Uneven Trailer Tire Wear on a Single Axle Trailer

Updated 10/27/2014 | Published 10/25/2014

Question:

I have a single axle travel trailer, the tire treads are wearing unevenly. One tire wears on the outside tread, the other on the inside tread. A dealer said the suspension components and axle was not installed square to the trailer....they are off by 1/4 inch. The manufacturer says 1/4 inch is still in specification range. Whats odd is the tire with the outside wear, is the tire further to the rear. Any ideas?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

I agree with the dealer. And 1/4 inch being within tolerance sounds excessive to me. I would keep it no more than an 1/8 or less off.

To determine which way the axle(s) need to go mark a point on the top of the coupler, right in the center where the ball goes in. Then measure from that point to the center of the axle on each side. The measurements need to be as close to the same as you can get them.

Also check the suspension components for excessive wear. Egg-shaped holes instead of round holes in suspension components indicates excessive wear and those items should be replaced. When a hole is warped like that it can cause movement and lead to wear.

The tire with the outside tire wear could indicate that the axle has too little weight on it too often. Axles have a bow in them that points up in the middle. This will cause the tires to toe in at the bottoms leading to outside wear. Inside wear would be the opposite, too much weight on the axle. Of course either could still be suspension or axle related.

expert reply by: Michael H