lightweight double axle trailer problem

b79holmes · Aug 30, 2016

I'll get the brand next time I go out, doesn't really matter for this question anyway.

I have a lightweight 6 x 10 ft double axle trailer, just big enough to hold the Gator and useful for yard work.
It developed a slight shake at around 40mph and one tire wore out really fast. The other 3 look almost new.
It pulls fine otherwise.

I needed to move the Gator so switched the worn tire and the spare and again it pulls fine.

Thinking there is something loose or broken I bring it to the dealer.
All they can find is that the tire (originally the spare) is egg shaped and replace it.
Odd I had two egg shaped tires! Mechanic is baffled.

The heaviest item I have carried is one yard of loam and I have not crashed it. Maybe only the slightest bump parking in the barn.

I have a 6" drop tongue on my Suburban so it is being pulled almost level.
I am going to email the manufacturer but what do you think is up?

MikeJM · Aug 30, 2016

Almost certainly tires, how old are they? What brand?
I find most casual use trailer tires are replaced due to age/sudden failure and not wear. Trailer tires are probably the most neglected tires out there, I know I've had my fair share of thread seperation and blow outs, started using new tires instead of pickup truck take offs and stopped having problems.

Mike

jon f mn · Aug 30, 2016

Bad tires are common. Doesn't sound like a trailer problem to me. Broken cords in tires are not usually caused by trailer issues. What size tires are they? I would replace the tires with a quality radial tire if posible and see what happens.

Leroy · Aug 30, 2016

Check to see that one wheel on that axle did not get out of alignment To me it sounds like possibly the axle was never welded straight from factory and the wheel that is making the problem is slightly sliding sideways as you drive and that will whear out a tire fast. I think you will find the problem in the axle where that tire wore out fast. Also check wheel bearings and if it has breaks on that axle the brack also. You would not notice the bent axle pulling it with it being bent enough to do that to a tire.

Steve@Advance · Aug 30, 2016

If the tires have an "ST" prefix, they are special trailer tires. Supposedly they have stiffer sidewalls to help prevent sway.

Personally, I think it's a way to skirt the safety requirements, allow the mfg to build substandard tires. Long history of being no good!

If you suspect alignment problems, run your hand back and forth across the tread. If your hand slides easier one way than the other, the tread is being pulled toward the side, an indication of tow in or out.

ditchwitch · Aug 30, 2016

I think a couple folks have hit on some possible problems. Maybe a axle bent or welded out of line.also axle hangers that are welded on trailer frame could be off making the one axle dog track. And of coarse you could have broken belts in a tire to cause it to wear crazy patterns also.
Just another FYI. Look down the side of the trailer are the wheels standing straight and inline with frame. And do the same thing when loaded. If something broken like a weld or something it could show up then.

jacksun65 · Aug 30, 2016

check your trailer alignment. tie a circle in a string put over the ball and hook your trailer up run the string to the center of your axle. Easy as pie.

rustyfarmall · Aug 30, 2016

I forget the name brand now, but there is a line of tires marked specifically for trailer use only. Made in Beijing, China. Quite a few of those tires have been replaced long before they are worn out because they get egg-shaped. More than few were egg-shaped when first mounted and inflated. Easily visible by just looking.

I salvaged 4 of those tires from the local tire dealers "throw away" pile. The tread still looks brand new, but those tires are a LONG, LONG way from being round. I repurposed those tires. Didn't matter what shape they were in.

showcrop · Aug 30, 2016

I just replaced a bent axle on one of my tandem trailers but I know that it was from carrying two loads at a time, and it doesn't sound like you have done anything like that. Your problem sounds like simply a delamination or broken cord. I have had both, and it is not unusual.

Leroy · Aug 30, 2016

If it was different positions I might think that as well but both on same location and others all still in perfect shape, that I question about tire.

lightweight double axle trailer problem

b79holmes

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MikeJM

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jon f mn

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Leroy

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Steve@Advance

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ditchwitch

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jacksun65

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rustyfarmall

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showcrop

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Leroy

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