Flat spots on front axle tires

[Texas_Two_Stepp]

Since I bought my 2013 Excel I have been having problems with flat spots on the tires on the front axle. These areas are about 10” apart with one usually being worse than the others, and worse on the curb side. I have bought 3 new tires over the past two years because of this. The tires are 17.5 Michelin load J and are expensive. The undercarriage, calipers etc. are Dexter. Total trailer weight 15.5k with app. 6k on each axle. I have recently learned that the problem may be related to the braking rotational force exerted from the rear axle thru the equalizer bar causing a slight lifting force on the front axle and causing those front tires to skid. I think the cause of this may be from two things: being slightly nose high (I do this to get about 7” clearance above the bed rails) would cause a little more weight on the rear wheels when braking and being heavy on the drivers side (2 slides, 4 batteries and refer. vs 1 slide on curb side). I set my brakes by the prescribed procedure and run air pressure per tire charts.
I do not know how to solve this problem except buying new tires. I do have 3-3 position spring hangers(?) on each side which are all set in the highest position. I have been thinking about lowering the front 2 hangers on each side to the middle position but don’t know how that will effect things.
Your input will be appreciated.

[rhagfo]

Texas Two Steppers wrote:
Thanks for the responses. When I say nose high I would have to lower the front of the rig 2-3 inches for the bubble to be in the middle of a level. By the highest position on spring hangers I mean the rig is highest at that setting. I am not sure maneuver Jack rig is, but the B&W hitch does not slide. I feel that I need the 7 inch clearance because we boondock camp a lot and need that much.

You could look into Correct Track, it is good for 2" at the axles.

[garyp4951]

Sounds to me that you need to get some weight off of the rear axle, and on the front axle. You can do this by lowering the front, raising the back, or shifting the load some how.

[Dan_Henry]

Have you had the alignment checked on the traler axles, friend had a simulate ware pattern and had the axles aligned and the problem went away, most large truck alignment shops can do the alignment check, a little expensive but the tires are not cheap.

Dan

[laknox]

Texas Two Steppers wrote:
Thanks for the responses. When I say nose high I would have to lower the front of the rig 2-3 inches for the bubble to be in the middle of a level. By the highest position on spring hangers I mean the rig is highest at that setting. I am not sure maneuver Jack rig is, but the B&W hitch does not slide. I feel that I need the 7 inch clearance because we boondock camp a lot and need that much.

Can we also assume that the springs are over the axles and not under? If so, you could add an easy 2" by installing a Correct Track system. It also gives you easy axle alignment. Any higher, then you're really looking at adding a sub-frame between the frame and the springs to lift the FW.

Lyle

[Old-Biscuit]

Texas Two Steppers wrote:
Thanks for the responses. When I say nose high I would have to lower the front of the rig 2-3 inches for the bubble to be in the middle of a level. By the highest position on spring hangers I mean the rig is highest at that setting. I am not sure maneuver Jack rig is, but the B&W hitch does not slide. I feel that I need the 7 inch clearance because we boondock camp a lot and need that much.

Where do you park rig....do you have to 'maneuver' (jack rig in)?

By that I mean....
Do you have to 'slide' 5th wheel into the parking spot where you have 5vr stored?

AS in 'jacking the truck and trailer at sharp angles when backing in/maneuvering to park it?

AS in causing trailer tires to slide---scuffing them---causing flat spots from tight maneuvering?

[Me_Again]

Given the cost of 17.5 tires you noted maybe it is time for a subframe addition to level the trailer. While they are under there have them install 2x2 square tubes side to side at each hangers.

[Texas_Two_Stepp]

Thanks for the responses. When I say nose high I would have to lower the front of the rig 2-3 inches for the bubble to be in the middle of a level. By the highest position on spring hangers I mean the rig is highest at that setting. I am not sure maneuver Jack rig is, but the B&W hitch does not slide. I feel that I need the 7 inch clearance because we boondock camp a lot and need that much.

[pyoung47]

When I have had weird tire wear, it has always been due to wobbly wheels. Although this prob isn't your issue, be sure your wheels roll true with no wobble. I have cheap steel wheels that are subject to damage from tight turns.

[RustyJC]

WTP-GC wrote:
I would also contact the manufacturer, as they may have some familiarity with the issue.

Excel (Petersen Industries) is out of business.

Rusty

[WTP-GC]

Have you scoured the internet to see if other owners of the same rig are experiencing the same issue? If this is not a common problem, then its likely not a result of a design deficiency (note that there still may be product or installation deficiency). I would also contact the manufacturer, as they may have some familiarity with the issue.

In the event that you're having issues with the brakes and rotors, those can be replaced for less than the cost of tires.

[rhagfo]

Texas Two Steppers wrote:
..........
I do not know how to solve this problem except buying new tires. I do have 3-3 position spring hangers(?) on each side which are all set in the highest position. I have been thinking about lowering the front 2 hangers on each side to the middle position but don’t know how that will effect things.
Your input will be appreciated.

I assume the by "the highest position" you mean the position the has the 5er as high as possible at the axles. If by "the highest position" you mean the set of holes nearest the frame, then why not move to the holes furthest from the frame.

Unless you are near 13'-6" at your highest point I would be working to get the 5er as level as possible.

[Jack_Spratt]

Time to replace/upgrade your front shocks.

[Old-Biscuit]

If you have the adjustment holes in shackles then why not 'level' 5th wheel and eliminate the nose-high condition :H

On my 5th wheel each hole resulted in 2" height difference.


As suggested follower car to watch what action is going on when braking.

Find it hard to imagine at 15K you can actually 'lock up' trailer brakes sufficiently to cause 'flat spotting' --------that takes some heavy skidding

Where do you park rig....do you have to 'maneuver' (jack rig in)?

[time2roll]

I would have a vehicle follow me with a driver and a spotter to observe the lock-up, wheel hop, or suspension dynamics.
You should have a copilot for communication with second vehicle.