Trailer Tire Wear on Right Side, Outside Tread Only and Trailer Pulls Hard to One Side

Question:

I have a 28 ft Coachmen Travel Trailer Toy Hauler. The tires on the left side of the trailer have very little wear and what wear it has is even across the tire. On the right side both tires are wearing the outside edge off the tires. I run all four tires at max pressure since we are hauling ATVs in the trailer. This trailer also seems like it pulls really hard for no bigger then it is. Any help would be appreciated.

asked by: Troy J

Expert Reply:

If you have more of the weight in the trailer on the left side then that could explain the uneven wear. Axles have a bow or camber in the middle. When weight is in the trailer it straightens out the axle some and the tires should wear evenly. When there is not enough weight the camber causes the tires to toe in at the bottom which would lead to outside tread wear.

If you do not believe this is the issue then it is possible that the suspension is worn more on the right side or it could also be related to a running gear problem (hubs and associated parts including the spindles).

Check the suspension for wear. If you see any egg-shaped holes where the suspension hangs or at the hangers themselves then this is likely the issue. You will want to replace the worn parts on both sides to ensure they wear evenly.

This could also knock the axle out of alignment meaning one side of the axle is more forward than the other. That could cause that pulling feeling and the uneven wear. You will want to have a shop that works on trailers or RV dealer with a service center inspect the trailer for proper axle alignment and to check the running gear for excessive wear and to make sure the spindles are not bent.

expert reply by: Michael H