Inside tire wear, cause ?

[mcbridek]

So this is a Westlake tire on my 2021 E Pro, single dexter axle/suspension. The tire is completely worn down on the inside edge of the tire, no tread left, but look at the tread on the outside of the tire. Both tires have the same inside wear pattern.

The tires do have a lot of miles on them, guessing 30k, and I was planning on replacing before we take another trip. But my concern is if there is a problem causing the wear, I’ll end of ruining a new set of tires…. Also, I check tire pressure daily when we are traveling, the wear is not caused by incorrect tire pressure.

Any thoughts ?

 

[Odyknuck]

With both tires wearing similar, I suspect the axle was over loaded or installed upside down as they have a bow in them from the factory.

 

[TitanMike]

So this is a Westlake tire on my 2021 E Pro, single dexter axle/suspension. The tire is completely worn down on the inside edge of the tire, no tread left, but look at the tread on the outside of the tire. Both tires have the same inside wear pattern.

The tires do have a lot of miles on them, guessing 30k, and I was planning on replacing before we take another trip. But my concern is if there is a problem causing the wear, I’ll end of ruining a new set of tires…. Also, I check tire pressure daily when we are traveling, the wear is not caused by incorrect tire pressure.

Any thoughts ?

A close look at the picture seems to show the tire has most likely been toed out as edges if tread elements are sharp toward center of tire. Also very negative camber, normal being close to jero or slightly positive. This, coupled with very little wear on outside could indicate one or more of the following:

Bent axle, most likely toward the center and affecting both wheels;

Overloading which also affects both wheels;

Loose wheel bearings on both sides (possible but less likely),

Tire pressure issues not likely with this wear problem.

To me this would indicate either an axle alignment if you can find a shop with knowledge and desire to do the job or axle replacement.

Regardless, this needs to be addressed before buying new tires or issue will wear them out in the same way.

 

[mcbridek]

Update: After reading the responses above, I did a bit more research. First the axle has a Dexter sticker on it listing max weight 3900 lbs and it matches the GAWR on the Trailer - yellow sticker, so that's good.. Last time I was at the CAT scale with full water, propane and lithium battery installed the axle weight was under 3200. So no way have we been running over the max weight. I need to re-weigh the trailer on or next trip when we have groceries and clothes in the trailer, but that does not weigh much.

I reexamined the tires - driver side picture was in the first post, very worn on the inside all around the tire. When I look at the passenger side tire, most of the tire looks good, inside and outside, except for one 12 inch section where it is very worn on the inside edge. The two pictures below are from the passenger side, one shows were the tire looks good, the other the worn area. (for some reason the pictures are sideways, I can't figure how how to fix them)

In the next few weeks, the trailer goes into the dealer, we'll see what they say and I'll post an update.

 

[TitanMike]

Is this trailer equipped with solid axle or independent suspension?

 

[mcbridek]

Is this trailer equipped with solid axle or independent suspension?

The way a Dexter axle works is its a solid bar/axle across the unit and at each end there is a off set spline that has the suspension.

 

[5picker]

The way a Dexter axle works is its a solid bar/axle across the unit and at each end there is a off set spline that has the suspension.

Not ALL Dexter axles are torsion axles as in the photos you posted.

Non Torsion axles have some ability to replace a bent spindle but Torsion axle spindles cannot. Have you contacted Dexter? What year is your R/V? Any warranty?

 

[Brother Les]

Update: After reading the responses above, I did a bit more research. First the axle has a Dexter sticker on it listing max weight 3900 lbs and it matches the GAWR on the Trailer - yellow sticker, so that's good.. Last time I was at the CAT scale with full water, propane and lithium battery installed the axle weight was under 3200. So no way have we been running over the max weight. I need to re-weigh the trailer on or next trip when we have groceries and clothes in the trailer, but that does not weigh much.

I reexamined the tires - driver side picture was in the first post, very worn on the inside all around the tire. When I look at the passenger side tire, most of the tire looks good, inside and outside, except for one 12 inch section where it is very worn on the inside edge. The two pictures below are from the passenger side, one shows were the tire looks good, the other the worn area. (for some reason the pictures are sideways, I can't figure how how to fix them)

In the next few weeks, the trailer goes into the dealer, we'll see what they say and I'll post an update.

Replace the passenger side and get rid of tire, as, imo, you have a broken belt and one area has collapsed and has worn down. Have you ran your tires low on psi?

 

[mcbridek]

Status: So the trailer went into the dealer to have the axle evaluated. The axle spindle is bent causing the inside of the tire to wear. The dealer engaged Dexter, the axle manufacturer, and after a week of back and forth, Dexter is replacing the axle, paying for the labor and will pay for 1 tire, all under the Dexter axle warranty The axle is being shipped to the dealer. So that's good news, meaning the problem identified and is bein covered, but has me wondering what cause the axle spindle to bend. It has to be fairly recent and last year we towed the trailer to FL and 95 in South Carolina is one of the worst roads I have seen, but who knows.... as we have about 30k miles on the trailer. Trailer has been at the dealer for 3 weeks, I'm sure two more...

 

[Oaklevel]

Status: So the trailer went into the dealer to have the axle evaluated. The axle spindle is bent causing the inside of the tire to wear. The dealer engaged Dexter, the axle manufacturer, and after a week of back and forth, Dexter is replacing the axle, paying for the labor and will pay for 1 tire, all under the Dexter axle warranty The axle is being shipped to the dealer. So that's good news, meaning the problem identified and is bein covered, but has me wondering what cause the axle spindle to bend. It has to be fairly recent and last year we towed the trailer to FL and 95 in South Carolina is one of the worst roads I have seen, but who knows.... as we have about 30k miles on the trailer. Trailer has been at the dealer for 3 weeks, I'm sure two more...

Many possible causes including a pot hole.

 

[acadianbob]

Trailer axles seem to be relatively "fragile" IMO. A good sized pothole can be enough to bend an axle.

 

[5picker]

Status: So the trailer went into the dealer to have the axle evaluated. The axle spindle is bent causing the inside of the tire to wear. The dealer engaged Dexter, the axle manufacturer, and after a week of back and forth, Dexter is replacing the axle, paying for the labor and will pay for 1 tire, all under the Dexter axle warranty The axle is being shipped to the dealer. So that's good news, meaning the problem identified and is bein covered, but has me wondering what cause the axle spindle to bend. It has to be fairly recent and last year we towed the trailer to FL and 95 in South Carolina is one of the worst roads I have seen, but who knows.... as we have about 30k miles on the trailer. Trailer has been at the dealer for 3 weeks, I'm sure two more...

Yep... very possible there... or anywhere really.
These newer R/Vs are loaded so close to the max empty, that it seems even the smallest of bumps can play havoc. Even bumping a curb can mess things up.

There are some crater sized holes on I-95 in SC & GA. On our last trip through there, I seen two trailers where the hub had completely broken off and another with broken springs. That road is a salvage yard for broken trailer parts.

 

[Aussieguy]

gave up driving on 95 .... long before started towing again
Crap road

much nicer driving up 301 to i-26

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Trailer axles seem to be relatively "fragile" IMO. A good sized pothole can be enough to bend an axle.

One thing I've observed, some folks tow a trailer at breakneck speeds regardless of road conditions. I've observed trailers bouncing around like cans on strings behind a "just married" car. Driving while towing, the speed limit is not the option. Gotta drive slower and if the road is rough, gotta slow down some more. Yes, I do pull over to let a string of cars pass, but I am solely in control of my actions. Folks behind can slow down, pass or just suck it up.

Bob

 

[NJKris]

Status: So the trailer went into the dealer to have the axle evaluated. The axle spindle is bent causing the inside of the tire to wear. The dealer engaged Dexter, the axle manufacturer, and after a week of back and forth, Dexter is replacing the axle, paying for the labor and will pay for 1 tire, all under the Dexter axle warranty The axle is being shipped to the dealer. So that's good news, meaning the problem identified and is bein covered, but has me wondering what cause the axle spindle to bend. It has to be fairly recent and last year we towed the trailer to FL and 95 in South Carolina is one of the worst roads I have seen, but who knows.... as we have about 30k miles on the trailer. Trailer has been at the dealer for 3 weeks, I'm sure two more...

Fantastic news!! I remember a thread a ways back when a GeoPro owner (bought used) had wear on the inside WALL of the tire, it was rubbing on frame. That sounded like a major issues and wonder if he ever got it resolved, or just got rid of it.

 

[NJKris]

One thing I've observed, some folks tow a trailer at breakneck speeds regardless of road conditions. I've observed trailers bouncing around like cans on strings behind a "just married" car. Driving while towing, the speed limit is not the option. Gotta drive slower and if the road is rough, gotta slow down some more. Yes, I do pull over to let a string of cars pass, but I am solely in control of my actions. Folks behind can slow down, pass or just suck it up.

Bob

Funny description Bob!

 

[TitanMike]

One thing I've observed, some folks tow a trailer at breakneck speeds regardless of road conditions. I've observed trailers bouncing around like cans on strings behind a "just married" car. Driving while towing, the speed limit is not the option. Gotta drive slower and if the road is rough, gotta slow down some more. Yes, I do pull over to let a string of cars pass, but I am solely in control of my actions. Folks behind can slow down, pass or just suck it up.

Bob

I've observed the same especially on rough forest service roads. Some seem to think that the faster you go over bumps and potholes the less you feel.

I once saw a pickup towing an older trailer toward me on a FS road. Trailer was around 20' long and speed so fast i could see daylight between road and tires just before he passed.

Road was so rough I found 15 mph to be MORE than enough.

I feel no sympathy for people like that.

 

[NJKris]

Mike, the lessons of physics are often lost on the ignorant.

 

[mcbridek]

So I went into the dealer to check on my E Pro 19FD, which has been sitting at the dealer now for 6 weeks. The axle is now scheduled to ship on January 2, we'll see... BUT sitting next to mine was another 19FD, I looked at the tires and it had the same inside tire wear.... When I asked the service manager, same issue, bend axle spindle and waiting for an axle. I know this is only an sample of two - but it seems like a problem. Although I like the trailer, its not built tough enough. I have had a number of structural repairs, two places where welds had to be fixed, plus the entire murphy bed hinge had to be re-done...

 

[ppine]

Good post by TitanMike.
It is worth looking at those possible causes, but if you really got 30,000 miles out of a set of trailer tires you have little to worry about.