Should trailer tires be rotated?

[ZmOz]

Simple question...single axle trailer...should the tires be rotated?

 

[DuPont Spinner]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

If the tires indicate an uneven wear pattern, rotating the tires may or may not help extend the life of the tire. Uneven wear on trailer tires would be indicative of a more serious problem, such as axle alignment, bent spindle, etc. On the otherhand, if the wear pattern shows no problems, I suppose you could rotate from side to side but I'm not sure what benefit you would get otherthan working up a sweat. Be that as it may, if it makes you feel more secure, do it. DuPont

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

If they are radials you are NOT supose to change the direction of rotation.... Personally I wouldn't do it even with bias ply.... It just seems like it would/could make for some odd handling.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

If you are getting uneven wear such as one tire wearing on the outside and the other on the inside better look at the U-Bolts that hold the axle to the springs, if you have just one wearing it will be a bent spindle or axel, if they are both wearing in the center of the tread they are over inflated for the load they are carrying, if they are both wearing on the edges of the tread they are either underinflated or to much load for the tires. Don't know what size tires you have there but most marine trailer tires inflate to 45 or 50lbs. I have never heard of anyone rotating trailer tires unless it has more than two axles.

 

[enegron]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

I called Pat Goss on this (from TV's "Motorweek). Radials CAN be rotated from one side of vehicle to another. Lots of folks refrain from this because of anecdotal references to bad Firestone tires from the 70s. Exceptions to the modifed X would be due to unidirectional tread patterns (Goodyear Gaterback), unidirectional rims (Acura Legends) or different sized wheels on the front & back(Dodge Viper).<br /><br />In fact, many manufacturers prescribe a "modified X" rotation scheme. Rears to the front. Left front to right rear - right front to left rear. It gives each tire a chance to do each positions job. If you have a full sized spare, you can even work that into the mix to extend the life of your tires. Just look in your owners manual to see whats acceptable for your vehicle. You may be suprised!

 

[wayne h]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

rotate tires what does that mean hahaha i never do it and have never done it.why wear out 4 tires when u can just replace 2.

 

[kkearney]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

Hello all:<br /><br />I've read the posts about rotating, but what about balancing the tires? <br /><br />Beginning this season my trailer hops at 25 and again at 35 mph...My tires aren't rotated and this is the first time I've experienced this hopping sensation. Bearings are new last year so I don't think its these<br /><br />Any suggestions?<br /><br />TIA

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

Rotating tires only evens out the wear patterns. As others have mentioned, if you're experiencing wear patterns, something else is wrong. Other than that, trailer tires seldom wear out, they just rot off.

 

[PDS]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

Saftyman, just a guess, but did you store your boat over the winter with the tires on a hard surface? If you did the weight of the trailer and boat create a flat spot on the tires. The flat spots will go away after a while. On subject I don't rotate mine(only a single axle) but if I had a dual axle I wouldn't. As was stated above, if there is a wear patern then something is probably out of alienment.

 

[kkearney]

Re: Should trailer tires be rotated?

PDS<br /><br />Yes, it was stored over the winter sitting on wide pieces of wood. Your thought about flat spots is what I was thinking also. I appreciate your response.<br />Happy boating<br /><br />Safetyman