camber on axel to much?

[old guy]

We just returned from a trip and while checking out the outside I noticed a lot of camber on both wheels. Jacked one side and both wheel came back to no camber. Took off one wheel and checked axel, all tight. We have radial trailer tires and wonder would they look like the trailer was super loaded,(which it wasn't)? The trailer now sits still and after jacking up then down there is no sign of camber. Lug nuts were tight. What is going on?

[Dan Meyer]

Originally Posted by old guy

We just returned from a trip and while checking out the outside I noticed a lot of camber on both wheels. Jacked one side and both wheel came back to no camber. Took off one wheel and checked axel, all tight. We have radial trailer tires and wonder would they look like the trailer was super loaded,(which it wasn't)? The trailer now sits still and after jacking up then down there is no sign of camber. Lug nuts were tight. What is going on?

I'm guessing you have a worn out axle.

Does the trailer seem to bounce on the tires instead of the springs? If so, replace the axle.

How long do your tires last, and do they have uneven wear? Even if they have uneven wear but you can get 5 years out of your tires, it might be best to just leave well enough alone.

--Dan Meyer

[The Minimalist]

Originally Posted by old guy

We just returned from a trip and while checking out the outside I noticed a lot of camber on both wheels. Jacked one side and both wheel came back to no camber. Took off one wheel and checked axel, all tight. We have radial trailer tires and wonder would they look like the trailer was super loaded,(which it wasn't)? The trailer now sits still and after jacking up then down there is no sign of camber. Lug nuts were tight. What is going on?

You said you noticed a lot of 'camber'. Positive? Negative? How did you measure it? Camber is measured in degrees, and very few at that, normally, and not readily apparent just looking at the wheel.

A new axle will have positive camber, which is to say the wheels are closer to each other at the bottom than the top so that when the trailer is properly loaded, the flex in the axle will bring the axle back to a 0 degree camber, loading the tires properly across the tread and reducing tire wear. Are you showing unusual tire wear? A bent axle will cause negative camber making the tires wear more rapidly on the inner tread.

We need more information to be able to help you with your issue, if you in fact have a problem. Pictures might help.

Regards.