What Would Make Front and Rear or Middle and Rear Trailer Tires Make Contact with Each Other

Updated 10/20/2014 | Published 10/18/2014

Question:

what is the cause of the center and rar tire to contact each other when driving

asked by: Hugo S

Expert Reply:

On a tandem or a triple axle trailer, if the front and rear tires or middle and rear tires make contact with each other then some part of the suspension, which could include the mounts that attach the axle to the suspension, could be broken or worn so much that it allows a lot of movement. You will want to inspect the suspension components for anything broken or signs of severe wear. Usually the wear you will see is egg-shaped holes instead of round holes where the springs hang.

If the suspension is all fine and nothing is broken then the tire size may be too large for the trailer. There should be a plate somewhere on the trailer that lists the appropriate tire size.

And if the trailer was home made or had an axle added to it then the axle spacing is likely off what it should be and the space between the axles will need to be increased which also means changing locations of the axles hangers and possibly new springs, shackle straps, and hangers.

expert reply by: Michael H