bing tracking image

Filter Questions and Answers:

reset filter

Expert Answers about Chevrolet Trailer Tires and Wheels


  • Trailer Tires are Making Contact with Fenders and Wearing Out the Tires
  • A tires section width is pretty much finite meaning despite the width of the wheel the tire width will always be basically the same and will be wider than the wheel it is on. This is assuming that you are using a wheel width that is compatible with the tire size. For a 225/75-15 trailer tire it will fit a 15 x 6 to 15 x 7 wheel. Wheel width is not the overall width. It is measured from bead seat to bead seat where the tire sits. The overall width will be about 1 inch more. It is possible...
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Trailer Tires On Tandem Axle Boat Trailer Wearing Quickly
  • There are a few things that can cause trailer tires to wear quickly. Is the tire wearing normally as in all of the tread has even wear, or are they wearing unevenly? First is if the wheels are bent from hitting a curb or pothole, next is if the tires are not run at the max air pressure stamped on the sidewall of the tire, and next is exceeding the load capacity of the tires. Since you mentioned your tires are not overloaded I would check the wheels for any noticeable damage that could...
    view full answer...

  • Two Trailer Tires Rub Against Trailer and Two Do Not But All are the Same Size
  • While any 2 tires of the same size can vary slightly in section width they shouldn't be so far off from each other to be all that noticeable and cause this issue. Is it possible that the 2 wheels on the tires in question have an offset? A positive offset moves the tires closer to the trailer. To see if this is the case you can put the problem wheel and tire on the axle that doesn't have the problem. If the tires rub there too then you likely have wheels with a positive offset. It also...
    view full answer...

  • Tire Wear Concern with 18K-Rated Triple-Axle Toy Hauler 5th Wheel
  • Triple-axle trailers can show the effects of "scrubbing" especially on the rear axle since when the trailer turns the front axle wheels are the pivot point and the center and especially rear axles will be "pulled along for the ride", so to speak. This effect is unavoidable with triple-axle trailers. If you are finding that the outside edges of all tires are showing more wear than the center of the treads, this indicates that the tires may be under-inflated. Trailer tires should ALWAYS...
    view full answer...

  • Can Using Drive-Up Wheel Chock Cause Tire, Wheel or Spindle Damage
  • It is very unlikely that using a drive-on ramp or leveler such as the Blaylock EZ Jack and Wheel Chock # EZ-JACK would cause tire damage. If the tire was far wider than the leveler, or not lined up correctly, and was allowed to remain on the leveler for a very long time (weeks or months) it might cause flat spots, but that would tend to even out as you drive. Given the substantial 17.5K weight of the trailer, lifting much of its weight by only one spindle could cause the spindle to bend....
    view full answer...

  • One Out of Four Trailer Hubs or Wheels Causes Tire to Rub against Trailer
  • It probably isn't the drum that is the problem. It is probably the wheel. Some wheels have an offset meaning the mounting surface of the wheel is not right at the center. In this case the mounting surface would be further away from the trailer which moves the tire closer. You can determine if it is the wheel by taking it off the trailer and comparing it to one of the other wheels. To do this lie the wheels face down on the ground. Lay a flat board or yardstick across the tire on each of...
    view full answer...

  • What Causes Tire Cupping on the Inside Tire of a Dual Wheel Setup
  • There could be several different causes for the tire cupping. Since it is only happening on the inner tire of your dual tire setup, have you checked the air pressure in the tire? If the air pressure is different between the two tires this could very likely be the cause of your cupping problem which means the tire is bouncing. The tires will need to be filled to the max psi listed on the sidewall. If you have checked the air pressure then another potential cause is the balance of the wheel/tire....
    view full answer...

  • What Causes Trailer Tires to Cup
  • What you describe is called 'cupping', where the tire looks like something's been taking bites out of it. Usually cupping on a tire is caused by the tire bouncing on the road, which can have many causes. Check the air pressure in your trailer tires. A trailer tire should be kept inflated to the maximum air pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Also make sure the weight rating of your tires is not being exceeded. Having one or more wheel/tires out of balance could also be causing the problem,...
    view full answer...

  • Trailer Tires Keep Blowing Out on a 2006 Keystone Cougar 314EFS 5th Wheel Trailer
  • An ST225/75R15 load range E trailer tire, such as # AM10303, is rated for 2,830 pounds at 80 psi. On a tandem axle 5th wheel trailer with 4 of these tires, that equals 11,320 pounds which is about 300 pounds under the gross trailer weight. Trailer manufacturers calculate that some of the trailer weight will be carried by the truck to account for the difference in the weight of the trailer and the axle/tire capacities. But what can happen is if the trailer is riding high in the front, less...
    view full answer...

  • Why Would Tire of Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer Have Bald Spot
  • Bald spots on tire are typically either caused by brakes getting slammed on too hard which locks up tire (not the case on a Rack and Roll), or the wheel and tire is too far out of balance. My guess the problem is your wheel being out of balance and not your tire and best solution would be a replacement wheel and tire part # Y08121.
    view full answer...

  • Troubelshooting Tire/Wheel Leak on a 5th Wheel Trailer
  • If you are saying that you have installed the same tire on 2 different wheels and they leak then it sounds like the tire itself has a leak. You can test this by putting soap and water in a spray bottle and spraying the tire down. The location of the leak will bubble up as air escapes. It also sounds like you may have a tandem axle trailer and you have 2 of the same tire but each are mounted on different wheels and both of them are leaking. This sounds like you may have run over something...
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Motorcycle Trailer that Vibrates at High Speeds
  • The thing about trailer tires is that unless otherwise noted they cannot exceed 65 miles per hour. It sounds like you exceed this speed and that is why you are getting vibration. Exceeding the speed rating will cause heat to build up in the tire and can cause premature failure. If you took your 8 inch wheels to a wheel and tire shop they should be able to balance them. Going to a larger tire might help you reduce some vibration, but I believe your problem is directly related to the speeds...
    view full answer...

  • Help Finding Wheels and Tires for a Single Horse Trailer With 5 on 5" Bolt Pattern
  • Currently the only wheels we carry with a 5 on 5" bolt pattern are 15" diameter. The Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel # 560550SM1 has the largest diameter pilot at 3.31". While your current wheels both have a 3.5" diameter pilot you may be able to fit the smaller size since wheels this size are typically lug centric and not hub centric. If you have a gap between the pilot diameter of your wheel and the outer diameter of the hub you only need to ensure your pilot diameter is larger than...
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Trailer that is Continuously Shaking
  • Most trailer hubs are lug centric and the wheels will be centered by the lugs. If you do have hub centric hubs you will need the pilot hole to be exactly the correct diameter to fit onto the hub. If it's hub centric it will likely use bolts instead of studs with lug nuts. Some wheel manufacturers do make rings that will fit on the rim to make the pilot hole a specific size if you need it to be hub centric. These rings will be made specifically for the particular wheel and I don't think...
    view full answer...

  • Why Would Trailer Tires Fail
  • Tire failure is usually caused by a few things. It can be from overloading the trailer, improper tire inflation, and/or exceeding the speed rating for the tire. You should verify that the tire capacity you have for you trailer is adequate for how much your trailer weighs. The pressure ran in the tires makes a big difference in longevity too. ST tires should be ran with the full pressure rating stated on the side of the tire, for full load capacity and longevity of the tire. If lower pressures...
    view full answer...

  • Trailer Tires Do Not Spin True and the Wheels are Twisted/Bent
  • It does sound like a possible overload situation. It is also possible that if you went up on a curb or something similar hard enough while loaded it could have caused the same problem. You will want to inspect the trailer suspension. You will be looking for signs of were, worn, or corroded parts. Egg-shaped holes instead of round holes in the shackles or hangers indicates they need to be replaced. Having the tires under inflated should not bend or twist the wheels. Trailer tires should...
    view full answer...

  • Recommendation for Eliminating Premature Tire Failures on a 28 foot Holiday Rambler Travel Trailer
  • I am curious about the type of tire the 225/75-R15 is on your 28 foot Holiday Rambler. If it is not an ST rated tire that is most likely the reason for the premature failure. The ST (Special Trailer) tires, like the Karrier ST235/85R16, item # AM32764, have a thicker side wall for handling the vertical load that is required on trailer axles and will last longer than a passenger rated tire like an LT in a trailer towing situation. You should also make sure the load rating of the tire matches...
    view full answer...

  • How to Adjust Curt A20 Hitch Head Height for Trailer that has Front Tires Showing Wear
  • If you are talking about adjusting the height of your 5th wheel hitch like the Curt A20 # C16140 then you will simply need to move the hitch head to the appropriate adjustment holes (see attached picture). Loosen the nuts on the bolts holding the hitch head in place and then either put them in a higher or lower adjustment hole. Wear on your tires can be the result of a few different things. Your trailer not being level is definitely one of them. You can also adjust the height of your pin...
    view full answer...

  • Should Spindle Be Replaced After Wheel Came Off Weekend Warrior Tri-Axle Trailer
  • Now would be a really good time to have the entire system inspected by a qualified shop. If the lug nuts were not tightened properly that could cause the wheel to come off the trailer. The bearing should have been inspected for obvious signs of wear or damage as well as the spindle. If the hub came off with the wheel and tire I imagine the threads on the spindle have been damaged. I would have someone inspect the entire system and replace or repair anything that is worn or damaged. Since...
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Inside Tire Wear of Rear Axle of Fifth Wheel Trailer
  • If you are getting inside tire wear on the rear axle of your fifth wheel that would indicate that your trailer is sitting a little nose high and putting additional stress on the rear axle. If you look at your trailer when it's connected to your tow vehicle does it sit level? To lower the nose you could lower the head of your fifth wheel hitch or raise the pin box up in the mounting brackets of the frame.
    view full answer...