Forum Discussion

richwebb's avatar
richwebb
Explorer
May 13, 2013

cougar axles

Hi everyone, I am in need of a bit of help and information. I have a 2007 cougar. Now I haven't put new tires on the trailer since new, and that is something that will be done. Now my brother was here the other day, and said to me your tires are wearing and your both your axles are bent. (They curve up in the middle a bit) Now he's never owned a trailer before so I am not sure. My neighbour said that they are suppose have a little bit of a bow. I will post some pictures later. If you can help me out that would be great!

Thanks.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2013
    Check the price on B.F. Goodrich Commercial TA (Load Range E; 80psi). probably size LT245/75R16. A good combination of price and durability.

    The axles look OK but it won't hurt to have the alignment checked and you might want to get individual wheel weights to make sure they are loading evenly.
  • richwebb's avatar
    richwebb
    Explorer
    May 15, 2013
    Thanks everyone for the replies. I am going to take the trailer in tomorrow and get some new tires and get an alignment done. Which are the best tires to purchase? I called around today. The ones they quoted me on were 10 ply I guess (sorry, don't know the tire terminology.

    Thanks.
  • phillyg's avatar
    phillyg
    Explorer II
    May 14, 2013
    There is a pre-bend in the axles. Looks to me like you're not overloaded and you've run the tires under-inflated, thus the extra wear on the edges. As long as both edges are worn equally, you probably don't have an alignment problem. Install new tires and take the rig to a truck spring/axle shop to have the alignment checked, just in case.
  • Likes_to_tow's avatar
    Likes_to_tow
    Nomad
    May 14, 2013
    Yes some axles do have an upward bow in the middle. Yes the pictures you displayed would lead me to believe you have under inflated tires causing the sides to carry all the weight. It does not take long to do this. Check the sidewall of your tire for recommended inflation and stay within 5lb of that. Tires need constant tire pressure check. They will lose pressure when sitting for long periods of time.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    My in-laws have a Cougar about that same vintage. Long story short, they ended up replacing the axles because when the trailer was loaded with water and their gear it was too much weight for the axles. Sounds like Keystone put the lightest axles possible on some of those trailers.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    May 14, 2013
    richwebb wrote:
    Here is pic from under the trailer


    Looking at the picture of this tire it looks like it is being run under inflated. Lots of tread in the center, and much less on the out side. They are D rated tires, if you can when you replace them get E rated and run at about 70 psi.
    Under inflated tires will lead to an early blowout.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    richwebb wrote:
    Duro Tires:

    H78-15ST
    ST 225/75D15


    You are on borrowed time with those tires. I had some of them once. Ditch them and get a set of Maxxis 8008D for it. The axles look OK to me from the pic. That doesn't mean they don't need to be aligned.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    May 13, 2013
    If your underinflated then the outside and inside edges will wear faster. If just the outside edge on all are wearing faster you may have too much camber. If only one is wearing on the outside then you may have an alignment problem.
    The axle should have an upward curve in the center. When a axle is over loaded the tires will be tilting in at the top. Under perfect conditions you tires unloaded will tilt slightly to the outside at the top. Then when the trailer is loaded up they should straighten out and be straight up and down.

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