Stupid question about mirage trailers???

[machinest660]

Dont beat me up to bad over this question guys but I was looking at a mirage trailer the other night and the rear axle was bent... but looked like a factory bend. can anyone confirm this for me please, does this have to do with the alignment or something??? Looked like the bend was in the middle. thanks

 

[richracer1]

Did it look like it slightly curved upwards? If so then that's kind of normal, I think it helps with the camber of the tires when it's loaded. Ever seen trailer tires on a trailer that's obvious over loaded?

 

[vdo1948]

If you want your trailer to pull well and get the best milage you need to have the thing aligned. I'm not sure what all they do, though I think camber is only part of it. I've seen the tools they use for alignment, heavy stands, heavy chains and big hydraulic rams. They bend the axle to get the correct alignment. Most axles should NOT be straight as I understand it.

Dont beat me up to bad over this question guys but I was looking at a mirage trailer the other night and the rear axle was bent... but looked like a factory bend. can anyone confirm this for me please, does this have to do with the alignment or something??? Looked like the bend was in the middle. thanks

 

[machinest660]

Thanks for the info guys,

 

[Mafesto]

A related question:
on multiple axles, if they are not mounted in perfect alignment, how much drag is created by scrub?

I am sure that if you are not experiencing excessive tire wear, misalignment is so little that it is not measurable compared to aero drag.

 

[swikertrob]

Did it look like it slightly curved upwards? If so then that's kind of normal, I think it helps with the camber of the tires when it's loaded. Ever seen trailer tires on a trailer that's obvious over loaded?

Rich is Exactly Right, Camber in an axle is essential for it's proformance.

 

[Markhp]

If the axle is curved slightly upwards its camber, if it's bent any other direction it's bent period and will need to be checked out by a professional service center.