What Could Cause Multiple Tires To Come Apart And Lose Their Tread?

Updated 06/22/2026 | Published 06/15/2026

Question:

I have purchased Karrier KR03 ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E Part Number: AM10303 twice now. Previously, I bought a Free Country labeled tire for my dual-axle trailer. The trailer GVW is just over 10,000 lbs. I typically load it with a 6300 lb machine and about 600 lbs of mats and tools. The Free Country tires began self destruction, so I bought a pair of the Kenda Karrier to replace two of them. When the other Free Country tires started showing disassembly symptoms, I bought another pair of the Karrier, believing that my problem with tires coming apart was solved. However, one of the two Karrier tires is now showing a bit of tread separation after less than 1000 miles. I am now believing that there is a problem with the trailer. Please help me identify the problem and the steps I need to take to resolve it.

asked by: Paul C

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul, thanks for reaching out, and sorry to hear this keeps happening that must be frustrating. If you've had multiple tires from two different brands start showing tread separation on the same trailer, I'd definitely start looking at the trailer rather than assuming you got into multiple bad batches of tires.

The first thing I'd check is axle alignment. A bent axle, worn suspension components, or misaligned spring hangers can scrub a tire sideways as it rolls, generating a tremendous amount of heat, and heat is what kills tires. I'd also inspect the equalizers, shackles, bushings, and leaf springs for wear or damage.

I'd also verify your cold inflation pressure is at the full 80 PSI required for the Load Range E KR03s, check for dragging brakes, and make sure the wheel bearings are in good condition and running cool.

Also consider how you are loading the machine onto the trailer. If one axle is carrying way more weight than the other, you could be overloading the axle/tire and that could cause tire tread separation like you are describing.

What's the machine you haul?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Karrier KR03 ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
(click to enlarge)

Jeff S.

6/19/2026

I bought this tire for a spare on a float on boat trailer. Thankfully it hasn’t hit the ground yet. However- this is the same tire ( 4 ) that are running on this current trailer. I probably have 4,000 miles on all four. Tires are solid- no loss of air ( check before each use ) and tread is quiet and great in all weather conditions. For me- extremely hot temperatures and rain in Florida. Also these tires have been exposed to salt/ freshwater without any cracking or rubber issues. Worth the money for me. Hope that helps.

Jesse M.

6/19/2026

@JeffS Hey Jeff. Thanks for sharing your experience! That's great real-world feedback. Definitely helpful!

Dave O.

6/19/2026

I would definitely have the trailer checked out. I have about 15,000 miles on on mine so far and no issues. I’ve hit some pretty bad pot holes at 55-60 mph and no I don’t recommend this, but they have also seen 100 mph on several occasions. No signs of abnormal wear and trailer still tracks great.

Jesse M.

6/22/2026

@DaveO Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience, Dave. That kind of real-world feedback is extremely helpful!

Dave

6/21/2026

Hello, I have the same tires on my boat trailer which I haul a boat back and forth to Florida from Minnesota every year. So far those tires have 12,000 mi on them and seem perfect. I do keep them at the recommended PSI level and have verified and modified my trailer to be sure the axle alignment is correct.