Travel Trailer & 5th-Wheel Tire Alignment
The short answer is yes, travel trailer and 5th-wheel tires can be aligned.
Proper tire alignment is critical for maintaining safety, reducing tire wear, and ensuring smooth towing. If you’ve traveled over 10,000 miles, or even if you’ve just purchased a new camper, it’s worth checking the alignment.
Misaligned tires on a travel trailer can cause uneven wear, unstable towing, and reduced fuel efficiency. Over time, small alignment issues can escalate into serious problems, such as premature tire failure or suspension damage.
Checking and correcting alignment can prolong tire life, improve towing stability, and prevent damage to the trailer frame and suspension
In this guide, we’ll explore how to check if your travel trailer or 5th-wheel needs alignment, how to perform basic measurements, and what to do if your trailer needs adjustments.
Related Product: We level our RV with the innovative Andersen RV Leveling Set (click to view on Amazon)
How To Check if a Trailer Needs Wheel Alignment
Inspect for Irregular Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear is one of the easiest ways to spot alignment or suspension issues. If one side of the tire tread wears out faster it could be from an alignment issue.
If there’s cupping, an uneven wear pattern where small, shallow dips or scallops form around the tread, there may be issues with suspension, alignment, or unbalanced tires.
You can use the wiggle test to check if it’s the bearings/suspension or an alignment issue causing irregular tire wear.
To do the wiggle test park your trailer on level ground, use wheel chocks to keep it securely in place. Jack up the trailer tire you want to test. Once it’s completely off the ground, push and pull the tire side to side.
If there’s movement, the problem is most likely a worn bearing. If the tire is solid, alignment may be the issue.
See Also: Truck Towing Capacity: How Much Weight Can It Actually Tow?
Measure Tire Alignment Manually
For a more precise check, measure your trailer’s alignment. Here’s how:
- Step 1 – Park the trailer on a flat surface. Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Load the trailer as if you’re preparing for travel. Proper weight distribution is critical for accurate measurements.
- Step 2 – Roll the trailer forward one full tire rotation to eliminate any angle caused by backing or turning.
- Step 3 – Use a tape measure to determine the distance between the trailer’s central reference point and each tire.
- Travel Trailers – Measure from the rear of the ball hitch coupler to the center of each tire.
- 5th-Wheels – Use a plumb bob (click to view on Amazon) to mark the center of the kingpin, then measure from this point to each tire.
- Dual-Axle Trailers – measure diagonally between the hubs of each axle.
- The measurements should be within 1/8 inch of each other.
Example: Measure from the front left tire hub to the rear right tire hub, and compare it with the reverse diagonal.
See Also: Best Electric Trailer Jacks Reviewed (Tongue & A-Frame)
How to Align Travel Trailer Tires
If you find that your trailer tires are out of alignment, you have two main options, take it to a mechanic/tire shop, or use a DIY alignment kit.
Professional
For significant misalignment (greater than two inches), a professional shop is the best choice. When you take your travel trailer to a professional alignment shop, technicians will use specialized equipment to measure and adjust the alignment of your tires and axles.
The process typically begins with a thorough inspection of your trailer’s suspension, axles, and tires to identify the root cause of misalignment.
Using advanced tools like laser or digital alignment systems, the shop will measure the angles of the tires and axles relative to the frame, ensuring that everything is properly aligned.
If issues are found, they may adjust the axles by bending them back into the correct position or fine-tune the suspension components to achieve optimal alignment.
The cost of professional alignment services will vary but typically ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the severity of the misalignment and any additional repairs needed.
The process usually takes a few hours, though more complex issues could require additional time. Many alignment shops also offer other services, such as wheel balancing, tire replacement, or bearing inspection, which can be beneficial to address any other potential problems discovered during the alignment.
While a professional shop might be more expensive than DIY solutions, it ensures precision and peace of mind, especially if your trailer has significant alignment issues.
See Also: The Ultimate 5th-Wheel Hitch Guide & Review For Every Truck
DIY
For minor adjustments (less than two inches), you can use toe alignment tool plates (click to view on Amazon) for a DIY solution.
To use alignment tool plates you’ll need to jack up the trailer on a level surface and remove the tires from both sides of the axle.
Attach the tool plates via the bottom two bolts on the wheel hub. Once a plate is installed on either side, use two tape measures to measure the distance between the plates in the designated spots. This will give you a more accurate reading for adjustments.
The front measurement should match the rear, or the difference should fall within the manufacturer’s recommended tolerance (often 1/8 inch or less).
Adjust the trailer’s axle or suspension components accordingly. For trailers with adjustable leaf spring hangers, use the adjustment bolts to fine-tune the alignment.
DIY trailer tire alignment can be a cost-effective and convenient solution, especially for minor misalignment issues. With tools like heavy-duty toe alignment plates, some alignment adjustments can be done at home.
However, DIY alignment has its downsides. It requires careful attention to detail and precise measurements. Even a small error can lead to uneven tire wear or towing instability.
Some trailer’s require specialized tools for alignment. It’s important to check compatibility and understand the limitations of home alignment methods before starting.
See Also: Best Travel Trailer Weight Distribution Hitches With Sway Control
Tips for Maintaining Trailer Tires and Alignment
- Check Alignment Regularly – Measure alignment and inspect tires periodically, especially after long trips or rough roads.
- Monitor Suspension – Worn or damaged suspension components can throw off alignment.
- Invest in Quality Leveling Gear – Uneven leveling during storage or camping can strain the suspension and impact alignment.
- Check Tire Pressure Regularly – Always maintain the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Underinflated tires can lead to excessive heat and wear, while overinflated tires can cause a harsh ride and uneven wear.
- Use a digital tire pressure gauge for accurate readings and check pressure when the tires are cold, ideally before hitting the road.
- Inspect Tires Before Each Trip – Look for visible damage, such as cracks, bulges, or cuts in the sidewall. Check the tread depth using a tire tread gauge. Replace tires if the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch.
- Rotate Tires Periodically – Rotating trailer tires helps distribute wear evenly across all tires, especially for dual-axle trailers where one axle may carry more weight during turns. Rotate tires approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
- Protect Tires from UV Damage – Exposure to sunlight can cause tires to dry out and crack over time. Use tire covers when your trailer is parked for extended periods, especially in sunny areas.
- Replace Tires Based on Age – Even if the tread looks fine, trailer tires should typically be replaced every 5-7 years, as rubber degrades over time regardless of use. Check the tire’s DOT code to determine its manufacture date.
- Balance Your Tires – Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations and uneven wear. Have your trailer tires balanced when new tires are installed or if you notice shaking while towing.
- Use Proper Weight Distribution – Overloading your trailer or unevenly distributing weight can put excess strain on specific tires. Use a weight distribution hitch and ensure your load is evenly distributed for smoother towing.
- Carry a Spare Tire – Always have a properly inflated spare tire on hand, along with the tools needed to change it. This can save you significant time and stress in case of a flat.
- Use a Tire Monitoring System (TPMS) – A TPMS tracks tire pressure and temperature in real time, alerting you to potential issues before they become dangerous. This is especially useful for long trips.
- Avoid Overheating Tires – Driving at high speeds or overloading the trailer can cause tires to overheat and fail. Stick to the recommended speed rating for your trailer tires (often 65 mph) to prevent damage.
To Wrap it Up
Proper tire alignment is necessary for maintaining the safety, performance, and longevity of a travel trailer or 5th-wheel.
Regularly checking for alignment issues, addressing uneven tire wear, and understanding when to seek professional help can save you time, money, and potential headaches on the road.
Whether you choose to align your trailer tires yourself with DIY tools or rely on professional services, staying proactive about alignment ensures smoother towing, better fuel efficiency, and a safer overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my travel trailer’s alignment?
It’s recommended to check the alignment every 10,000–12,000 miles, annually, or after hitting a pothole, curb, or rough terrain.
What are the signs of misaligned trailer tires?
Look for uneven tire wear, difficulty towing in a straight line, increased sway, or unusual vibrations while towing.
Can I align a single-axle trailer?
Yes, single-axle trailers can be aligned if the tires are out of position. Use the center point method to check alignment.
How much does a professional trailer alignment cost?
A professional alignment typically costs between $200 and $400, depending on the complexity of the adjustment and any additional repairs needed.
Do new trailers need alignment checks?
Yes, even new trailers can sometimes come from the factory with misaligned axles. It’s a good idea to check the alignment before extensive use.
Can alignment issues damage my trailer?
Yes, prolonged misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, strain on the suspension, reduced towing stability, and even damage to the frame.
Does trailer alignment affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, misaligned tires can increase rolling resistance, which leads to reduced fuel efficiency while towing.
What tools do I need for DIY alignment?
Common tools include a heavy-duty toe alignment plate, tape measure, plumb bob, jack, and possibly an alignment kit like the Lippert Correct Track.
How long does it take to align trailer tires?
A professional alignment typically takes a few hours, while a DIY alignment can take longer depending on your experience and tools.
Have any more questions about travel trailer alignment? Leave a comment below.
Hi my rear axle needs an alignment but front one is ok. The shop says I should do both alignments becuse they might pull the other axle out of alignment. Is that true?
thanks for your answer.
Hi Joseph,
I think yes.
Each axel should be aligned with the front of the trailer but they also need to parallel to each other. It’s probably wise to make sure the front one is working with the back one after getting it aligned.
Tires are often far from perfectly round – they can easily be off 1/4 or more. I would measure to some metal, fixed point at the back of the hub or end of the axle tube.
to hang a plumbob from your kingpin, use a horseshoe magnet with a hole in the center. Suspend the plumb bob through the hole and center, the magnet on the bottom of the king pin.
with a tandem axle trailer, the back axle can be misaligned by a bent, main leaf in your spring. If you suspect an alignment problem one of the first places to look, is your leaf springs.
Thanks for the advice John!