Troubleshooting Trailer Tire Wear on Outer Tread
Question:
I picked up a used Hewes Bayfisher 19 boat and single axle trailer about a year ago, recently did the first long distance trip and just noticed one tire had worn terribly on the outside the other is wearing perfectly. NADA says the boat weighs about 1000 pounds plus goodies Ive added on, fuel, gear, etc... Im guessing Im coming in around 1500 pounds. How should I go about trouble shooting this problem? Im inclined to do the repairs myself if possible.
asked by: TJ M
Helpful Expert Reply:
The first and easiest thing to check is to make sure the tire is inflated properly. If the tire is under-inflated, the sides of the tire tread will wear quickly. The recommended psi should be listed on the sidewall of the tire.
It is odd that your tire is wearing on the outer portion of the tread. When abnormal tire wear is a problem, it is more common on the center tread or inner tread caused by over inflation and overloading. If your tires are inflated properly or you continue to have the issue, there may be more involved than just a tire or wheel issue.
Since the wear is on the outer part of the tread, that would indicate that the spindle is not parallel to the ground. Trailer axles are built to have a slight bow or arc in them so they level out once a load is put on the trailer (see photo). It may be possible that there is a suspension issue or load distribution issue that is not allowing the axle to level out properly. This could leave one of the spindles pointing down toward the ground rather than level.
There could also be a possibility that the trailer was in an accident or hit a large curb on that side causing the spindle to bend slightly downward. I have seen issues similar to this on trailers that have taken a corner too sharp and hit the curb with the wheels.
If there is not anything noticeably wrong with the axle or suspension, I would take the trailer to a trailer repair shop to inspect the spindle and axle. If the spindle is bent slightly, then that could explain why the outer tread is wearing. Typically spindles are welded to the axle and they require a fabrication shop to replace to ensure they are square and angled properly. In most cases, it is less expensive to replace the entire axle.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Loadstar ST225/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range D
- 225/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
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