Troubleshooting Norther Tool Ultra-Tow Aluminum 5' x 8' Trailer Wearing Inside Edge Of Tires

Updated 04/28/2021 | Published 04/27/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Idler Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs

(802)

$159.56

Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized

(767)

$73.73

Spring Seat for Typical 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles with 1-3/4" Diameter - Qty 1

(648)

$16.51

Question:

I need some advice. So here’s the deal. I have a Chesapeake Light Craft tear trailer mounted on a Northern Tool Ultra-Tow aluminum 5x8 trailer with about 9,000 miles on the trailer and tires. On inspection I noticed the inside tire tread on both tires is very worn and the outer sections hardly worn at all. The wear seems very smooth and even on both tires. At the truck scales it weighs about 800 lbs loaded, including with two bicycles. So do you have an opinion on what might be happening? I see you sell a Dexter 2200 lb bowed axle, T20BTR-EZ-7258, that seems like a possible fix. The trailer has 12 inch wheels and wondering if your hubs # AKIHUB-545-2-G-EZ-2K would be compatible? I’m open to all ideas.

asked by: Robert E

Expert Reply:

Based on the way the tires are rated, it sounds like the axle was over loaded, but I would imagine it has an axle rating of higher than 800lbs. Is there any chance your flipped the axle to get the axle underneath the springs to lift it, but did not weld on new spring seats?

That is typically the only time we see this kind of wear, as axles have an arch in them which becomes straight when loaded, but if the axle is flipped and new spring seats are not welded on then the arch will be pointing down the the tires will wear exactly how you mentioned.

If this is the case welding on new spring seats # TRSS175 would be the fix.

If you have not flipped the axle then it sounds like there is an issue with the axle causing the tires to not sit flat on the ground which is causing the uneven wear.

To fix this you will need to replace the axle, as there is not a way to correct the current axle.

The Dexter Trailer Idler Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs # T20BTR-EZ-7258 you were looking at may work as a replacement, but you will need to measure the hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center of your current axle. The # T20BTR-EZ-7258 measures 72" hub face to hub face and 58" spring center to spring center as shown in the included diagram. If this matches your current axle this would be a great replacement option.

The Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized # AKIHUB-545-2-G-EZ-2K is compatible with the # T20BTR-EZ-7258 and works with 8" - 12" wheels so you will be able to reuse your wheels.

If you can let me know what size tires are currently on your trailer, I would be happy to make a recommendation for new ones since your current ones are worn.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.