By: Don Stec

There are a lot of mysteries in life. Science can answer many of them but I don't think the subject I am discussing is a scientific mystery. It is I believe a lack of knowledge and incorrect information that is very common among the general public.

I am talking about wheel alignment on trailers, all kinds of trailers. People who are concerned about their car or truck alignment understand that a vehicle that is not in proper alignment will wear tires and steer poorly. Yet many of these same people accept poor tire wear on trailers as normal, including extremely uneven wear patterns.

There are not many shops that align trailer axles because it is a specialty more closely related to trailer building rather than repairing. The equipment to align trailer frames and axles is just not to common. Some trailer axles may be able to be adjusted, but just slightly. Most commonly the axle has to be straightened by the hydraulic power of a frame machine with wheel alignment capabilities.

Multiple axles must not only align to wheel to wheel but axle to axle and then to the centerline of the trailer frame.

Did you know trailers that weave side to side are often the cause of poor wheel alignment? Poor alignment can also cause a drag on the towing vehicle and reduce gas mileage.

If you have had poor tire wear or steering problems please stop in at Coachmaster, 6851 Eastside Road and discuss it with me. Or give me a call at 530-243-1310 and we'll go over your problems on the phone.