We are presently in Colorado. We have a brand new spare tire on the problem axle. By the way, Airstreams use a torsion axle instead of a spring loaded axle. (I don’t claim to be any kind of axle expert, but am just relaying what I’ve learned.)

Yes, we are back to thinking that the axle is bent. We spoke with Airstream, Inc. and they recommended a couple of shops that are well equipped to handle the repair job. One is in Montana; the other is in Arizona. It looks like we’ll be going the Arizona route, since that will suit our upcoming California travel plans.

So after exploring Colorado for a few days, we’re headed south. I will let you know what happens when we reach the axle repair shop. Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00948295000P?vName=Tools&cName=Hand+Tools%2C+Carpentry&sName=Levels+%26+Protractors

Overall not as accurate as the laser in the store but a lot cheaper. I have used this on my race car and with some practice got real good results.

Park the TT on a hard surface that is as level as you can find. Set 4 jackstands, one at each corner of the TT. I used jack stands because I had them and they were heavy enough to not fall over when i pulled the string tight.
Run a string on each side from front to rear jackstand.
The string needs to be about as far above the ground as the center of the axle stub cover is.
Adjust the stands untill the distance between the front 2 stands is the same as the distance between the rear 2.
Confirm that the distance from the center of axle cover (bearing cup) to the string is equal for all 4 wheels.
To get all these points parallel will take some time and practice.
Ideally you should be parallel to +/- 1/32 inch or better but you may need to settle for 1/16″

Now with the tape measure measure the distance from the front of the wheel flange (the flat about 3/8″ inside to Outter most point of the wheel) to the string. Then measure from the same point on the wheel at the rear of the same wheel to the string.
repeat for all 4 wheels.
Don’t knock over the stands or trip on the string or you get to start over LOL

If all 8 measurements are the same (to the 64th inch) then you have parallel axles and no toe-in or toe-out which is about what you would want. There may be some slight toe-in (string to wheel measurement is 1/64″ greater at the front of each wheel than at the rear of each wheel) but you would want to check the specs with the TT manufacturer.

Now to check Camber.
Ideally you would have a straight piece of wood that will fit top to bottom of the side of the wheel and only touch the flat part of the flange just inside where the tire contacts the wheel. ( I can send a picture if you are interested)
Place the digital level on the flat and you should get a reading at 0° +/- 1° or less.

Once you get all your measurements I think the root cause of your alignment problem will become obvious.

We would never put truck tires on our trailer. Trailer tires are made specifically to handle constant loads that a truck tire just isn’t made to handle. Roger was right on the mark saying you should be using ST rated tires. Why mess around with what is essentially your home for however long you’re traveling?

Another point to consider when talking about tires – many tire shops do not carry ST rated tires – they need to be special ordered. The only exception we’ve found to date is with a Goodyear store. We stopped at one of those ‘we sell every brand’ tire stores (which we have no argument with, by the way, hubby used to work in one for about 10 years!), and hubby asked if they carried our size ST rated tire and did they have the capability to install it directly onto the trailer. They said they had to order it and would have it in by XX date and yes, they could install it. On XX date we called and they said the tire was in, so we towed our 29′ trailer to their shop. Hubby went in, they showed him the tire and it was NOT an ST rated tire but was a truck tire, which the manager said would work just fine on our trailer. We said, no thanks and went on our way.

A lot of it depends on what you’re using your trailer for and what the weight is of that trailer (preferably on each wheel). If you are a full-timer, don’t mess with truck tires. If you are a weekender with a TT, eh, maybe? But if you have a toy hauler – no way!

Good luck, Sean – keep us posted! There are some very good tire shops in Albuquerque who might be able to give you a hand.

Lisa

RD

We are presently in Santa Fe, New Mexico — after towing our Airstream several hundred miles across Arkansas and Oklahoma. After examining the newly mounted tire, I’m sorry to report that it appears to be wearing in a similar pattern. In other words, you are correct — even with a properly mounted wheel, the tire appears to be wearing similarly, so we are back to thinking it’s the axle.

Our next step? We’ll try to find someone here in New Mexico with experience in trailer axles. :\

Thanks, everyone. Stay tuned!