uneven tire wear

[outthere]

Just finished a 3300 mi trip and found that the curbside tire had worn much faster than the driver's side. The tire shop checked for loose bearings and found everything to be ok. The tires were purchased at the same time and balanced. The only thing I can figure is that the curbside is heavier due to kitchen equipment, fresh water, etc. Any ideas?
My trailer is a 17' 2002 Casita freedom deluxe with Dexter torsion axle.

[Brian B-P]

The axle might not be straight across the trailer, or the tongue could be bent, in either case causing the trailer to tow off-centre... but that's just speculation.

I think the uneven loading is a more likely situation, and I would check for that first, by taking the trailer to a truck scale and weighing each side separately.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by outthere

Just finished a 3300 mi trip and found that the curbside tire had worn much faster than the driver's side. The tire shop checked for loose bearings and found everything to be ok. The tires were purchased at the same time and balanced. The only thing I can figure is that the curbside is heavier due to kitchen equipment, fresh water, etc. Any ideas?
My trailer is a 17' 2002 Casita freedom deluxe with Dexter torsion axle.

Perhaps it has hit a curb or other obstacle which knocked that side out of alignment.Do you have a picture of the worn tire or a description of the wear?

[outthere]

Originally Posted by floyd

Perhaps it has hit a curb or other obstacle which knocked that side out of alignment.Do you have a picture of the worn tire or a description of the wear?

Don't have a pic but I'll try to describe: there were some bald spots and then tread, bald spot and tread. Wear was predominantly on the outside of the tire. Very strange wear pattern. I should have snapped a picture before the tire was tossed.

[partslady9]

My 2001 Spirit 16' is at the repair shop getting new bearings. My tires look great but we are going to check the actual age - do not want to head to Texas in summer with faulty tires. Never thought about the uneven loading from side to side, my kitchen & tank are all curbside, nothing much street side except battery - thanks for pointing this out. Newbie,
Elaine

[Ian G.]

Hi James
Without seeing pictures it is difficult to diagnose but cupped wear is usually one of 3 causes:

1) worn parts or loose bearings - you mentioned that the shop checked the bearings so they are not the cause, and I would find it highly unlikely that the Dexter axle were worn on a 2002

2) tire out of balance - tires extremely out of balance will cause exactly the wear you are describing and this could be the cause.

3) Internal tire failure - a tire will often show very unusual wear patterns and cupping if the internal structure of the tire has failed or shifted.

I rather doubt that weight is an issue since there are many Casitas on the road and the problem you describe is unusual.

My recommendation would be to take your trailer to a shop where the axle alignment can be checked. The second thing I would do is definitely replace the tires, any wear on a trailer tire is an indication that a catastrophic failure could happen just down the road. Finally make sure the tires are balanced.

[Roy in TO]

Here is a thread with pictures and good discussion. Turns out the culprit was the axle.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ear-58782.html

Was your tire wear like that shown?

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Ian G.

Hi James
Without seeing pictures it is difficult to diagnose but cupped wear is usually one of 3 causes:

Cupping! Google is your friend!