loosened the u-bolts on one side and evened up the axels as measured from a fixed point. Don't know if I would do that on a travel trailer though. Oh BTW isn't it humuhumunukunuku-a-pua-a, I used to get free drinks with that one. Dave.
          David, Thank you for the information. At least I understand our options and whether it would be a likelihood should we upgrade axels and brakes. No one speaks about alignment, so I am guessing its rarely is an issue. Following many youtube channels, it appears that the attachpoint and u-bolt hanger is fitted at the axle manufacture. Maybe this minimizes or eliminates alignment issues.

          And yes, you are absolutely correct. It is the unofficial state fish of the islands. But alas, it was too long for a handle. Well done.
          Al & Ann
          F150 with Max Tow Pkg.
          Imagine 2670MK (2021)

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          • #6
            Our first travel trailer had a correct track system installed. Basically it looks like a way to fix the fabrication screw up in layout of the axle perches. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd-0001402.pdf

            Once the axles are properly aligned during fabrication of the frame they should be fine unless you have an issue like a failed component.
            Joseph
            Tow
            Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
            Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
            South of Houston Texas

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