Tire Wear

[thataway]

Well, We just got into Calif--year Barstow, and I got a good look at our tire tread--we have 4700 miles on the 205/75/D14's (ST American Trail).
These are rated at 1760 per tire--I was told that the trailer capacity was 7,000 lbs, but apparently includes the trailer also. Our boat weighed in at 5500 (CD 25) stripped, and we carry minimal liquids, but I am sure we have at least 1000 lbs of gear, if not more.....(the heaviest stuff is in the SUV).

The dealer who sold me the trailer has not returned my calls--and had said originally that the trailer would be plenty of capacity--that the entire fame was rated for 8,000 lbs.

The left front tire has almost all of the inner 2" of tread worn off. There is some wear in the inner aspects of all of the other tires, and the center of the left rear dire is also worn to the bars--again only 4700 miles ! I keep the tires at 50 PSI and the temps are always less than 100 degrees.

I have put the spare on the bad tire--but am concerned why this wear has occured.

Potential problems--mis-alignment of the axels (torsion). Exceeding capacity of the axels--and causing mis alighment? Too much load for these tires?

The wheels are 5 studs, so I can only go up to 15" tires--and another 6o to 80 lbs capacity each tire--so if I am really overloaded, this will not help much.

Suggestions?

We are heading the the Los Angeles area--and ideas of good trailer shops in the LA area?

Thanks

Bob Austin

[Dora~Jean]

I don't know for sure if your tire problem is the same as mine when I trailered my trimaran across the US to Miami and had severe tire wear. It was the 18 wheelers, they were going 85 and I was doing 65, the change in air movement (depending on the wind direction) caused severe sway in both the trailer and tow vehicle. My van's right rear tire was completely bald when I got to Miami, 600 mi days. My trailer tires were worn about 1/2 when I finally got home (6,000 miles).

[SeaSpray]

Bob,

Are your tires bias ply or radials? My original tires were bias ply and they wore very oddly and quickly. I replaced them with Goodyear Marathon radials and just put about 2k miles on them and they show very little wear and none of the uneven wear.

If I was on the road I would try to get to a Shwab Tires store. I have had good service from them at different locations.

Good Luck,
Steve

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Dr. Bob,

We had that situation several boats ago. After a discussion with an alignment shop, it was recommended that we go with a higher load rating on the tire and they aligned the axel by putting a slight bend in it. I had concerns about that last part, but it did the trick.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[jhwilson]

I also belong to another forum which is for owners of Casita travel trailers. These molded fiberglass trailers come with 14 inch Marathon ST tires on a single axle. It seems there Load C rating is only marginal for the campers and many owners have had uneven wear and tread seperation. The best fix discussed so far is replacement with 205 x 80 14" Kumho commercial tires with a Load D rating. They carry 65 lbs. of air pressure and are rated at 99 mph. They are not ST tires. Another concern about ST tires has been their "shelf life". Some members of the other forum have quoted sources in the tire industry to say that ST tires need to be replaced after 4 or 5 years regardless of mileage. Don't know whether that is an easy sell or if there is evidence to support that claim.

[C-Hawk]

Dr Bob,

I don't know any trailer shops in L.A.- I'm sure there are plenty.
Ventura is just north of L.A.
We take our trailer to MCT Trailers for service, they do a great job for us

MCT Trailers
1680 N. Olive St.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 653-6800

[thataway]

Thanks so much for the replies. I did get thru to my trailer guy--called me at 4AM Calif time! The tires were manufactured within the year by codes on the tires. They are ST, not radials--and that may be a factor.

I had been thinking about the Marathons, but the Komho in load range D is an excellent suggestion also--I had not found those.

One of the problems is that with the 5 lug wheels, I can only go to a tire which is about 60 to 80 lbs greater rating per tire (at least what I can find so far in the internet).

Schabe is a great idea--I'll check them out.

Also first thing will be weighing the rig and see what we have with the boat in traveling forum.

We will be at Chance Park in MDR for the next three days, assuming that there is space....

Again: thanks!

Bob

[Sneaks]

Bob, I've dealt with Pacific Trailers directly and found them to be very knowledgable, especially with C-Dory boats since they supply most So Cal dealerships and have for a long time. They are in Carson CA, which is not far from the Ontario airport and not far from Interstate 15.

If the work is extensive, you may not be able to get instant service, but you will get very knowledgable advice if you simply tow the rig there during working hours. I own a Pacific trailer and got warranty work done "while you wait" cheerfully and quickly.

Don

[thataway]

Don,
Thanks for the Pacific Trailers thoughts--I think I had a Pacific in the past and it was very good. They are in Chino--which is near Ontario (Carson is near San Pedro)--but I have lived in both areas long ago...so I got the phone # and may drop by and have them take a look on the way in today.

The Truck tires are fine--and show virtually no wear and probably will have to be replaced due to age (I give tires 6 to 7 years from date of manufacture--but the problem is that they sit on the shelf for several years. '

No question that the horriable condition of some of our nation's roads contributed--but I suspect a load problem. My trailer guy confirmed that if the torsion axel comes too far down it does change the camber---and the bouncing may work along with this to increase wear.

OH well.. boating1

Bob

[Dora~Jean]

I have a Pacific Trailer also, excellent quality, excellent people to work with. I've never been to their factory(s) but have obtained knowledgable advice and parts (brakes) as needed. Don, instead of Carson, CA, I believe they are in Chino.

[Sneaks]

[thataway]

It would take one huge earth quake to move Chino to within 4 miles of Carson--maybe 40 is closer.

Either way, I weighed the CD 25 on the trailer at a certified scales--the way we usually travel--and it was 6540 lbs, on the axels--I estimate 600 lbs on the tongue weight, so we are just over 7000 lbs total weight and within the weight of the axels and tires. I kicked up the pressure by 5 PSI and will replace all of the tires.

Thanks,

Bob Austin

[C-Hawk]

Dr. Bob
If you are around in 2 weeks, try to meet up with us for the Santa Barbara Cruise. Would love to meet you.

Roger King

[Sneaks]

[DaveS]