Troubleshooting Uneven Tire Wear On Trailer

Published 09/25/2015

Question:

I have a 2005 Wildwood travel trailer 29 FT. I have replaced all four tires this past spring. I have noticed faster and uneven tread wear on the passenger siderear tire only forward tire is ok What could be the reason for this?

asked by: M. B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Typically, when a tire displays excessive wear on the inside of the tread (closest to the trailer), it means that the trailer is consistently being overloaded. When the trailer carries more weight than the axle is rated for, the trailer wheels can bow as shown in the diagram I provided.

Broken or excessively worn suspension components can cause this as well. Examine the components like the leaf springs and shackle links and replace if necessary.

You will also want to make sure that your tires are inflated to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. Unlike passenger vehicle tires, trailer tires need to be kept inflated to their maximum pressure at all times.

Determine the capacity of your trailer and do not exceed it. The trailer might have a plate somewhere on it listing the capacity. If you are unsure of the axle capacity, if you could respond with the diameter of the axle, the diameter of the hubs or drums and the number of the wheel lugs, I might be able to determine the axle capacity for you.

expert reply by: Jameson C