5 sets of trailer tires a year???

[CDyksman]

Hey guys, I pull a 16'x7' Haulmark trailer around town every day(March-November). Loaded, I would say it weighs about 6k lbs. The problem I am having is that I go through 4-5 sets of rear tires in these 9 months. Tire size: Towmaster 205-75-14. The hitch is set so that the trailer is sitting level. Any suggestions why this is happening, and how to fix it. Thanks

 

[WadePatton]

Dual axle trailer?



So maybe the trailer is pivoting on the front set and dragging the rears. Maybe put some more weight on the tongue so the rears are carrying less. Brakes too tight?



Just random thoughts.

 

[champspa]

maybe the axles aren't aligned to the frame and it's crabbing down the road

 

[CDyksman]

Yes it is a tandem axle. I have as much of the weight as possible on the fronts. As of right now I have no brake controller, so the brakes aren't even in use. Champspa, I will have to check to see if they are aligned. How do I do this? Measuring tape, or is there some trick?

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

Sounds like a bent axle or axles. I'm going through this now with my travel trailer. The dealer says he's been seeing it alot lately with 3500 pound axles. The loose their caster and you start chewing up tires like crazy. I'm getting mine replaced with 5200 pound axles now. Just so you know, if you look at the axle, it won't look bent, but put a straight edge on it and you'll see it. Good luck.

 

[P Pacatang]

I would call Haulmark and ask them if they could recommend a alignment shop in your area to check it out. Could be bent or worn out parts. Hope this might help.

 

[Slow Six]

I'd guess you have a bent axle. Sounds like a pretty light set up for that weight. I always try to get axles that are over rated and have a lot less problems. I also insist on at least 16" wheels and tires. I really don't know why but I get a lot more wear and have less problems with the 16s and load range E. This set up costs more initially but I have found it saves $$ in the long term and no down time.

 

[champspa]

I would measure the axle to see if there the same distance apart on each side . has to be on a flat surface with trailer level . then I would drop a plum bob on each axle next to the frame of the trailer and x the spot with chalk. next drop the plum in the center of the ball and x the spot . pull a tape from the ball x to the axle x's on each side and see if they are the same, if not, you have a problem , fix it . hope this helps /

 

[Matt42]

Hey guys, I pull a 16'x7' Haulmark trailer around town every day(March-November). Loaded, I would say it weighs about 6k lbs. The problem I am having is that I go through 4-5 sets of rear tires in these 9 months. Tire size: Towmaster 205-75-14. The hitch is set so that the trailer is sitting level. Any suggestions why this is happening, and how to fix it. Thanks

Are the tires wearing out or coming apart?

 

[Mark31]

Do you have springs or torsion axles? A lot of miles on the trailer? Are you overloaded? I am told that when torsion axles deteriate the tires wear on the inside. No cure. Axles must be replaced. A friend replaced his tires only. Results: One tire blew, which blew the other tire, which tore off his lights and fender in the middle of the night a long way from home. Hope you find the problem. Mark

 

[TowPro]

Before anybody can give you advice about what is wrong, they need to see a picture of the tire. Is it wearing out the centers? one side or the other? Feathering the tread? etc, etc?

 

[CDyksman]

The wear starts in the center and moves outward. I am not computer literate enough to upload a picture.

 

[P Pacatang]

If your tires are wearing out from the center then your tires are overinflated.

 

[jelag]

Some axles have an arc built into the axle... look under the trailer and look... if the tube spins on the u-bolts it will change the camber and will wear the tires out in no time...



Once the axle is installed correctly the hanger and u-bolts are tightened... but the key here on a new axle, is that the hangers on the axle that mount to the springs are welded correctly to the axle... .



Hope this helps...

 

[Hoefler]

I have experienced similar tire wear on the rear axle of my 16' tandem enclosed trailer. What I have found is that during tight maneuvers, the rear axle will slide the tires more than the front will. Causing the rear tires to scrub off. The wear is even across the tire. I have to turn my trailer hard at least 2 times a day to get it in and out of the shop. I rotate my tires front to rear every time I change the oil in the truck. The distance from the tongue to the center of suspension has something to do with this phenomenon. I have been to an axle shop, a trailer shop, and a my tire dealer, they all agree that this is common with this type of set up and the area that I drive in.