Posted 2011-10-08 7:16 PM (#138166) Subject: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
New User
Posts: 1
Location: VA
I just got my trailer back after it was repaired for a broken jack (don't leave your DH home alone with your horse trailer!). I also had new tires put on, but nothing else has changed. I hitched up and drove up to load the horse, and noticed the two front tires were not contacting the ground. In fact, they were able to be spun completely around. I moved the trailer, thinking there might be a hump in the gravel, and the left tire had contact, the right still could be moved. I then drove it onto asphalt, and when the rig is straight, it's got contact, but any turn, going forward or back, and the front right trailer tire is off the ground.Trailer is a 98 Shoop, bumper pull. I've never had any problems with it before, and certainly never noticed anything like this.Any ideas or similar experiences?
Posted 2011-10-08 7:43 PM (#138167 - in reply to #138166) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
1st is to check the obvious. Un hitch it and have the jack cranked so the tongue is level, are the tires touching the ground? Also check all 4 tires and make sure they are the correct size. If it isn't a problem unhitched then your hitch is too high. If it is a problem unhitched and tires are correct then start measuring the height of the axles
Posted 2011-10-08 11:18 PM (#138174 - in reply to #138166) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I can't understand how your hitch height would change by replacing a jack assy. Do you see any evidence of welding directly around your hitch?
Laurie may have an answer, alluding to tires of different aspect ratios. This can cause a slight difference in their overall diameters, but usually not severe enough to cause such a disparity as you are now experiencing. Is it possible that two of your wheels were switched during the new tire installation?
A new jack and tires should not have caused the condition you now have. Has the hitch or towing vehicle been altered in any way, while your trailer was upgraded?
Something has changed. You will have to become a detective to figure out what happened.
Posted 2011-10-08 11:29 PM (#138175 - in reply to #138166) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Was the ball completely encased in the hitch when you noticed the wheels were off the ground? Is there any chance the socket was not properly seated and secured?
Posted 2011-10-08 11:39 PM (#138176 - in reply to #138166) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Bridlewood on 2011-10-08 7:16 PM
I just got my trailer back after it was repaired for a broken jack (don't leave your DH home alone with your horse trailer!). I also had new tires put on, but nothing else has changed. I hitched up and drove up to load the horse, and noticed the two front tires were not contacting the ground. In fact, they were able to be spun completely around. I moved the trailer, thinking there might be a hump in the gravel, and the left tire had contact, the right still could be moved. I then drove it onto asphalt, and when the rig is straight, it's got contact, but any turn, going forward or back, and the front right trailer tire is off the ground.Trailer is a 98 Shoop, bumper pull. I've never had any problems with it before, and certainly never noticed anything like this.Any ideas or similar experiences?
I would look at the tires...a lower profile than what you originally had would exaggerate a pre-existing sloping trailer condition...Set your tow vehicle and your trailer on FLAT GROUND...measure the from the ground to the top of the ball...then measure from the ground to the inside of your hitch
Posted 2011-10-08 11:45 PM (#138177 - in reply to #138166) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
My guess is that your truck hitch has always been slightly higher than the distance from the ground to the inside of your trailer hitch WHEN IT WAS LEVEL...
Posted 2011-10-09 7:41 AM (#138181 - in reply to #138166) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
I had something similar happen with a flatbed trailer. We had jacked it up, from the rear, to do something. Somehow when we lowered it to the ground the rear spring and shackle had flipped....basically locked the suspension with the front tire off the ground.
Posted 2011-10-09 9:39 AM (#138183 - in reply to #138181) Subject: RE: Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by wyndancer on 2011-10-09 7:41 AM
I had something similar happen with a flatbed trailer. We had jacked it up, from the rear, to do something. Somehow when we lowered it to the ground the rear spring and shackle had flipped....basically locked the suspension with the front tire off the ground.
X2... Tri-Angle Leaf Spring Equalizer Bar has flipped. You'll have to jack up the trailer so it can flip back. Is it one side or both?? Take it back, make them fix it... Shame the folks working on the trailer didn't notice it... Wonder if all the lugs are tight, Bet you got four different air pressure readings also...
Front wheels of trailer not contacting the ground
