Do Newer Trailer Tires Go On The Front Or Rear Axle Of A Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

On my dual axle gooseneck trailer, I experienced a blowout plus minimal damage on the tire on the same side so I decided to replace both tires. The two tires on the other side are fairly new and in great shape so I didnt replace them. Im putting one new tire on each side for balance. My question is do I want the new tires on the front or back? The new tires are slightly better load range E vs D.

asked by: Mike R

Expert Reply:

I recommend new tires all around like the Karrier # AM32680 rather than replacing only 2. The front axle will usually carry more of the weight, but the rear wheels will wear sooner due scrubbing or skidding on trailer turns.

In addition to front or back consideration, another is also which axle has brakes and is it a straight or torsion axle? If both have brakes then put new tires on the rear axle if it is a regular straight axle; but if the trailer uses torsion axles put them on the front axle.

If no trailer brakes then I would put the new tires on the front axle since it generally carries more of the load than the rear axle.

Because of differences in tread pattern, load capacity, and construction type you may see uneven tire wear, tracking problems, over heating, and suspension issues over time.

expert reply by: Patrick R