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Author Topic:   Uneven trailer tire wear

cmarques posted 08-05-2003 07:19 PM ET (US)
I have my 2002 Dauntless 160 on a 2002 Magic tilt 2630# single axle trailer and have noticed the inside edges wearing on both tires, both side appear to be pretty even. When the trailer in level it looks like both wheels are cambered in slightly at the tops- is this something normal or a problem? I was told by a friend that the axle is too weak? Any help would be appreciated
davidmassi posted 08-05-2003 08:09 PM ET (US)
When trailers are overloaded the axle flexes in the middle. This will cause a negative camber on the wheels (in at the top). A trailer may be rated to hold the weight that you have on it; however, axles can weeken with time and use. A cheap method to see if you axle is flexing would be to take a string and stretch it across your axle from one hub to another. Find the center point and measure the distance between the string and the axle. Do the same proceedure with and without the trailer being loaded. If you see a change, you axle is flexing and probably the culprit. If it's about the same (and it was my trailer) I would just stick a new set of tires on when it got bad. Pay attention though, you don't want it to snap.
cmarques posted 08-05-2003 08:22 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the info- BTW the trailer is less than 1 year old with maybe 2-3000 miles- made a trip to the keys 2 months ago. I have never hit anything hard enough to do any damage- the Mrs. connected a fender with a Jeep in a hotel parking lot first time she towed trailer while I was lost in Sarasota bay!
The middle of the axle is formed in drop vee under the boat keel and I suspected it may be flexing? Should I get in touch with dealer to inspect (65 miles away) or someone local or just live with?
HAPPYJIM posted 08-06-2003 01:11 PM ET (US)
I would take it back to the dealer if it still in warranty.
If not in warranty, call around to a welding shop that can work on trailers. Try to find one that makes trailers if possible.
They may be able to straighten the axle if it is bent or reccomend replacement if needed with a heavier axle.
WMBS posted 08-06-2003 02:53 PM ET (US)
I have had a tire blow-out from trailering with a bent axle. The tires both were showing cupping which may be similar to your description and which I ignored. A trailer or axle repair shop is worth a visit, even if to determine that you are not making the same mistake I made.
Bigshot posted 08-06-2003 03:10 PM ET (US)
Not to scare ya but I will.....excessive wear means EXCESSIVE heat. Heat blows up tires. Tires blow & boat flips and the entire population is at risk. Next thing ya know Martha Stewart is president of the US.

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Author	Topic: Uneven trailer tire wear
cmarques	posted 08-05-2003 07:19 PM ET (US) I have my 2002 Dauntless 160 on a 2002 Magic tilt 2630# single axle trailer and have noticed the inside edges wearing on both tires, both side appear to be pretty even. When the trailer in level it looks like both wheels are cambered in slightly at the tops- is this something normal or a problem? I was told by a friend that the axle is too weak? Any help would be appreciated
davidmassi	posted 08-05-2003 08:09 PM ET (US) When trailers are overloaded the axle flexes in the middle. This will cause a negative camber on the wheels (in at the top). A trailer may be rated to hold the weight that you have on it; however, axles can weeken with time and use. A cheap method to see if you axle is flexing would be to take a string and stretch it across your axle from one hub to another. Find the center point and measure the distance between the string and the axle. Do the same proceedure with and without the trailer being loaded. If you see a change, you axle is flexing and probably the culprit. If it's about the same (and it was my trailer) I would just stick a new set of tires on when it got bad. Pay attention though, you don't want it to snap.
cmarques	posted 08-05-2003 08:22 PM ET (US) Thanks for the info- BTW the trailer is less than 1 year old with maybe 2-3000 miles- made a trip to the keys 2 months ago. I have never hit anything hard enough to do any damage- the Mrs. connected a fender with a Jeep in a hotel parking lot first time she towed trailer while I was lost in Sarasota bay! The middle of the axle is formed in drop vee under the boat keel and I suspected it may be flexing? Should I get in touch with dealer to inspect (65 miles away) or someone local or just live with?
HAPPYJIM	posted 08-06-2003 01:11 PM ET (US) I would take it back to the dealer if it still in warranty. If not in warranty, call around to a welding shop that can work on trailers. Try to find one that makes trailers if possible. They may be able to straighten the axle if it is bent or reccomend replacement if needed with a heavier axle.
WMBS	posted 08-06-2003 02:53 PM ET (US) I have had a tire blow-out from trailering with a bent axle. The tires both were showing cupping which may be similar to your description and which I ignored. A trailer or axle repair shop is worth a visit, even if to determine that you are not making the same mistake I made.
Bigshot	posted 08-06-2003 03:10 PM ET (US) Not to scare ya but I will.....excessive wear means EXCESSIVE heat. Heat blows up tires. Tires blow & boat flips and the entire population is at risk. Next thing ya know Martha Stewart is president of the US.