tires wearing in the inside

[catfishcarl99]

so do i need a new axle. figure the woest id best to think. then anything short is good news. i replaced a tire that was weather cracked and flat this spring. today i removed the other that was new in 04 and it was wore 3/4 to the end of tread. outer was like new. and looking at the trailer from the front 20' away seems my tires are cambered in at the top. any fix besides new axle?

trailer is an escort 1989. come along to the rims at the bottom lol.

the trailer was a factory match and the boat is a 17' fish and ski with a small 50 hp force. so i havent really over done anything.

 

[superbenk]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

There's a come along pulling the rims together?? You might have bad worn out bearings or races. When was the last time you took them apart to clean & inspect? Should do that annually.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

Stand 20 feet in BACK of the trailer and look at the axle. If it is bowed down in the middle the trailer is either overloaded or the axle has bent. Most axles that have a 3500# or greater rating are cambered but they are bowed upward not downward. It is very possible the axle was moved from above teh springs to below the springs, or vice versa which puts the camber in the wrong direction. But since you apparently have owned the rig for some time that's unlikely. I would weigh the rig to determne if the axle is simply overloaded. Most "package" boat/trailer combinations end up being very close to the maximum weight capacity of the trailer and when all the extra stuff is thrown in, it may even be overloaded. Once an axle is bent, it can be straightened but it will then need reinforcing as it will never have the same strength as before.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

you know in 2005 a year after i got it i hit some rr tracks a lil fast that snuck up on me. i flattened a leaf spring and had to replace them. wonder if i got axle flipped?? never thought of that.

no i ment put a come along on rims and bend it back lol. was being a bit sarcastic.

has buddie bearings on it. the hubs are not wobbly at all. checked them when i replaces tires.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

well i checked today in the light. the axle has a flat plate welded on it that rests under the leaf. there would have been no way to reverse it changing 1 spring at a time. and if it was to be switched to the top it would for sure rub the fenders. doesnt look bent either. guess i need to open hubs and see whats up in there.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

When you flew over the RR tracks that flattened the spring, you problaby bent the axle.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

If the axle doesn't bow down in the middle it is likely not bent, but that doesn't mean the spindles aren't bent. If you flattened a spring you very likely could have bent the spindles as well.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

You can get a whole axle kit including spindle, springs and axle and all hardware for $175 @ ChampionTrailers.com. With an impact wrench, installation is under 1/2 hr.

When it comes to trailers, trying to save a buck is not the way to peace of mind. (I've just made too many trailer mistakes in my life.) Tire wear is a good indication of problems.

Any time I bought a used trailer of any kind, I'd be packing and installing new bearings at a minimum.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

axle looks fine. no bow. it looks like the spindles are what has the camber to em. ya the rr tracks were bad, the boat jumped pretty good and the drivers spring colapsed. i replaced both of them after that.

 

[Quad82]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

Couple thoughts. Do you use the boat as a trailer? Meaning, do you pack it full of the kids bikes, coolers and camping equipment? Like already said, the combo boat and trailer is sometimes about maxed out on weight. Adding the extra gear takes its toll over time. Inside tread wear is a sign of overloading.

 

[rirory]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

catfish,

i had same setup you do 1990 ish , same problem too--- brought to a trailer service center, and they made recommendations so-----problem ended when i put on a solid axle w/ heavier leafs and radial tires.

i went through tires every 2500 miles, always on inside wear. After the repair, i even towed it to florida in 1993 w/o any issues

i have since sold that boat in 1995.---only aluminum i have owned (10+) and hated.


spectrum aluminum boats are heavy!!!!!!!!!!!

good luck

ri rory

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: tires wearing in the inside

one time i took it on a trip across 2 states with gear in it. coolers tents ect... when i had the blown spring i was 100 miles from home. the springs i got had an axtra leaf and were for heavier loads. so looks like i need an axle. oh man. well ill be on the lookout lol.

ya i just put new 6 ply radials on it but dont want to use em up. guess if i dont find an axle soon ill have them flipped after a few months while im looking.