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Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem

Posted By: Duma

Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 05:09 PM

Ive never had this problem before but I got a fairly new boat trailer. Tires is like new but the thread on both wheels are getting wear out to almost bald on one side on both tires. Is there some thing wrong with my axle or do I just need to balance my wheel ? Planning on hitting Buchanan next week but now im out two tires. Not sure if I want to replace the tires if i have an axle problem. Tire pressure is checked at every trip and inflated properly.
Posted By: justchillin

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 05:37 PM

Are the tires wearing on the inside or outside edges ?
Posted By: Duma

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 05:50 PM

Inside edge on both tires.
Posted By: skeeter22

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 06:38 PM

How long has it been since the wheel bearings were replaced?
Posted By: justchillin

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 06:39 PM

My pontoon tires were doing the same thing and everyone told me the axle was overloaded. I went to a larger load range tire and no problems as of now. Went from a load range of D to an E. Have not pulled the boat very many miles though. I did however fail to inflate my tires to proper psi on the one's that were wearing badly. I thought they were supposed to be 50 psi and actually they were supposed to be 70 psi. I was running them @ 45 psi. So still not real sure on if it was the axle or way under inflation was my issue. Don't think my response helps you any , just giving you my experience.
Posted By: Yaffe (Jeff)

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 07:07 PM

Need a higher load rated tire
Posted By: Duma

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/14/16 07:12 PM

Originally Posted By: skeeter22
How long has it been since the wheel bearings were replaced?


The trailer is a 2014 model. The bearings are the original bearings that came with the trailer. Bearings got bearings buddy's and is always full of grease.
Posted By: Easeup

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/15/16 01:07 AM

when the boat is too heavy for the trailer axle, the axle will bend similar to a smiley face. the bowed axle then positions the tire/wheel so that the inside edge carries most of the wheel load and the outside edge of the tire is turned up and is not loaded so much. So the wear on the tire is on the area most loaded. there is no fix other than get a heavier rated axle or lighten the boat. changing tires wont help much.
Keep in mind the trailer axle bearings are likely overloaded also. Keeping good grease and reducing your highway speed will help them a little not to run hot in Texas heat.
Posted By: Tx Tree Grower

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/15/16 03:44 AM

It certainly doesn't hurt to check the bearings. I replace mine every other year when I replace water pump and plugs on the outbound. Bearings are cheap and easy to replace. It is possible that your axle is bent from hitting something. However, the most likely cause is the axle is simply overloaded. New axles really are not that expensive. We buy 5000lb axels rigged for electric brakes here locally for less than $200 each. Will have to replace u bolts and possibly leaf springs. If the bolts are not crazy rusted its a half day job at most. Ive found that a good many of the boat trailers made today, especially on the bass pro and cabella brands of boats are mostlly junk. Poorly made with horrible Chinese made components.

The other option is to put a set of tires on it every few years and call it good. This option would bother me some personally, but it is probably what most people would do.
Posted By: mwacosta

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/15/16 10:57 AM

First make sure you use a trailer tire with an acceptable load rating. I had similar problems (uneven wear) using a bias ply tire. I only use load rated radials and I have not had a problem since. Bias ply trailer tires which is the first ones that they will try to sell you will wear unevenly (develop flat spots when sitting and take a while to round out when heading down the road). They are ok for trailering short distances. I would specifically ask for a load rated radial, it is worth the few dollars extra.
Posted By: Duma

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/15/16 12:03 PM

Thanks guys. A lot of good info and advice. I'm sure if not many some will run into this problem at some times down the road and has the slightest clue where to start looking. On my auto mobile it was easy balance,rotate,alignment problem resolved. On fix axle I don't think alignment is an option. I'll just have to try everything you guys suggested. If it doesn't work out I'll have to take it to a trailer specialist and pay them to check it out. Again Thanks!!
Posted By: Stump jumper

Re: Not sure where to ask this question about boat trailer tires problem - 08/15/16 05:25 PM

I keep my trailer tires at the max PSI on the sidewall. When I have wear it is because I have failed to do this.
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