Cause of Uneven Wear on Inside Edge of Tire Tread

Question:

We have a 2005 sundowner 8012 running Goodyear G614’s. It’s an approximately 17,000lb trailer when loaded on dual 7000lb axles with a lot of weight on the ball hitch requires a duality to pull. We keep the tire pressure at 100 psi and the trailer is kept in a building with a cement floor, but we are lucky to get 4 years and 20,000 miles from a set of tires. The inside inch of each tire wears a little more on the backs then the tire will lose thick strips of rubber and fail. Any thoughts?

asked by: Jg S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typically, when a trailer tire gets excessive wear on the inside of the tread it's because the trailer is overloaded. Trailer axles are designed with an upward arch to them, so the tire tread contact patch sits square to the pavement when the trailer is loaded. if it's overloaded, the axle tube will flex excessively which puts the inside edge of the tire tread in contact with the pavement which would certainly lead to the uneven wear you've described.

If you haven't done so lately, I'd recommend weighing your travel trailer to make sure it isn't heavier than you think it is. I'd also have your travel trailer suspension closely examined to make sure nothing is broken or worn and need of replacement.

I've linked to our trailer tire help articles, which contain more information about trailer tires than anyone would ever need to know.

expert reply by: Mike L