O/T setting axle camber

Fordman6442 · Oct 1, 2010

I built a couple axles for my car haul trailer and wondered if there is a set rule for camber set and how to do it? My axle is 77" center to center on the springs. It is made with 2" schedule 40 pipe.

Ken Macfarlane · Oct 1, 2010

With the overhang from the tire centre to the spring pad, you could calculate what it should be. But many don't bother these days.

If the trailer gets a lot of miles unloaded, or lightly loaded, your tires will wear better without any camber. If its loaded a lot of the time, its worthwhile.

Janicholson · Oct 1, 2010

Trailers with solid axles need no camber caster or toe in. The spindles should be perfectly alichned with each other. A solid axle is the same as a diffefential solid axle. They are aligned to straight ahead. For car hauling with a single axle, the springs on that 2" sch 40 tube should be as close to the spindles as possible. It is going to be closer than 6" or it could easily bend the axle and spindle. Jim

Anonymous-0 · Oct 1, 2010

A lot of commercially made axles will have a slight bend in the middle of the pipe for proper caster. I think even on big trucks front axles are sometimes bent to get the proper caster. I think a lot depends on how much you're going to use the trailer and how heavy it's going to be loaded. A good alignment shop should be able to help you if needed. Dave

johndeereman · Oct 1, 2010

i agree with the rest an axle has a bend upwards in the middle how much of a bend depends on axle rating i think they are set so when loaded they are straight

ASEguy · Oct 2, 2010

Why would caster be used on a solid axle which doesn't steer?

O/T setting axle camber

Fordman6442

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Ken Macfarlane

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Janicholson

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Anonymous-0

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johndeereman

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ASEguy

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