What Causes Inside Tire Wear on One Side of a Fifth Wheel Trailer?

Updated 11/04/2026 | Published 11/03/2026

Question:

I have a 2019 36ft Shasta 5th Wheel Model 336RL. Ive been from Florida to Maine. The last time I took it to Florida I noticed the back tire on the drivers side started wearing on the inside. Before I left, I had the bearings repacked and brakes checked. I also rotated the tires for the trip home and it still did it. Now Ive noticed it started wearing the front one also. Are the bearings going bad or have the axles bent? The other side is fine just the drivers side, which its the heaviest side thats where the pantry and frig oven are. Any help would be appreciated. I was thinking of just putting new axles on it let me know what you think.

asked by: William B

Expert Reply:

Hi there William! With the inside edges of both tires wearing on the driver's side of your 2019 Shasta fifth wheel, I'd be leaning more toward an axle alignment or suspension issue than bad bearings. Especially since you've already had the bearings repacked, the brakes checked, and even rotated the tires, only to have the same problem come back. That's a pretty good indication that something isn't sitting quite right on that side of the trailer.

You also mentioned that the driver's side carries more weight because of the refrigerator, pantry, and oven, and that's definitely worth looking into. Uneven weight distribution can put additional stress on the suspension, and worn spring bushings, equalizers, or a bent axle can all contribute to uneven tire wear. I wouldn't jump straight into replacing both axles just yet, though. I'd have a trailer alignment shop check the axle alignment, suspension components, and wheel bearings for play, along with weighing the trailer to see how much weight each side is carrying. If an axle is bent or damaged, replacing it may be the right move, but I'd hate to see you spend that money only to find out the problem was somewhere else.

I'm curious, have you noticed either of the driver's side tires leaning inward at the top when you're looking at the trailer from behind?

expert reply by: Heather A