Can anyone tell me why trailer tires wear out like this? These tires are only 2 seasons old with maybe 2000 miles on them. They are at the correct pressure...about 50 psi. The last ones did the same thing. Is this a sign of bad bearings maybe? I don't know if trailers can be aligned, but maybe the axle is out of square or something?
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Handy
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Looks like you have a torsion spring axle set up. It also looks to be out of alignment. Yes trailers can be aligned. Is this a flat open double trailer? If yes then it is quite easy to align. If it is a larger closed trailer then it becomes more difficult. If it is an open trailer then flip it upside down on some saw horses, remove the wheels and grab a helper and a tape measure. First thing you will see is that those torsion spring axles are held in place by 4 bolts each. This is where all adjustments take place. Run a string line, wire or straight edge across the axles from one side to the other and make sure they are inline with each other. If this is good then run your tap from the center of the axle to the center of the ball coupler on your tongue. both sides should measure the same within a 1/16".
Something is obviously out so once you determine whats out loosen the axle mounting bolts and make your adjustments. If your tongue is bent it will also show the same type of tire wear. If you have a closed trailer the procedure is the same but you can't flip it over so you will be working from underneath. Hope this helps.
Something is obviously out so once you determine whats out loosen the axle mounting bolts and make your adjustments. If your tongue is bent it will also show the same type of tire wear. If you have a closed trailer the procedure is the same but you can't flip it over so you will be working from underneath. Hope this helps.
greenthumb
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I would say there are several problems there.
The inner wear typically indicates an alignment problem
The combination of more wear at the edges than the center is usually due to underinflation.
The cupping or or feathering of the edges of the tread blocks is often related to poor shocks. Those torsion spring trailers usually dont have shocks, so if the trailer bounces around a lot, that could do it.
In any case, it is not normal. Are the wheel bearings excessively lose? Is the trailer/axle/rim bent? What does the other side look like?
Google 'tire wear patterns'; there are heaps of examples.
The inner wear typically indicates an alignment problem
The combination of more wear at the edges than the center is usually due to underinflation.
The cupping or or feathering of the edges of the tread blocks is often related to poor shocks. Those torsion spring trailers usually dont have shocks, so if the trailer bounces around a lot, that could do it.
In any case, it is not normal. Are the wheel bearings excessively lose? Is the trailer/axle/rim bent? What does the other side look like?
Google 'tire wear patterns'; there are heaps of examples.
blue er
Expert
great responses above All are typical of the wear of the tire also is it a st rated trailer tire? looks like a regular cat tire to me and they tend to wear like this on trailers.
another thing without shocks on a trailer the cross wear patteren is typical of it "skipping" down the road, balancing of trailer tires can help with this type of wear
another thing without shocks on a trailer the cross wear patteren is typical of it "skipping" down the road, balancing of trailer tires can help with this type of wear
sgilbert
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how old is the trailer? axle might be straightening too much under load and needs to be arched more.
dexter
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Is it a snow pro vnose? I had the same issue....after much research seems single axles are picky on leveling the trailer while hitched...it needs to be slightly higher at the hitch not level. also my bearings went about 10k and were shot. Also you need a high load range tire...I think it's d or a 8 ply. Mine have been better since addressing these topics.
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Gotta tell ya, only way I have ever gotten any life out of these small 20.5x8x10 ties is to use a metal valve stem and inflat to the full 90 PSI. Think about how stinking FAST those things are spinning at 70 MPH down the highway!
Honestly, I don't think that those pictures are anything too unusual for a small (gonna guess.....) 2 place clam shell snowmobile trailer.
I think that the axles are delibrately toe-ed in to help the tracking and that the little bit of bounce and a tire that slowly looses pressure and gets run a little under inflated on occassion (anything under 90 PSI for the 10 ply)
I think you are expierencing the normal wear in that mileage ........ OR I have the same issues with my little clam shell trailer. HOWEVER, like I said, I get better wear if they are at 90 PSI all the time and I use a 10 ply tire and I have metal valve stems.
Honestly, I don't think that those pictures are anything too unusual for a small (gonna guess.....) 2 place clam shell snowmobile trailer.
I think that the axles are delibrately toe-ed in to help the tracking and that the little bit of bounce and a tire that slowly looses pressure and gets run a little under inflated on occassion (anything under 90 PSI for the 10 ply)
I think you are expierencing the normal wear in that mileage ........ OR I have the same issues with my little clam shell trailer. HOWEVER, like I said, I get better wear if they are at 90 PSI all the time and I use a 10 ply tire and I have metal valve stems.
Vmax4
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OH YEAH, almost forgot..... I have also NEVER gotten much life out of that particular tread pattern. The NEW Carlisle USA Trail tread seems to wear more evenly. I figure that is why they have gone away from that tread pattern and tire anyways.
Thanks for all the informative replies guys. The trailer is a 10' Snopro clamshell, 2002 I believe, not a V-nose, no shocks on it. The tongue /beam isn't bent, but not sure if the axle is straightening out, which it could be as the sleds stay on the trailer all year round. And also dexter, the tongue does ride a little higher in the front. Sounds like it could be a number of things. I'm going to take the measurements handy described and make sure the axle is square to the beam, then jack it up and put it on blocks, make sure the bearings aren't toast as it probably has close to 10k miles on it. Probably just replace the bearings this summer anyways. I would also think worn bearings would cause the wheels to pitch in at the top causing more wear on the inside too. I'll check the load range too. Thanks again...
Vmax, ya those things must be spinning fast... Especially at 80! Some of the new hybrid trailers come with 10" powder coated wheels w/20.5x10D tires
Vmax4
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Mine wore like that with a cheap tire and lower air pressure. Clam Shell Dexter Axles, I knew your story from the picture alone. I can't tell you how many tires I have "eaten".... but the roads in WA, ID, and MT use pretty course road sand (if you can call it sand). I am going to guess you won't find anything with the measurements, BUT I am curious.
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skins
Just curious here are those the original tires that came on the trailer , back in the day I used to put fresh rubber on each season and never (knock on wood ) had any issues , cheap insurance.
You can also have that size of a tire balanced I always did , those tires are also a violation 2/32 of tread or less and you are subject to be put out or service or may get a ticket , the way we all need a clean drivers license these days you just cant risk it.
Dexter axles are bulletproof , best money can buy.
Good Luck
B
Just curious here are those the original tires that came on the trailer , back in the day I used to put fresh rubber on each season and never (knock on wood ) had any issues , cheap insurance.
You can also have that size of a tire balanced I always did , those tires are also a violation 2/32 of tread or less and you are subject to be put out or service or may get a ticket , the way we all need a clean drivers license these days you just cant risk it.
Dexter axles are bulletproof , best money can buy.
Good Luck
B
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Finally! Someone with the same problem as me. I have a tandem axle Triton with the same problem. It's the front axle, but only the left side.
My conclusion: the spindle welded into the torsion arm is bent, probably from a pothole or driving up over a curb.
My conclusion: the spindle welded into the torsion arm is bent, probably from a pothole or driving up over a curb.
No, those are the 2nd set I've put on. They may be cheap tires, but I want to address any other issues before I go putting more expensive tires on....basically the whole reason for this thread. There's always a boatload of great info and feedback on this awesome site! I can't eat the fact that I'll have to put new rubber on this thing every season, all these tires are supposed to do is roll forward. How hard is that? I think they're rated for 1800lbs each...
