Would Trailer Not Sitting Level Cause Tire Wear Issues

Question:

In 2018 I purchased a new 2019 Montana High Country 330RL fifth wheel RV with Rainier St tires ST235/80R/16 F, Wt rating 3,860lbs and Max cold PSI 95lbs. I keep the PSI at max daily when towing. Axles are 6000lb. GVWR 14,260, GAWR 11,216, Dry Pin Wt 2,235, Pin Wt Range 2,139 - 3,565. In 2019 after 6000 miles including a trip from Nova Scotia to Florida and return, the front tires were wearing on the outside treads and the rear tires were wearing on the inside treads excessively. In 32nds wear was Front Curb 4331 Road 4443 Rear Curb 3321 and Road 3221. Treads new are 4 32nds. To my knowledge the cause could not be determined so under warranty in July 2019 the axles, hardware, wheels and tires were replaced. In 2020 the tires wore similar but not as bad also after 6000 miles including a trip to Florida. The only one that was the same as 2019 was the curb front which in both years was the worse. In April 2019 the scale wt on the trailer axles was 10,380. I learned later I should have weighed the axles separately When the RV is attached to my 2500 Sierra the hitch height is 50 inches. My dealer calculated the RV height including the PIN when in the shop and level to be 46 inches approx. Looks like I am towing about 4 inches high in front. Could this causing the excessive wear problem? To tow lower in front I would have to remove my tono cover each time for 1.75 inches lower. All cargo is loaded at the front of the RV. Is there a way other than at a scale to determine the weight impact on the axles because of the height?

asked by: Ken G

Expert Reply:

A trailer that isn't level is going to wear out a tandem axle trailer's tires since the axles won't be evenly distributing the weight. You need to get the trailer level. If you don't have enough clearance to do so you can install a lift kit like the # RR23QX to gain 2-1/4 inches of height to the trailer suspension which will give you added clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C