Forum Discussion

SpeakEasy's avatar
SpeakEasy
Explorer
Mar 20, 2023

Tire Rotation

Later this week I'll be re-packing my wheel bearings. My trailer has four wheels. While I have this project underway it would be very easy to rotate my tires. I've never heard or read anything about rotating trailer tires. I can't see any benefit to rotating front-to-back, but maybe side-to-side? Is there any benefit or harm to doing so? Do any of you do this routinely? Why or why not?

Thanks,
Speak
  • ssthrd's avatar
    ssthrd
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2023
    Wouldn't hurt a thing, but if tire wear is the same at all four corners, I wouldn't bother.
  • WayneAt63044's avatar
    WayneAt63044
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2023
    Look at the wear patterns of the tire treads. You'll get more wear from a set of tires by rotating if one or more aren't aligned well. Move the best tire to the location that has the most wear, etc.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 20, 2023
    WayneAt63044 wrote:
    Look at the wear patterns of the tire treads. You'll get more wear from a set of tires by rotating if one or more aren't aligned well. Move the best tire to the location that has the most wear, etc.


    I agree with this. No real reason not to rotate, but most cases, unless an obviously bad alignment, all tires will need replacing due to time, rather than wear.

    I don't think there is a specific pattern of rotation for tandem axle trailer tires. I would not bother rotating mine, especially if any extra work to do so.

    Jerry
  • RetiredRealtorR's avatar
    RetiredRealtorR
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2023
    No real reason to rotate, but what harm could it do?
    I'd go front to back on each side. Keep 'em rolling in the same direction.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Mar 20, 2023
    While you have the tires off, give them a good bath. Good tire maintenance.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Mar 20, 2023
    Tires on my 5er never showed any difference in wear between the 4 so I never bothered to rotate them. .
  • Mike134's avatar
    Mike134
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2023
    I do a 5 tire rotation this way I get use out of the spare rather than letting it age out on the bumper. I've never had tires age out yet, but I put 8-10K per year on the trailer.
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2023
    Speaking of "aging out"... how old are your tires? If they are the ones that came with the camper, definitely think about replacing them. Yes, they may look great, but they will fail eventually.

    I've never rotated the trailer tires, but I keep an eye on how they are wearing.

    We just don't put enough miles on it - so I've replaced the tires due to age rather then mileage / wear.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Mar 21, 2023
    This should be a fun batch of responses….
    To answer the question, ZERO need to rotate trailer tires. Unlike vehicles, which some here honestly don’t believe in rotating….lol
  • SpeakEasy's avatar
    SpeakEasy
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2023
    Tvov wrote:
    Speaking of "aging out"... how old are your tires? If they are the ones that came with the camper, definitely think about replacing them. Yes, they may look great, but they will fail eventually.

    I've never rotated the trailer tires, but I keep an eye on how they are wearing.

    We just don't put enough miles on it - so I've replaced the tires due to age rather then mileage / wear.


    Yeah, the originals are long gone. The current ones are three years old. Thanks for the idea though.

    -Speak

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