Troubleshooting Trailer Axle that Wears Inside of Tires Out When Unloaded

Updated 08/11/2024 | Published 08/05/2015

Question:

I have a 2007/2008 Keystone Springdale 266RL travel trailer that needs a new rear axle. I believe this because the tires are wearing on the very inside only and the trailer is not overloaded, especially not in the rear. The axle on the trailer that I feel is bad had a tag on it that had the following information. AL-KO Kober Model T35 3 Date 0 91 07 SLR 316 MM 3500 lbs I do not require new hubs or electric brakes as the axle has a 4 bolt rectangular mount for the hubs that I plan to reattach to the new axle. Thanks for any help you can provide in my search for a new axle.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Before you replace your axle you should try taking your trailer to a shop that has experience in aligning trailer axles. It sounds like your axle just needs an alignment, or someone flipped the axle in an attempt to raise/lower the trailer not realizing there is a bow in the axle that doesn't allow axles to just be rotated 180 degrees. Instead you have to install new spring seats on the other side of the axle so that the bow stays facing down.

Since we cannot order in custom axles at this time you would need to let the shop measure your axles and order you new ones if they are required.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Mike B.

8/10/2024

We just bought a used Sherpa Yeti 2018 tear drop trailer. The tires are wearing on the outside, right side is worse than left side. I thought the axle was bent, it has the bow at the top. I was looking for a new axle and came across this question. It sounds like the axle is installed upside down. There is a lot of clearance from tire top to fender. Why would the axle be made with a bow? Thank you, MikeB

Jameson C.

8/11/2024

@MikeB The bow on the top of the axle that you described would be normal. They are designed so that with the load of the trailer on them they flatten out and the camber is correct. I would still suspect something is wrong with your axle though if your tires are wearing uneven from one side to the other and have a shop take a look.