RE: [A/S] RE: Trailer wheels

["DT/BW" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

The big issue is that you will bend the axle housing and throw the alignment
of the wheel out.  Airstream axles are not the typical leaf spring design,
but rather a rubber torsion tube complex which allows the axle to ride much
lower, as well as providing a smoother ride.  The exterior of the axle that
you see if you look underneath is just the outside shell.  Inside are 4
solid rubber tubes surrounding the central axle. The design is such that the
interior of the assembly is twisted by the upward pressure of the tire
against the axle, but the rubber tubes resist the twisting which provides
the suspension.  Shocks additionally smooth the ride.  The alignment of the
wheels is done at manufacturing time by slightly bending the overall
assembly slightly.  If a wheel is knocked out of alignment, they can be
corrected, but it is a very different process than wheel alignment on a car.

David