Why do trailer tires wear unevenly?

Generally, trailer tires don't wear evenly: It's just physics. When a tandem axle trailer with four tires takes a tight turn, the inside tires will “slide” a bit rather than roll, because they have significantly less distance to travel. Over time, this scuffs off tiny parts of the tread, creating odd wear patterns.

What causes a trailer tire to wear on one side?

One Side Wear When an inner or outer rib wears faster than the rest of the tire, the need for wheel alignment is indicated. There is excessive camber in the axle, causing the wheel to lean too much to the inside or outside and putting too much load on one side of the tire.

Do trailer tires need to be balanced?

The answer is yes, you should. Although you may meet RVers and travel trailer owners who disagree, balancing your travel trailer tires is actually necessary for improved performance, tire longevity, and safety factors. Passenger vehicle tires need to be balanced for ride stability and comfort, as well as for function.

Which tires wear faster on a trailer?

On a four-wheel tandem axle trailer, the inside tires wear faster because when you make turns they slide as opposed to roll because they cover a shorter distance, and this slowly chips away at the tread over time.

Why do trailer tires wear in the middle?

Wear due to over-inflation: If you're a little overzealous when it comes to the PSI in your trailer tires, you're bound to see signs of wear associated with over-inflation. Overinflated tires will experience wear through the center of the tread so that it appears to have a smooth strip down the center.

How to Diagnose the cause of irregular Tire Tread Wear Patterns

Should trailer tires be inflated to max psi?

When it comes to trailer tires you always want to have them inflated to their max psi when cold. Not only do you get the full capacity at the max psi, you also will generate less heat in the tire since there won't be as much flex in the sidewall, you'll get better wear and better fuel mileage.

How do you check a trailer axle alignment?

You can check axle alignment by measuring from the center of the coupler back diagonally to the center of one of the wheels. Then take the same measurement to the other wheel center. They should be identical or within 1/8 of an inch, give or take 1/16 of an inch.

How long should a trailer tire last?

Each tire manufacturer will likely have different recommendations on the service life of a particular type of tire, but statistics suggest the average life of a trailer tire is about five years under normal use and maintenance conditions, and that tire replacement should be considered after three years, even if the ...

Why are my trailer tires wearing out so fast?

That said, rapid or significantly uneven trailer tire wear can be caused by: Riding with the wrong tire pressure. Exceeding your tires' load capacity. Trailer misalignment or bent wheels from hitting curbs, potholes or debris.

Why do trailer tires wear on outside edge?

Expert Reply: Typically, when the outside edges of a tire are showing wear its because the tires are under-inflated. The solution is to inflate the tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall.

What should my trailer tire pressure be?

What psi Should Trailer Tires be Inflated To Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum air pressure indicated on the tire. The tire on tire and wheel combo #AM30620 for example should be at 90 psi.

What PSI should travel trailer tires be?

The tire pressure on an average 16" RV tire can be anything between 35-80 PSI or 280-550 kPa.

Do you rotate trailer tires?

Trailers, just like vehicles, need their tires rotated too. To avoid mechanical problems both minor and major, it is recommended that you rotate your trailer tires.

Why are my trailer tires cupping?

Usually cupping on a tire is caused by the tire bouncing on the road, which can have many causes. Check the air pressure in your trailer tires. A trailer tire should be kept inflated to the maximum air pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Also make sure the weight rating of your tires is not being exceeded.

Are Bigger tires better for trailers?

Larger tires will typically have a higher weight rating. Tires with a higher weight rating will not increase the load carrying capacity of the trailer, so you will still be limited to the weight capacity of the axle.

How can you tell if a trailer tire is dry rotted?

Can you use car tires on trailer?

Never use passenger tires on a trailer. They are usually rated Load Range B, a 4-ply equivalent, because their sidewalls are flexible for a smooth ride—far too flexible for trailer duty. They are not engineered to stabilize heavy loads or to handle the temperatures that build with them.

How do you know if your trailer spindle is bent?

Assuming your tires are in good shape without any bulges the easiest way to determine if you have a bent spindle is to take a straight edge that is longer than the tire and lay it across the tire parallel with your trailer frame and then measure the distance from the frame to the straight edge in front and back of the ...

How much toe in should a trailer axle have?

He said there are all kinds of specifications differences out there, so the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) has produced a manual of recommended practices on alignment, with a target value of 1/16" toe-in.

Should my trailer axle bow up or down?

A trailer axle should actually be bowed upwards in the middle and not downwards. When the trailer is loaded with your boat, that upward bow will flatten out and your tires will make even contact with the ground.

Should I put extra air in my tires when towing?

For towing, tires should be inflated to the max cold pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire. Even if you're only towing half the weight your vehicle/tires are able to handle, half the max cold PSI DOES NOT support half of that maximum load, there's a steep drop off of load carrying capability compared to pressure.

Does tire pressure affect trailer sway?

Check the tire pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce the load-carrying capacity of your vehicle or trailer which can cause sway.