Leveling and fixing trailer frame warping?

[shanna7]

We have our 5 x 8 Northern Tool trailer built & bolted together, then welded the frame together yesterday, except for welding the wheel/spring/attachment part, in case we need to move the axle. Unfortunately while on the road, we realized that it isn't riding level (we didn't have any load on it, and there appears to be a ~1/8" warp to the frame as well.

We haven't ruled out that the cause could be from something in the wheel assembly, but we're suspecting that it's due to something with the frame, such as twisted or curved rails/crossbeams. Since the floor isn't likely to fix the problem, do you all have any suggestions?

We're thinking that bolting/hanging pier blocks from the front right and rear left corners for a period of time might either help eliminate the warping or temporarily fix it so we can affix the frame and bring it into planar that way. I have no idea how to fix the leveling issue, unless it's something simple like uneven tire pressure or something funky with the leaf springs.

Any suggestions for fixing it, or should we just proceed, hoping that weight and framing will fix it?

Thank you in advance!

[KCStudly]

First figure out what the issue is, then the solution will follow.

Sight down the side rails like you are aiming a bow and arrow and see if they curl up/down/twist. If in doubt string a taught string along the rails using equal thickness spacers at either end, and a third spacer as a gage (as demonstrated in the wall blank portion of my build thread).

Do the same thing across and on diagonals, if required to understand the extent of the problem. If everything is okay, or within reason on the deck, then the problem is probably in the suspension.

Are the shackles and spring eyes free, or did someone over tighten them causing bind? Do the springs flex the same when bouncing up and down on either side, or does one have more friction/hysteresis?

Are the spring perches the same and welded on the same?

Check everything with an eagle eye and tape measure (if required) and report back.

[les45]

Could the heat of welding be a cause? Pics would help.

[aggie79]

How much difference is there in the height?

I'd first do what KC suggested. You may also want to take apart the spring pack and lube the spring leaves. They could be binding from rust or paint.

Then I'd put a static load on the trailer and see how it sits with a load. Under load, things may even out.

[doug hodder]

If the platform for the deck is off by 1/8", don't sweat it, that's nothing. It's gonna pull that much when you weld them up. If it's off my inches, you got other problems. Doug

[91kuhndog]

Dont stress it! welding on the frame will certainly warp the frame. If you welded each corner, completely, then the trailer more than likely twisted because of the heat. The great thing with these trailers, it'll straighten out once you add your deck and start building. To prevent this condition from happening, you have to weld in small incriments on each of the joints, moving around the trailer, from joint to joint, until all the joints are welded completely. This will eliminate heat build-up in one particular corner of the frame. Keep building... it'll work itself out. Good luck.