Uneven Tire Wear on a Single Axle Trailer

[Modstock]

Is this normal tire wear for a single axle trailer.
I've been told most axles have a bit of camber.
It hasn't been beat,but it has gone down a few dirt roads and the occasional pot hole.
Getting a set of tires soon. So I may get those and worry more about the axle when those are gone. 5 yr old trailer.
Driver's side.

Passenger.

 

[GTS225-TNT]

It doesn't look like it in the pics, but does it appear that the rubber has a "feathered" look in the treads grooves, as if the tire has been dragging sideways while rolling forward? If so, I'd say there's too much tow-out on both spindles.

Otherwise, I know that some trailer axles have an arch in them to compensate for load weight. If your axle happens to be installed upside-down, that may explain the inboard wear on your tires.
I see it looks like a factory install, with electric brakes. It might be prudent to get a straightedge and lay it across the top of the axle to see if there's bend/bow in it.

Roger

 

[rose090999]

I went through 2 sets of tires on my Travel Trailer with the same wear pattern. Wore down to the belts within 5 or 6 trips. Ended up being a bent axle.

 

[Modstock]

It took 5 years to wear those cheap things out. I've been told slight camber on single axles is normal.
Not sure what to think.
For the most part. The tires were mostly worn across the whole tread to the low tread bars.
Once they were off it didn't look as bad.
Anyhow, I'll keep an eye on it and after these new tires if it gets worse the axle will get replaced.

 

[HaveeBear]

If the axle is curved, the crown should be to the top as you're looking at it sitting on the ground. It's rare to find a straight axle on these small trailers and you may have to ask for it specifically. Compact Camping Concepts use to sell a 3500# straight axle, but I don't think he's doing business anymore.

 

[DrGofast]

It doesn't look like it in the pics, but does it appear that the rubber has a "feathered" look in the treads grooves, as if the tire has been dragging sideways while rolling forward? If so, I'd say there's too much tow-out on both spindles.

Otherwise, I know that some trailer axles have an arch in them to compensate for load weight. If your axle happens to be installed upside-down, that may explain the inboard wear on your tires.
I see it looks like a factory install, with electric brakes. It might be prudent to get a straightedge and lay it across the top of the axle to see if there's bend/bow in it.

Roger

To a casual eye, it might appear like a camber (wheel tilt or lean-in) problem. But, I’m with Roger’s first paragraph, that the more likely root cause — is caster toe-out.

A straight edge laid on each wheel and sighted to a distant horizon point can be a quick DIY check of toe-in or toe-out alignment. Some axles are built in parallel, some have intentional caster or camber, some just get bent. Next, check a reliable alignment shop.

 

[GTS225-TNT]

A straight edge laid on each wheel and sighted to a distant horizon point can be a quick DIY check of toe-in or toe-out alignment. Some axles are built in parallel, some have intentional caster or camber, some just get bent. Next, check a reliable alignment shop.

Thanks for the verbal support, Dr. However, I'd be careful of laying that straightedge on a wheel or tire surface for that sighting. Manufacturing tolerances in rims or tires can get translated to erroneous assumptions. Instead, I'd lay that straightedge directly on the wheel mounting surface of the hub or brake drum as applicable. And while you've got the wheel assembly off, lay a level on that same surface and check for plumb, comparing both sides to each other. (You're trailer may not be sitting on a level surface.)

Just my opine.....Roger

 

[Modstock]

Yeah your right about the feathering. I was in denial . 1st trip in on new tires and can see how it's riding on the treads.
Trailer is getting parked until it gets a new axle.
I do have to be at Bonneville in late June for test n' tune. I bet they put a undersized axle on it. I remember the guy saying he'd put smaller brakes on since it wasn't hauling heavy loads.

 

[swoody126]

the issue could be as simple as the axle having been installed upside down

since straight axles are most commonly designed n built w/ a slight arch upwards to compensate for weighting they tend to even out under load

IF it was installed upside down the loading would tend to accentuate the issue under load making the tire to run on the inside of the tread(see the 2 pics below)

IF your tires are 5yrs old you got your nickel's worth already

BUTT ... answer your question b4 buying new ones a/o tripping on these

you can read the age of the tire at the end of the DOT number near the rim

the last 4 digits identify the month and year your tires were born

if the size of your tires is preceded by ST you have "trailer" tires which have a safe life of 60 months

changing tires on the side of the road can be much more expensive than getting new ones @ the tire store while you wait in the air conditioned customer lounge

BON CHANCE !

sw