Trailer alignment, crucial for safe towing and maximizing tire life, is a process of ensuring that the trailer axles are square with the trailer frame and that the wheels track correctly. Failing to properly align your trailer leads to uneven tire wear, increased rolling resistance, compromised handling, and even dangerous instability at highway speeds. This article, based on years of experience and consultation with leading trailer manufacturers, will guide you through the importance of trailer alignment, the potential problems arising from misalignment, and the steps involved in achieving a properly aligned trailer.
Why Trailer Alignment Matters: Beyond Tire Wear
Misalignment in trailers isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a significant safety hazard and a drain on your finances. While uneven tire wear is the most immediately apparent symptom, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Hidden Dangers of Misalignment
A misaligned trailer can cause:
- Increased Rolling Resistance: Wheels fighting each other create drag, reducing fuel economy and placing extra strain on your tow vehicle.
- Compromised Handling: The trailer may “dog-track,” meaning it doesn’t follow directly behind the tow vehicle, making it harder to control, especially in windy conditions.
- Overheating Bearings: Uneven pressure on the wheel bearings can lead to premature failure and, in extreme cases, bearing seizure.
- Frame Stress: Constant side loads from misaligned axles can weaken the trailer frame over time, leading to cracks and other structural issues.
- Dangerous Instability: At highway speeds, a misaligned trailer can become unstable, leading to sway or even a complete loss of control, resulting in accidents.
Therefore, regular trailer alignment checks are vital, especially after significant impacts, long trips, or if you notice any unusual tire wear patterns.
Identifying the Need for Alignment: Signs to Watch Out For
Recognizing the early signs of trailer misalignment is crucial for preventing more serious problems. Pay attention to the following indicators:
Key Indicators of Misalignment
- Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most obvious sign. Check for wear on the inside or outside edges of the tires, feathering, or cupping.
- Dog-Tracking: Observe whether the trailer follows directly behind your tow vehicle. If it appears to be angled to one side, it’s likely dog-tracking.
- Difficulty Steering: If you find yourself constantly correcting to keep the trailer in line, it could be a sign of misalignment.
- Increased Rolling Resistance: A noticeable decrease in fuel economy or a feeling of the trailer “dragging” can indicate misalignment.
- Visible Damage: Inspect the axles, springs, and frame for any signs of bending, cracking, or other damage.
- Vibration: An unusual vibration, especially at higher speeds, can be a sign of axle issues.
- Off-Center Load Carrying: In rare cases, you might be carrying your load off-center causing uneven load distribution which can simulate misalignment.
The Alignment Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Trailer alignment is a precise process that often requires specialized tools and expertise. While some minor adjustments can be made by a skilled DIYer, it’s generally best to have a professional perform the alignment. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
Steps for Trailer Alignment
- Inspection: The trailer frame, axles, suspension components, and tires are thoroughly inspected for damage or wear.
- Measurement: Precise measurements are taken to determine the axle squareness (how perpendicular the axles are to the trailer frame) and wheel tracking (how parallel the wheels are to each other). This often involves the use of laser alignment tools.
- Adjustment: Adjustments are made to the axle mounting points or, in some cases, the axles themselves, to correct any misalignment. This may involve shimming, bending, or replacing components. For leaf spring trailers, the spring perches are also checked to ensure they are properly attached.
- Verification: After the adjustments are made, the measurements are rechecked to ensure the alignment is within the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Final Inspection: A final visual inspection is performed to ensure all components are properly secured and functioning correctly.
It’s important to note that different trailer types (e.g., single-axle vs. tandem-axle, leaf spring vs. torsion axle) may require slightly different alignment procedures.
Choosing the Right Alignment Method: From DIY to Professional
The complexity of trailer alignment varies significantly depending on the type of trailer and the extent of the misalignment.
Deciding on Your Alignment Approach
- DIY (Basic Adjustments): For minor adjustments to a single-axle trailer, such as adjusting spring perches or ensuring proper tire inflation, a mechanically inclined individual with basic tools can often handle the task. This requires a keen eye, accurate measuring tools (like a long tape measure or laser level), and the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Professional Alignment: For tandem-axle trailers, significant misalignment, or any uncertainty, it’s best to entrust the alignment to a qualified trailer mechanic with specialized equipment and experience. These professionals have access to laser alignment systems, axle bending tools, and the knowledge to diagnose and correct even the most complex alignment issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How often should I get my trailer aligned?
Ideally, you should have your trailer aligned annually or after every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, more frequent checks are recommended if you regularly tow heavy loads or travel on rough roads. Any significant impact or evidence of misalignment warrants an immediate alignment check.
FAQ 2: What tools are needed for a DIY trailer alignment?
At a minimum, you’ll need a long tape measure (50ft or more), a level, jack stands, a torque wrench, and the manufacturer’s specifications for your trailer. A laser level can also be helpful for measuring axle squareness.
FAQ 3: Can I align my trailer with a simple tape measure?
Yes, a tape measure can be used to check for basic alignment issues, such as measuring the distance between the axles and the hitch at various points. However, this method is less precise than laser alignment and may not detect subtle misalignments.
FAQ 4: What is “axle squareness” and why is it important?
Axle squareness refers to the angle between the trailer axles and the trailer frame. The axles should be perpendicular to the frame. If the axles are not square, the trailer will dog-track and experience uneven tire wear.
FAQ 5: What is “wheel tracking” and why is it important?
Wheel tracking refers to the parallelism of the wheels. All wheels should be pointing in the same direction. If the wheels are not tracking properly, the trailer will experience increased rolling resistance and compromised handling.
FAQ 6: Can tire inflation affect trailer alignment?
Yes, improper tire inflation can significantly impact tire wear and handling. Always ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Check your tire pressure before each trip.
FAQ 7: What is the difference between a static and dynamic trailer alignment?
Static alignment is performed when the trailer is stationary. Dynamic alignment involves taking measurements while the trailer is in motion. Dynamic alignment is typically performed by specialized shops with sophisticated equipment.
FAQ 8: What are common causes of trailer misalignment?
Common causes include hitting potholes or curbs, overloading the trailer, improper loading, corrosion weakening the frame, and impacts during storage or transport.
FAQ 9: Can I align my trailer if it has torsion axles?
Aligning a trailer with torsion axles can be more complex, as there are fewer adjustment points. However, a professional can often make adjustments by bending the axle or replacing the torsion arm.
FAQ 10: What is “toe-in” and “toe-out” in trailer alignment?
Toe-in refers to the wheels pointing slightly inward, toward the center of the trailer, at the front. Toe-out is the opposite, where the wheels point slightly outward at the front. While more common in automobiles, excessive toe in or out on a trailer can result in tire wear. This is much less common compared to an axle alignment issue.
FAQ 11: How much does a professional trailer alignment cost?
The cost of a professional trailer alignment can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the location of the shop. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 or more.
FAQ 12: Where can I find a qualified trailer alignment specialist?
You can search online for “trailer alignment near me” or contact your local trailer dealership or repair shop. Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure you’re choosing a reputable specialist.
By understanding the importance of trailer alignment and following these guidelines, you can ensure safer towing, extend the lifespan of your tires, and protect your investment. Regular inspections and timely alignment adjustments are essential for maintaining a properly functioning and safe trailer.