Is It Normal for Trailer Wheels to Bow Out At the Bottom
Updated 05/22/2020 | Published 05/21/2015
Question:
My trailor wheels are bowed out slightly at the bottom is that normal
asked by: Tim
Expert Reply:
What you describe isn't normal. Trailer axles are manufactured with a bow or crown in them, a slight arc with the high side on the top of the axle. When the trailer is loaded, the axle will straighten out so the tires make even contact with the pavement. If the trailer is overloaded, the axle and spindles will bow the wrong way, causing the inside edge of the tire to have most of the contact with the pavement.
It sounds like your trailer has been overloaded at some point which might have bent the axle or the spindles. If the inside edges of your tires are more worn than the outsides, it's a sure sign the axle is bent. While you're at it, also check the suspension components, making sure there's no broken or worn parts.
If this is the case, you'll need to replace the axle. We have a small selection of off the shelf axles available. To see if any of the axles we offer will work for you, I'll need to know the following information:
-Hub face to hub face dimension (see diagram)
-Spring center to spring center distance
-Axle capacity of trailer or wheel bolt pattern and wheel bearing reference numbers (if you don't know the axle capacity, the bolt pattern and bearing numbers will help me find axle capacity)
If you could provide this information, I'd be happy to check if any of the axles we offer would be compatible.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - White
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Wheel Only
- 16 Inch
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Acrylic Enamel
- Taskmaster
more information >
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on Trailer Tires and Wheels
Steve N.
5/20/2020
I have a trailer and only 1 tire is bowed out and remains bowed out when it's empty. I use it to haul a John Deere 345 for snow blowing and mowing properties.