Trailer Tire Wear Guide

	Under Inflation – Wear on both edges: Under inflation of a tire reduces its tread life by increasing the tread wear on its outside edges, or shoulders. It also generates excessive heat which reduces tire toughness. Finally, it reduces fuel economy through increased rolling resistance because soft tires make your trailer and vehicle work harder. Abnormal tire wear may also be caused by misalignment.
	Over Inflation – Wear in the center: When a tire is overinflated, the center of the tread bears most of the load and wears out faster than the outside edges. Uneven wear reduces the useful life of a tire.
	Cupping – Cups or dips in the tread: Cupping (also called dipping) is most common on front tires, although rear tires can cup as well. It may be a sign that wheels are out of balance, bearings are loose or that suspension parts are worn out.
	Inside or Outside Wear: If the edges of your tire tread take on a sawtooth or feathered appearance, it’s because of erratic scrubbing against the road. The solution is an alignment correction. If the inside of the tire is smooth or shows signs of excessive wearing it is likely the result of overloading the trailer.

 

WEAR PATTERN		CAUSE	SOLUTION
	CENTER WEAR	OVER INFLATION	Adjust pressure to particular load per tire catalog.
	EDGE WEAR	UNDER INFLATION	Adjust pressure to particular load per tire catalog.
	SIDE WEAR	LOSS OF CAMBER OR OVERLOADING	Make sure load doesn’t exceed axle rating. Correct is 3/4 – 1 degree positive camber (top of wheel rim 3/16″ further out than bottom.)
	TOE WEAR	INCORRECT TOE-IN	Correct to-in is 0 – 1/2 degree.
	CUPPING	OUT OF BALANCE	Check bearing adjustment and balance tires.
	FLAT SPOTS	WHEEL LOCKUP & TIRE SKIDDING	Avoid sudden stops when possible and adjust brakes.

Some wear issues could be from improper tire inflation. Make sure you’re running the proper tire pressure in your trailer tires.