question about tire wear , with pics

[rentprop1]

I picked up a used cargo trailer over the weekend, and since I don't know a lot about tire wear I thought I could ask here and see what you guys thought, I mean, how different is a boat trailer compared to a cargo trailer ?? Except weight shifting around ??

Basically the past history in unknown to me, I have already swapped this tire with the spare which was in about 95% condition and just 4 years old, just wondering what might have caused this wear, its only on the drivers front axle of a tandem axle trailer. The crappy tire is now my spare till next payday.

the specs : 6 x 14 foot V-nose cargo trailer tandem axle empty weight about 1900 lbs, max 7000
tire size ST 205/75/R15 , yes the tires are all the same size, but front are different manufacturer than rear ?
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pics...click any picture for full size
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note the center raised height, shown with a piece of cardboard to represent level, the center tread is a good 1/4 inch above the next line of tread, and then the outer tread is raised again ??...The wear is not symmetrical all the way around, its higher on one side
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[EddiePetty]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

I believe what you have there is a ply separation in progress. That tire is junk and not even fit for a temporary spare.
Check the 'twin' to this tire for proper inflation and trueness.

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

There's been no support down the middle of the tire, either because of low air pressure or belt failure as Eddie pointed out, which seems most likely.

 

[Patfromny]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

It looks to me like it was underinflated for awhile. Maybe under inflated and carrying a large load? could be an inner band problem but the bands run diagonally so I doubt it. I wouldn't use it just to be on the safe side. weird that would happen on a tandom but who knows if the tire spent it's entire life on that trailer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

Since this is the only tire with that issue, consider a bent spindle on that wheel. Tandem axle trsilers must scrub the tires I sharo turns. If that tire was under inflated that wear could occur. You cannot load one tire more than the others on a trailer with an equalizer tandem setup as yours apparently does. This is an issue with torsion axles.

 

[Patfromny]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

It looks to me like it was underinflated for awhile. Maybe under inflated and carrying a large load? could be an inner band problem but the bands run diagonally so I doubt it. I wouldn't use it just to be on the safe side. weird that would happen on a tandom but who knows if the tire spent it's entire life on that trailer.

Sorry. I just took a closer look at the pics and would have to agree with Eddie Petty. There doesn't seem to be any wear on the outside of the tire. Either a falty tire or it was damaged during install. Throw it away and get a new tire.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

If that were my tire, I'd buy a new pair and keep the one presently on your trailer that's still good as a spare. Throw that one (pictured) in the trash. That way you know you have good rubber on the road all the way around.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

Worn center is overinflation. Worn sides is underinflation.

 

[Patfromny]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

That was my first thought foodfisher but if you look at the pics there isn't any significant wear on that tire. the outside almost looks brand new. nice crisp edge.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

+1
It looks like it was run under inflated for a while.

Unless there is something else wrong with the tire;
Inflate it properly and go use it.
The center tread will wear faster and eventually it will look normal again.

 

[Hoobz]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

Is it a retread/remold/recap or whatever you fellas over there call it?

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

It would appear that this tire was run underinflated and overloaded to cause this type of wear.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

thanks everyone for all the replies :joyous:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

What is the date code on the side of the tire?

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: question about tire wear , with pics

agreed on underinflated. still a good tire.