Recommended Replacement Radial Tires For Trailer When Bias Tires Are Wearing Unevenly

Question:

I have trouble with the outer edge of my trailer tires wearing out before the rest of the tire. I have been using 175/80R13 with a load range of C and keeping them inflated to the max of 50psi. Do you think going to a Bias in the D load range and psi of 65 would help the premature wear on the outer edge? Thanks,

asked by: Alan K

Expert Reply:

There can be a couple reasons why your tires are wearing on the outside edge.

The first may be that you have the tires on a trailer that has a large capacity and you are not carrying much weight. Since axles have a bow and flex a bit when a load is placed on the suspension, all of the tire may not be coming in contact with the pavement evenly.

Another possible reason for the uneven wear is the axle has been turned over and used with the bow going the wrong way.

Another possibility is that the spindles on your trailer are bent, or your suspension is worn or damaged. I do recommend checking the entire trailer over and making sure everything is in good working order before buying tires, only to have them wear unevenly also.

If you decide you want to change the tires on your trailer I recommend using a radial tire like part # AM10210. Since radial tires are designed to be more flexible than a bias ply tire, they tend to have more contact with the pavement and wear longer. Radials will normally run cooler, especially when under a load so they will last longer.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L