Method for measuring trailer axle alignment

摘要

A procedure for measuring and adjusting an alignment of each axle of a trailer or semi-trailer while the trailer or semi-trailer is coupled to a tow vehicle by a hitch, tow bar, kingpin, or fifth wheel hitch. Measurements of the alignment of each axle of the trailer or semi-trailer are acquired from wheel-mounted sensor means utilizing either directly or indirectly a reference line of the trailer and an established reference point on the tow vehicle. A thrust angle of a first trailer or semi-trailer axle is referenced directly to the established reference line, while scrub angles associated with additional trailer or semi-trailer axles are referenced either directly or indirectly to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle, and indirectly to the established reference point. Any necessary adjustments are made to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle to bring the axle thrust angle to within a specification tolerance, and then to the scrub angle of each additional axle.

主权项

1. A method for measuring alignment of one or more axles on a trailer or semi-trailer coupled to a tow vehicle, comprising:
establishing a first measurement reference point on the tow vehicle; establishing a reference line associated with the trailer or semi-trailer between said first measurement reference point on the tow vehicle and a second measurement reference point on the trailer or semi-trailer; and measuring an orientation of a first selected axle on the trailer or semi-trailer utilizing the established reference line while said trailer or semi-trailer remains coupled to the tow vehicle.