Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

[Phil]

My boat trailer tires are wearing rapidly and I'm wondering why and how to solve this problem. The trailer has approx. 1500 miles on it and the tires are very worn (evenly)on the inside half of each tire. The trailer is a 1999 American brand Galvanized boat bunk trailer with a 2600 lbs 18' Regal bowrider sitting on top. The tires say that they can handle 1760 lbs each and the tire pressure is ok. The boat and trailer were purchased as a set from the dealer. When towing, the trailer tows well, with no apparent problems. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[JB]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

Howdy, Phil. I suspect that you have a crooked axle producing excessive toe-out. A good wheel alignment shop can check it and fix it. It was probably delivered that way.<br /><br />What is "good" tire pressure? When you ask for help with a problem, you need to give any exact information you have. Many people think that 30-35psi is "good" tire pressure. It may be on a car or truck, but trailer tires need 45 to 60psi. Correct pressure will be embossed on your tires.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[DP]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

What weight capacity is the trailer rated for? Sound more like an overloaded trailer causing the axel to flex thus putting the load on the inside of the tires.

 

[Phil]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

The tires have been running on approximately 50 PSI. Is there a toe in adjustment for this type of trailer? The trailer itself has a stamp on it stating that it can carry 6000lbs, but I'm guessing that is for when you have two axles. The American web site indicates that this type of trailer with single axle can carry 3500 lbs. My boat weighs approx. 2600lbs. Thanks

 

[jimc]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

Phil,<br /> If your tires are wearing on the inside half of the tire, the wheel bearings are loose, or the axle is bent. Measure the distance, across the axle, at the top center of the tire on one side, across to the opposite side, and then again at bottom center, you'll find they are not the same. As Well, to align your axle, measure from the center of the hitch, to the furtherest most outside part of the axle on each side, loosen the "U" bolts, on the springs to slide the axle, so that the measurement is the same on each side.. My money is on the loose wheel bearing's.

 

[Phil]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

Jim,<br />Since the tires wore evenly on the inside half, I'm guessing that its not due to alignment and that your loose wheel bearing guess is probably the answer. I will jack up the boat later this week and see if the wheel moves when shaken or spun. I have greased the bearings since new and the boat has been in fresh water only. I'll report back after inspection. Thanks

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

I would put my money with BW. I think the axle is bent from overload or just hitting a big pothole in the road.<br /><br />If the measurements from top of tire and bottom of tire indicate the axle is bent you can take the bend or bow out with a jack placed in the center of the axle.

 

[Phil]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

I jacked up the trailer on Thanksgiving to check the wheel bearings and found them to be tight. When jacking up the trailer, I found the aft portion of the leaf spring mount to be completely severed/broken. The leaf spring assembly mounts to the trailer frame with 2 U-bolts. The break is just in front of the rear U-bolt. The leaf spring was still functioning as the aft end moved laterally while driving. Looks like I will need to weld the break and possibly add a third U-bolt to fix the problem or buy a new leaf spring assembly. Any ideas as to where to get a good price on trailer parts including replacement tires? Thanks for the help troubleshooting.

 

[PurpleDragon]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

You might try Northern Tools . Check their website to see if there's a retail store close to you. Or heck, you might find the part online. http://www.northerntools.com/ <br /><br />Otherwise, they do have lots of trailer parts (axels, leaf springs, u-bolts, light kits, etc.) It's worth a shot!<br /><br />Rex

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

Phil I'd look into that weight issue more.<br />Your boat is 2600#.Is that with fuel and all equipment, gear, and what not? Your trailer <br />is probably at least 600#.That's very close, if not over your tire rating of 3,520#.Your axle probably has a tag on it stating it's capacity.I'd be willing to bet it's a 3500#<br />axle.There's not much if any safety cushion there.

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

Phil,<br /><br />Surely there is a trailer place in you neck of the woods. Check the yellow pages of the nearest big city. Do not weld the springs. They will break again and probably when you are doing 60mph on the freeway. Springs are tempered steel. That means the are forged then dipped in liquid and cooled quickly. They do not taked kindly to welding.<br /><br />Here is a place I buy my stuff from. A company like this can answer many questions.<br /> http://www.southwestwheel.com/ <br /><br />Come on in, the water is warm......

 

[araiha]

Re: Help- Trailer tires wearing fast

Take a look at the load rating of the tires. You might be able to get a higher one in the same size. More plies, carries more weight, wears longer. My trailer came with 3 load range c and one load range b tire. Load range b tire wore out real fast. Others still look good 3 yrs later. My trailer has 15,000+ miles on it, mostly @ 70...