RobertEH
Silver Member
I use my tractor to spin my RV in our upper driveway so I can back it into its parking spot. Driveway is gravel, and I use a 3 point receiver to attach it to the tractor (The pivot spot is flat). The RV is 35 feet long with dual axles, and probably between 8 and 9K lbs depending on what is in it.
Before a trip a while back, I was looking at the suspension of the trailer, and noted the rear tire leaf spring was resting on the frame and the shackle plate connecting leaf to equalizer had sheared! (see photo)
After the repair I got to wondering how this could have happened. the next time I was spinning the RV I noticed that the act of spinning the RV in place was putting side torque on the tire (one wheel was pushing inward, the other outward). I am not 100% sure, but I think this was the cause of the shackle shearing.
All this to say, if you are trying to turn a dual axle trailer 180 degrees (using the 3 point or FEL), Keep an eye on any sideways pressures being put on the suspension system!
Before a trip a while back, I was looking at the suspension of the trailer, and noted the rear tire leaf spring was resting on the frame and the shackle plate connecting leaf to equalizer had sheared! (see photo)
After the repair I got to wondering how this could have happened. the next time I was spinning the RV I noticed that the act of spinning the RV in place was putting side torque on the tire (one wheel was pushing inward, the other outward). I am not 100% sure, but I think this was the cause of the shackle shearing.
All this to say, if you are trying to turn a dual axle trailer 180 degrees (using the 3 point or FEL), Keep an eye on any sideways pressures being put on the suspension system!
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