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Old 02-21-2023, 10:21 AM   #1
Xtra-Cheez
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Exclamation Axle Alignment Services in SC/Clemson Area

Hi All,

The inside edge of our tires on the rear axle are getting chewed up pretty bad and we're pretty sure we need to get our rear axle aligned/straightened. Does anyone know of a reputable shop that can do this work? We'll be in the GA/SC border for a couple of weeks off of I-85 near Clemson. I've called a few "trailer repair" places with no luck. Any help would be appreciated.

We will be hugging the NE coastline if anyone knows of a shop further up.

TIA
 
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Old 02-21-2023, 10:35 AM   #2
artfuldodger
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When I needed alignment on the fiver I used Purcell's in Yuma. They do not have a centre in your area. Find a heavy commercial trailer service centre. If they don,t do it they will know who does. Axle straightening is very common in the truck tire and service centres. Also call Dexter's in Goshen, In. They will have names in your region,probably.
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Old 02-21-2023, 01:05 PM   #3
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I went to google maps and searched "truck frame and alignment shop".
Mostly what came up was alignment shops for cars in the Clemson area. I broadened my search area and got more results. The shops below looked interesting because they work on 18 wheelers. I think that is what you need to find. You should try your own search and make some calls to see if the align fifth wheels.

ATech Truck and Trailer - Piedmont
Anderson Brothers - Piedmont
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Old 03-01-2023, 03:02 PM   #4
Razahoryin
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Most shops just want to install a correct track kit and not bend the axel.
Its old school....to bend the axel. assuming all the hangars/bushings etc are good. most heavy truck shops I called were not interested.

I know that this will not help you in SC,
but maybe it will help someone else.
I broke a year old spring in Alaska this past summer....needed a alignment...

I just had mine done this week in San Diego Calif.
Specifically East County Alignment in Santee Calif.

I have also use Straight Line Suspension in Mesa Arizona.
both can do a old school trailer alignment.
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Old 03-01-2023, 05:22 PM   #5
firestation12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Razahoryin View Post
Most shops just want to install a correct track kit and not bend the axel.
Its old school....to bend the axel. assuming all the hangars/bushings etc are good. most heavy truck shops I called were not interested.

I know that this will not help you in SC,
but maybe it will help someone else.
I broke a year old spring in Alaska this past summer....needed a alignment...

I just had mine done this week in San Diego Calif.
Specifically East County Alignment in Santee Calif.

I have also use Straight Line Suspension in Mesa Arizona.
both can do a old school trailer alignment.
Straight Line did mine too. new tires are wearing even.
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Old 03-01-2023, 08:38 PM   #6
AZMont
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Does your 5th wheel have the Lippert "correct track" system in it? You can tell by looking for the 8 sided yellow inserts in your front an rear spring shackles on both sides. If you have them, it is pretty easy to fix your alignment. There are several youtube videos on how to do this process.
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Old 03-02-2023, 10:17 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by AZMont View Post
Does your 5th wheel have the Lippert "correct track" system in it? You can tell by looking for the 8 sided yellow inserts in your front an rear spring shackles on both sides. If you have them, it is pretty easy to fix your alignment. There are several youtube videos on how to do this process.
Does correct track have provision to fix camber problems? Usually this requires the axle to be ached more or less. Negative caster problems such as the OP is having can require 1-1/2" to 2" of additional bow to the axle tube. Mine was also a similar wear pattern of the inside tread of the rear axle worn down prematurely. I've looked at my friend's correct track, and it seems to only move the axle forward or towards the back (sort of a toe in or toe out). Any attempt to move one side F or B can have a somewhat symbiotic (but less) effect to the opposite side of the axle. I don't see how problems with camber can be fixed with this system. Am I missing something?
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Old 03-03-2023, 09:21 AM   #8
Xtra-Cheez
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I have the Correct Track system installed. Tires on the front axle are wearing evenly, I measured the distance between the front/rear hubs and they measured 36.25" exactly on both sides. This makes me wonder if the alignment is ok but the axle itself is bent, idk?
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Old 03-03-2023, 09:22 AM   #9
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I'm with you there, I'm not sure if adjusting front to back will make a difference?
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Old 03-04-2023, 12:50 AM   #10
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The research I've done since posting earlier, suggests that Correct Track® is as you state, i.e. it does not correct camber. The axle must be given a greater arch in order to correct a negative camber, which is what appears to be your camper's issue.
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