Tandem Axle Boat Trailer Tire Wear on Inside of Tire

Updated 05/14/2018 | Published 05/11/2018

Question:

Hi there, I have a tandem axle boat trailer that is 1 year old. After the first season of use the rear passenger side and front drivers side trailer tires are almost bald on the inside of the tire. Im attributing the uneven wear to tight turns when parking the trailer and the tires dragging sideways. Is this the likely cause or am I missing something? How can this type of wear be prevented? Only 1 season isnt very long for a tire to last.

asked by: Darren B

Expert Reply:

Tire "scrubbing" like what you described does not typically only wear out the insides of a trailer tire.

When trailer tires are worn more on the insides then anywhere else that indicates typically that the axle is being overloaded.

Axles have a natural arch in them that arches up so that when they are under a load they are horizontal and you get even wear on your tires. Overloading your axle would mean that it is arching towards the ground some and would cause that inside wear.

I recommend checking the weight capacity of your axle (can be found stamped in the middle of the axle) and comparing that to the weight of your trailer and boat.

expert reply by: Jameson C