Have
you noticed that the tires on your trailer are wearing funny? This may
be especially noticeable on car trailers (flatbeds) and boar trailers.
Below
is (2) charts and some photos to help you diagnose the problem:
Charts:
|
Under
Inflation - Wear on both edges:
Under
inflation of a tire reduces its tread life by increasing the
tread wear on its outside edges, or shoulders. It also generates
excessive heat which reduces tire toughness. Finally, it reduces
fuel economy through increased rolling resistance because soft
tires make your trailer and vehicle work harder. Abnormal tire
wear may also be caused by misalignment. |
|
Over
Inflation - Wear in center:
When
a tire is over inflated, the center of the tread bears most of
the load and wears out faster than the outside edges. Uneven
wear reduces the useful life of a tire.
|
|
Cupping
- Cups or dips in the tread:
Cupping
(also called dipping) is most common on front tires, although
rear tires can cup as well. It may be a sign that wheels are out
of balance, bearings are loose or that suspension parts are worn
out.
|
|
Inside
or Outside Wear:
If
the edges of your tire tread take on a sawtooth or feathered
appearance, it's because of erratic scrubbing against the road.
The solution is an alignment correction.
If
the inside of tire is smooth or shows signs of excessive wearing
it is likely the result of overloading the trailer. |
Some
wear issues could be from improper tire inflation. Make sure you're
running the proper tire pressure in your trailer tires.
Tire Size |
Max P.S.I Cold |
4.80x12 |
90 psi |
175/85D13 |
50 psi |
205/75D14 |
50 psi |
205/75D15 |
50 psi |
225/75D15 |
65 psi |
235/80R16 |
90 psi |
235/85R16 |
90 psi |
Photo
Examples:
(Wear
from being overloaded)
(Wear
from being over inflated)
(Wear
from being under inflated)
(Wear
from wheel locking up or skidding)
(Cupping
- see the high and low sections along the left)
|