tk421
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Posts: 9
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Post by tk421 on Jun 20, 2011 19:21:00 GMT -5
I have very uneven tire wear on my tires. They are bald on the inside 1.5 inches but have decent tread on the outside edge. Any ideas what that could mean? Bent axle? Worn springs? If so, can I replace it with a straight axle instead of a 4"drop axle? I measured 60" from hub to hub and 31" springs. Does this seem right?
Thanks so much for any help!
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Post by Atomic Addiction on Jun 20, 2011 21:38:33 GMT -5
Have you looked at your tire pressure? Many folks that trailer run below the MAX PSI because the PSI on the tire is just that...the MAX.
If your tires are over inflated it could cause the tire to ride on a small amount on the tread instead of the whole tread.
I would check that and see what it says.
Brian
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tk421
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Posts: 9
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Post by tk421 on Jun 20, 2011 21:52:37 GMT -5
Hmm interesting. I usually run my tires at 50psi, but they say rated 65psi.. Is it possible that could make so much of a difference? I'll post a pic just for reference - it's a pretty dramatic difference, and it's the same on both tires. I did buy the trailer last year so perhaps the previous owner ran the tires low / high.  |
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Post by universalexports on Jun 20, 2011 22:08:09 GMT -5
I think I can help with this one, I know a lot more about cars than trailers,
on a car you have to adjust the caster/camber and toe in/toe out to get proper alignment
the Tilting of a wheel is called camber and it’s either being positive camber, negative camber, or no camber. the wrong camber will cause inside tire wear or outside tire wear depending on adjustment.
Now the really bad news,
caster camber is not adjustable on a camper that I am aware of, a more likely cause will be
that the axle itself is bent a small amount causing the top of the tire to lean to the inside and the bottom to lean to the outside,
I've seen it a lot with cheap car trailers that did not have leaf springs (solid axle) all the bouncing up and down eventually bows the axle in the center where the weight is.
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Post by universalexports on Jun 20, 2011 22:09:14 GMT -5
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tk421
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by tk421 on Jun 20, 2011 22:14:37 GMT -5
I think I can help with this one, I know a lot more about cars than trailers, on a car you have to adjust the caster/camber and toe in/toe out to get proper alignment the Tilting of a wheel is called camber and it’s either being positive camber, negative camber, or no camber. the wrong camber will cause inside tire wear or outside tire wear depending on adjustment. Now the really bad news, caster camber is not adjustable on a camper that I am aware of, a more likely cause will be that the axle itself is bent a small amount causing the top of the tire to lean to the inside and the bottom to lean to the outside, I've seen it a lot with cheap car trailers that did not have leaf springs (solid axle) all the bouncing up and down eventually bows the axle in the center where the weight is. Yeah I was kind of worried that may be the problem - it's just too even on both sides. I should have no problem replacing the axle. Seems like a pretty straightforward job. Do you know if it's alright to install a straight axle, instead of one with a 4" drop on it? This would make the camper ride a bit higher, but should be alright.. Also, any idea where to order such things from? |
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tk421
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by tk421 on Jun 20, 2011 22:16:14 GMT -5
That would make a lot of sense - I do notice a LOT of sway during windy days.. I was thinking bent axle perhaps, but springs would make sense too! Thanks |
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Post by universalexports on Jun 20, 2011 22:20:29 GMT -5
a straight axle will be fine, it will sit about 3 inches higher, if you are not worried about it being 100% original Shasta stuff any Trailor maker or repair shop should have an axle with the right width and weight requirements. my axle has been flipped up side down, so mine sits way high, I plan on flipping it back maybe this weekend.  |
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tk421
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Posts: 9
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Post by tk421 on Jun 20, 2011 22:45:49 GMT -5
Awesome, thanks again!
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Post by Atomic Addiction on Jun 21, 2011 2:01:26 GMT -5
Hmm interesting. I usually run my tires at 50psi, but they say rated 65psi.. Is it possible that could make so much of a difference? I'll post a pic just for reference - it's a pretty dramatic difference, and it's the same on both tires. I did buy the trailer last year so perhaps the previous owner ran the tires low / high. Holy cow. When you said wear I didnt think you ment that much. Those things are completely gone. Now that i see what you are talking about it may be a lot more than a little air in the tires. Brian |
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tk421
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by tk421 on Jun 21, 2011 17:37:42 GMT -5
Yeah I know - crazy hey? I didn't notice last year because I never looked far enough back... Could have had a blowout!
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Post by Bow_Tied on Jun 21, 2011 22:29:55 GMT -5
Before you go replacing a ton of parts it might be worth talking to a trailer shop. That is quite severe wear, I am surprised it stayed on the road, wow.
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