Uneven Tire wear (FR 25fbls = Micro Lite)

mcsebald · 01-17-2021, 10:51 PM

I've got a 2018 model with 10 - 15K on it is a best guess.
I've still got the Castle Rock Tires which I inspect every time before w camp and so far, have looked pretty damn normal until now! Today I noticed that a couple of the tires are worn on the outside of the tread. Not all but a couple, one which is only worn on about 1' in length on the outside tread and again, not all the way around. Has anyone ever seen/heard of something like this? I have the Torflex axels which I understand aren't adjustable. I'm going to call them tomorrow just to see what they say. Was wondering if anyone has any info in this regard?

Mark

clintbonnie73 · 01-18-2021, 04:22 PM

I got the same problem on my Rockwood mini lite with Castle Rock china tires ST 205/75R14.. but my wear is on the inside of the thread, just one tire. Let us know after you call the axle people.. I am hoping it is just a tire problem, maybe a belt inside the tire.. I have replaced the tires last week with GoodYear Endurance...

phillyg · 01-19-2021, 11:03 AM

Torflex is just Dexter's marketing name for their version of a torsion suspension. I don't know if they're adjustable, or not. But, I do know from experience that spindles on torsion axles can bend. I had to replace two complete axles on my boat trailer because I went over a curb and bent both spindles on that side. I suspect your tire wear is from a bent spindles, or the axle is simply not aligned. You'd have to go to an axle specialist to know for sure.

clintbonnie73 · 01-19-2021, 01:14 PM

Thx guys, Well, I did a "rough" check myself using a straight edge and level after leveling the trailer with the tires off and don't see any difference in all four axles.. I would take the trailer to a frame/axle alignment outfit here but none are available without going 160 miles to Seattle.. With my new Good Years, I will keep a close eye on wear for 1st thousand miles, measuring thread wear with my calipers..
I did find my lugs nuts to be junk.. a 2 piece compressed type nut which are already rounding off due to the lug wrench..(nothing to do with the tire wear) Replaced them all with solid nuts from Amazon.com. Had the same problem on my 2015 Ford Escape.

Lins · 01-19-2021, 01:33 PM

160 miles is nothing. The only thing I find weird is the one isn't worn all the way around. Do you have a picture? I have one axle with a bent spindle, not bad so I just rotate the tires for now. I'll eventually order two new axles.

TitanMike · 01-19-2021, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clintbonnie73

Thx guys, Well, I did a "rough" check myself using a straight edge and level after leveling the trailer with the tires off and don't see any difference in all four axles.. I would take the trailer to a frame/axle alignment outfit here but none are available without going 160 miles to Seattle.. With my new Good Years, I will keep a close eye on wear for 1st thousand miles, measuring thread wear with my calipers..
I did find my lugs nuts to be junk.. a 2 piece compressed type nut which are already rounding off due to the lug wrench..(nothing to do with the tire wear) Replaced them all with solid nuts from Amazon.com. Had the same problem on my 2015 Ford Escape.

I'd check more like every 500 miles and if you see wear developing on one tire, consider rotating it regularly to different positions at regular intervals. Won't cure the cause but will even the wear on the tires until you either replace the axle or get it to a shop (where they will most likely replace the axle). Once a wear pattern seriously establishes itself even if you do fix the cause, the wear pattern will still continue.

As an example, a replacement torflex axle (3500# idler w/brake flanges, no brake assemblies/drums) will sell for ~$450. Might be able to pick up at a truck/axle distributor like Six Roblee's in Seattle to save some freight.

A couple hours to change out axle. Overall you'll be ahead the amount a shop would mark up the axle and charge for labor. You'd also save the cost of a haul from where you are N of Wenatchee to Seattle and back, not to mention the fact you might have to leave the rig for a few days to get it in the shop.

TitanMike · 01-19-2021, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lins

160 miles is nothing. The only thing I find weird is the one isn't worn all the way around. Do you have a picture? I have one axle with a bent spindle, not bad so I just rotate the tires for now. I'll eventually order two new axles.

Except that where he lives, Seattle is on the other side of a mountain range and depending on the route he takes one or two mountain passes that are nasty this time of year.

I live on the Seattle side of these mountains and about the same latitude. Towing a trailer across them this time of year is definitely not something I'd want to do and I've been known for doing dumb things in my life.

Lins · 01-19-2021, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Except that where he lives, Seattle is on the other side of a mountain range and depending on the route he takes one or two mountain passes that are nasty this time of year.

I live on the Seattle side of these mountains and about the same latitude. Towing a trailer across them this time of year is definitely not something I'd want to do and I've been known for doing dumb things in my life.

I have plenty of experience on mountain passes. I didn't say he had to do it today. If he's really concerned about it and he's having good weather to camp now, there will be good days to make a mountain pass

Alabama Potter · 01-20-2021, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsebald

I've got a 2018 model with 10 - 15K on it is a best guess.
I've still got the Castle Rock Tires which I inspect every time before w camp and so far, have looked pretty damn normal until now! Today I noticed that a couple of the tires are worn on the outside of the tread. Not all but a couple, one which is only worn on about 1' in length on the outside tread and again, not all the way around. Has anyone ever seen/heard of something like this? I have the Torflex axels which I understand aren't adjustable. I'm going to call them tomorrow just to see what they say. Was wondering if anyone has any info in this regard?

Mark

Mark. Same thing got us on our microlite. It WAS frame related. We were off only 1/8 inch and got the frame fixed. I can’t figure out how to send you to my post about it but a local frame and axel shop fixed it for $200. No more issues. Google RV Frame and axel repairs. Commercial trucking shop may be of help. Good luck.
Chris

**ependydad** · 01-20-2021, 03:47 PM

Here's a current thread about a misaligned axle that might be helpful to you:

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...nt-223601.html

KEN9XL · 01-20-2021, 08:27 PM

Unknown if you are having a similar problem as I did.

See this forum post from September 2018 at
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ny-166486.html

In brief checked alignment both sides up & down vs front to back, all good.
Had all four wheel bearings changed & repacked along with bad tire. Did not resolve problem. Had rear axle swapped out and found it was bent slightly.

Problem solved - Tires wearing correctly now. No issue since.
Unknown if manufacture problem or otherwise. RV was out of warranty.

TimVWulp · 01-24-2021, 04:00 PM

Hi have you checked the tire very carefully? You may have the start of some broken bands in side the tire. This can cause uneven tie ware and will lead to tire failure.
15,000 miles is a lot of miles. I got to about 23,000 miles when this started to happen. Tire shop said that 2 of the tires were coming apart and it was more than time to replace them.

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