I have a 2008 EZ Loader tandem trailer with torsion suspension (UFP axles and components). Lately it seems to be eating tires. I have excessive wear on the right front and left rear tire, mainly on the inside edge. I have had 3 torsion axles replaced under warranty, 2 were installed by an independent shop chosen by UFP and the other was installed by me. I dont really see any way to adjust anything alignment wise, can it be done? I tried contacting EZ Loader and never got a response.
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Neil Eckberg- Cary, NC - 2008 Skeeter ZX250- 250 Yamaha SHO
Kerr Lake Ba$$hole
I'm not a trailer mechanic, but I did sleep in a Holiday Inn Express. Couldn't you bolt two bare rims up and check them with a straight edge to see if there is excessive toe out or toe in? I've seem many torsion arm trailers that to the naked eye are out of alignment following them, but never seen the issue by naked eye on a leaf sprung axle. There is another possibility of alignment, camber, on a torsion axle that seems to change as the wheel goes through its travel on torsion axles too.
I have a single axle trailer under my Stratos, torsion axle. It wears tires out on both edges, classic signs of underinflation, but the tires are inflated to 55 PSI. I think it's due to the tires scrubbing as they travel through the sprung dimensions.
First thing to check is bearing play. Jack the problem wheels up and make sure they are almost snug. Excess bearing play can cause inside wear on the tires.
Next, check the toe. You can use Bill's method with a spare rim. I just pull the wheel and check it on the hub with a level and a tape measure. I use a longer level, but the picture below shows how I do it. You crank the trailer jack until the frame is level, then rotate the hub until the straightedge is level, and measure from both ends of the straight edge to the frame.
Here is another way to do it https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...print/true.cfm
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Perfect answer CatFan...now THAT should be pinned
I love seeing something accomplished by using "Other" means than the tools that are made to do that job !! This post and the referred to post are fantastic !!!
Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
Garmin / Live Scope Plus
Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents
toe and caster are NOT adjustable...
Well, I'm not sure about that !! I know a couple of Frame and Axle guys that could probably do that, but it may cost more than just replacing the Axle.Originally Posted by ecoast
Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
Garmin / Live Scope Plus
Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents
With no weight on the axles, don't think a true measurement can be taken on torsion setups.
You are correct in the traditional sense. With the right tools they can be depending on the set up. Any straight axle trailer can be adjusted. Not in the way you might think. Things have to be bent back into alignment. Think of the Ford twin I beam suspension. Cam kits and i beam bend were required. Torsion axle might require the replacement of the spindel and or bushings.
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The old Ranger trailers, before torsion axles, were adjusted by going to a shop that could do a Ford Twin I beam suspension.
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That might be true. If it was a Ranger trailer, the Ranger trailer department told me on their trailers I would be money ahead to just go ahead to replace the axle. Toe/camber adjustments cant be made on the UFP axel they use. That's what I was told. But I will definitely a bearing check per Catfans recommendation. My tires are showing inside wear but they are 4 years old and have a good many miles on them.
I was also told this exact same thing by the service manager at a local, well-respected truck/trailer/RV shop in this area and he was adamant about it. This is specific to torsion axles by the way. My Ranger 462 had a spring axle and for 11 years I never even thought about axle problems. I've had my current rig for 7 seasons, it has torsion axles and they have been a real problem. So much so, that if/when I upgrade, a boat manufacturer that uses trailers with spring axles will get special consideration.
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