Trailer does not tow straight

[skypilot]

Am curious - when looking out of my side mirrors, it looks like my Mountaineer is going down the road with the tail end right of center -- hard to describe - basically I can see out of my left (drivers Side Mirror) and it looks like the rear of the 5er is 4 or 5 inches further right than the front -- I can see vehicles to the rear much better than the right rear view mirror where the rear of the trailer blocks the view. Almost like I'm in a perpetual slight right hand turn. Anyone else experience this; is it normal with the Montana line. Dealer checked axles, said they were tight and true (whatever that last part means).

/s/ Ron

[tnorfitz]

That really sounds like your axle is NOT lined up right. That is a cause of what would make the trailer run to the side. True usually means that the axle is completely square (90 degrees) to the frame of the 5er.
This can also happen to a vehicle,also. Ever see a vehicle going down the road looking like it was pointing towards one side or the other. That usually means that the rear axle has shifted due some kind of abnormal force on the axle. Potholes, or some kind of a severe hit to the wheels, can cause this.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

I would think that if you can find an empty parking lot and pull your rig alongside a straight line or even a curb.

If the trucks tires are parallel to the line/curb the trailer tires should also be parallel.

If the rig is in fact 4 to 5 inches out of line this should show up.

[sgf]

Skypilot, keep us informed , my montana does the exact same thing,is going in to the dealer for service on Nov.17 for this,wearing of tires and some fiberglass bubble repairs,will keep you informed if we are told different than what you were told by our dealer.

[jerryb]

When there is no on comming traffic ride the left wheels on the center line of the road and watch the mirrors to see how far it is off. My alignment was off bad enough to wear out the tires but still trailed straight. The only other way is to use a sting to measure from the king pin to the hub center on each side and then hub center to hub center.

[DHenry]

jerryb, that is a great tip. Thanks for your post.

[stiles watson]

Might consider sprinkling powdered gypsum on your tires. Then drive forward the length of your entire rig and then check the tracks made.

[Northstar]

Thanks for the great tips. Keep us posted. Happyrving.....

[applejack]

I had the same problem on my 2004 2980. The inside thread of the rear tires were worn 1/4 inch after 2000 miles. Keystone replaced the axels and tires.