Why Does One Trailer Tire Wear More in the Middle than the Others

Updated 06/10/2024 | Published 09/14/2018

Question:

I have a tandem axle trailer with brakes on both axles. Just went across the country and only one tire went bald. Two brand new wheels and tires on back and older ones on the front with good tread. Only the right rear tire went bald. All the others look the same as when i left. What would cause only one tire to go bald?

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

It looks like the center of the tire has worn faster than the outer edges which is a tell tale sign that it has been overinflated or it is a different load range than the rest. If the leaf spring was worn more so for that particular side of the axle then this could be an issue as well but I would be willing to bet it was overinflated.

If you can let me know what size tires are on your trailer I would be happy to make some recommendations but if not I have attached a list of our options for you as well. We also now carry Goodyear Endurance radial trailer tires which are one of the only trailer tires made in the U.S.A. and have excellent ratings.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Bruce

6/10/2024

I have a similar problem mine is on the passenger side front wheel the outer treads are wearing and all the other tires are in good shape

Kevin C.

6/10/2024

@Bruce If both the left and right outer treads for of the tire are wearing then the tire is likely not inflated up to the max psi listed on the sidewall. If you're getting wear on just one side of the outer edge then it could be that the bearings weren't fully seated and you have some play in the hub, causing the wheel to wear unevenly. You could have also hit a curb somewhere and slightly bent that axle. I would check the to see if the wheels are both straight on that side and then remove the hub and repack the bearings. I would also look at your suspension components. A lot of the time issues with the tires will come back to a loose/worn shackle strap or some kind of bind up in the suspension.