Uneven Trailer Tire Wear, Left Side Tire Nearly Bald

[sdcaller]

When I got back from Owen Sound on Tuesday and backed the boat into the garage, I noticed the left side trailer tire is nearly bald.

Right side is maybe 60-70% worn.

Tires are 8 years old and probably should be replaced, but I'm concerned about the wear on the left which has come on suddenly?

Thoughts??

Would appreciate any input.

Thanks

SDC

[king killer]

Had the same thing happen to me. Bit the bullet and bought a rand new axle. Problem solved. Wasnt much either. 250$ i think although that was a few years ago. Boat was a 17.5ft lund. No more worrying.

[Fisherman]

Either a bent axle stub or loose bearing, loose bearing is easy to check.

[fishmagnet]

Get two new tires... Easy..
I'm not saying buy the best ones, but definitely don't get the cheapest especially if you trailer a lot and far distances..
8 years is pretty good..
Cheers..

[metalbuckle]

Hi Ralph,

Try jacking up the bad side and spin the wheels manually, see if they are running straight or wobbly / warped... If they are not running straight, it might be the bearing. Also try to see the alignment of the axle, if it's bent or now perfectly straight with the other side, it might need to be adjusted / replaced.

Also try rotating the tires once a year, to even out the wear...

[Newburg007]

When you replace the tires, I found the best "bang for the buck" was at Costco.

"Radial" trailer tire mouned on white spoke steel rim (ST175/80R13 -- item #1077056) was $97.99 + $3.30 tire levy + HST and delivery was FREE!

That's about half of Can. Tire! And the tires are fresh (less than a month old).

Good luck with this.

[porkpie]

Last time I ended up with uneven tire wear it was a bent axle. Start with the bearings,move on from there. 8 years is pretty good but if the wear is really unusual (like mine was) it’s worth having it in to have the axle checked. I just had the local welding shop build me a new axle and bolted it up myself!

[kevb81]

As already stated jack up and check for play also check the suspension make sure everything is tight. Let us know what you find

[sdcaller]

Jacked it up today and spun the wheels and checked bearing wobble. None.
Checked the springs and all mounting points and everything seems fine.
I did notice the bearing on the right wheel is leaking a bit of grease at the back.

Trailer is a 2000 Legend/Shorelander with Bearing Buddies which I keep well greased.

I got it and the boat in 2006 and since I have never had the bearings changed, I suspect they are the original bearings.

I shall get new tires and have the bearings replaced and go from there.

Thanks for the input.

SDC