It's been quite awhile since I posted on the forums since I've been busy working and out camping every chance I get this summer!
On my last trip out I noticed the outside edges of both tires on the rear axle of my trailer are wearing uneven. The inside of the tires on both sides are about bald, with the outside on both not far behind. The tread in the middle doesn't look bad, but is more worn than the tires on the front. Both front tires are showing some wear, but look like they're wearing nice and even.
My initial thought is this rear tire wear is not normal and that I should get an alignment before investing in new treads, but I have no idea where one goes to get a trailer aligned or if it's even possible. My second thought is maybe this outer edge wear on dual axle trailers with cheap OEM tires is normal and is caused by making sharp turns in campgrounds and cul-de-sacs. Any opinions?
These are the original tires (no-name brand) that came with the trailer, and they have seen two full years of use and about 14,000 total miles. Although that's not very many miles for a tire, I am still relatively impressed they held up as long as they did for being the stockers and being made in China.
I definitely want to get new tires before my next trip to avoid the risk of a blowout, and I want to make sure the Maxxis M8008's are still the way to go. I currently have 205/75R15 "C" tires on the trailer and I'm thinking it's worth the extra money to upgrade to the "D" load rating.
Another option I was considering are the Continental Vanco 2 tires in the 215/70 or 225/70 size since they are basically summer "rib" tires for light duty trucks and have a much higher load and speed rating than the Maxxis tires.
The only downside to the Vancos is that they specifically warn against using them in low temperatures or on snow or ice. I'm not sure how much of an issue this would be on a trailer, but I do tow all winter long and occasionally through some light snow. I would also have to order 5 Vancos since I couldn't keep my current spare due to the different tire size.
No matter which tire option I go with, I will be buying them through my local America's (Discount) Tire since I have bought countless tires through them and get great service and reasonable prices. Also, how "fresh" should I request the date code be on any of the tires I decide to order? Is any time within the previous six months reasonable?
Thanks much!
Josh
'96 Ford F250
'11 Komfort Resort 240RK (Caesar's Palace)
Portland, OR
Wearing on both edges but not the center USUALLY indicates too low an air pressure being used in the tires. I average over 40,000 towing miles with each set of Maxxis.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
Still happy with my Maxxis at 10,000 miles. I went up two sizes and load ranges when I replaced my OE's. As far as the Vanco, I don't know anything about them. I think their snow/ice disclaimer, just means they aren't M&S rated tires. I don't see how cold air temp would be an issue. Good luck.
2008 Dodge 3500 With a Really Strong Tractor Motor...........
LB, SRW, 4X4, 6-Speed Auto, 3.73, Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro........
2007 Komfort 212 on 225 75R 15E Maxxis 8008 Tires.........
skipnchar wrote: Wearing on both edges but not the center USUALLY indicates too low an air pressure being used in the tires. I average over 40,000 towing miles with each set of Maxxis.
Good luck / Skip
Thanks for the reply Skip!
I am running my current tires at the maximum 50 psi they're rated for, although the rear of the trailer is pretty heavy being it's a RK layout with the 50 gallon fresh water tank behind the rear axles that is almost always full. I have weighed both axles at DOT scales several times when loaded up to make sure I'm not over axle capacity, and I've always been under.
Just remember if increasing Load Range to check RIM RATINGS FIRST. No sense overloading rims. Usually stamped on rear, or in valley UNDER the tire.
If changing tire SIZE be sure to check required rim WIDTH. LR-C tires are usually on 5 or 5.5" rims. 225's usually are 6" minimum. Not sure on 215's.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
skipnchar wrote: Wearing on both edges but not the center USUALLY indicates too low an air pressure being used in the tires. I average over 40,000 towing miles with each set of Maxxis.
Good luck / Skip
Thanks for the reply Skip!
I am running my current tires at the maximum 50 psi they're rated for, although the rear of the trailer is pretty heavy being it's a RK layout with the 50 gallon fresh water tank behind the rear axles that is almost always full. I have weighed both axles at DOT scales several times when loaded up to make sure I'm not over axle capacity, and I've always been under.
Skip is right!
I would suggest you check your air gauge against several others. I had one that was reading incorrectly.
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