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retiredrn's avatar
retiredrn
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014

Trailer Tires Appear to be Out of Line?

Last month we had a blow out of a tire on our 3 yr old Dutchman Aerolite 24 ft trailer. The rim was not damaged and since then we have had all the tires replaced.
When looking at the tires (2 per side) the rear tire on both sides appear to be sticking out farther than the tire to the front at times. We have noticed this ever since the blow out but are looking at them more critically now too. Today just as we were pulling away from the tire store they stopped us thinking something was wrong as well but by the time we got home the tires lined up perfectly.
My question is are the tires supposed to give a little since all the twisting they go through when backing up, turning sharply? We drove over 300 miles without a problem.
I do the majority of the towing and my husband says the tires have always done this while backing up etc.
  • As ScottG said, never leave them torqued. I did and when I unhooked the ball and raised my tongue the trailer shot sideways a foot and came tumbling off my block. Good thing my chains were still on and the only damage was a bent foot on my jack and the damage to my undershorts. I had chocks in place(cement driveway) but they were spit out. One of those never do that again lessons. Dave
  • ScottG wrote:
    It's normal for the tires to distort and stick out in turns. They're being pulled in different direction and something has to give a little.
    It's pretty horrific looking in a tight turn though!


    Amen to looking horrific. I've watched them while DH backs and it's unsettling but they're designed to do that.
  • ScottG wrote:
    FWIW, I never leave them parked in that attitude. I'm afraid they will begin to come apart internally and fail on the road.


    Same here. We straighten out and you should to relieve the stress on the sidewalls.
  • FWIW, I never leave them parked in that attitude. I'm afraid they will begin to come apart internally and fail on the road.
  • When turning a double axle vehicle the rear does have to give a little as the front is closest to the pivot point of the hitch point. The inside of the turn tire(s) go(es) in and the out side of the turn tire(s) go(es) out as the sidewall flexes especially with radial tires. The other factor is the torque of the tires flexes the beam of the axle which is not stiff but a beam that allows the tires and wheels the opportunity to flex with it for turns and bumps and load weights. You do want to load correctly with 60% of the weight in front of the center of the two axles and 40% to the rear. The tow vehicle and the trailer do have to be within 4 inches of level up or down from true level of the two vehicles on one level plane. With all this the tire maximum load at maximum inflation, (in pounds), on the heaviest side should be inflated for the load,( maximum inflation for maximum load), and less for lighter loads. All other tires are to be inflated to the same as the maximum side, as weight shifts as roadways slope. Getting back to the axle beams, they are not to exceed design load and when no load they will be bowed up in the center and should level out when at max load. If the axle sags down in the center, it is either overloaded or designed to weak for posted maximum weight, and may need a stiffener added to them. Always check your lug nuts for design tightness.
  • Thank you ScottG, that puts my mind to rest since we are going on another trip this weekend.
    Funny but my husband wasn't worried (and I thought he was) and I was the one panicking.
    Anyway we have larger 6 ply tires on now even though they are Chinese :( since USA RV tires are non-existant.
  • It's normal for the tires to distort and stick out in turns. They're being pulled in different direction and something has to give a little.
    It's pretty horrific looking in a tight turn though!