2 new tires on tandem trailer

[chefred112]

Hey All, am going to replace 2 worn tires on my tandem trailer.. as a matter of preference, where would you put the new tires on, front or rear axle? should I put them on the brake axle since it will do more work?

thanks,

-fred

[shag]

I would try and replace all four if you can.... If not, I would put them on the front axle, if you only have one axle with brakes it should be that one.

[chefred112]

got it thanks...it would be a waste to get rid of the front pair as it has decent tread left...the rears are completely bald...I figure, in about 6 months i'll do the next pair and it wouldn't hit the wallet that bad...

[markj]

Sounds like you need to get a dropped hitch and spread out that weight if your rears are bald. Normally, trailer tires wear out due to age, not tread wear. Maybe you regularly trailer a lot...

[chefred112]

I just picked up this boat 3 weeks ago so most likely the previous owner needed a dropped hitch...my truck is lowered so I'm not sure I need it...but, after you mentioned it, I am going to take a closer look at it on level ground, maybe I just need to flip the ball...

[kend]

Just make sure they are on opposite sides Turning sharp probably does more damage than driving or braking on a dual axle trailer. Previous owner may have pulled a couple of the tires off of something else so the tires did not actually wear differently (unless the brakes need adjustment because of skidding the tires). Dry rot will most likely get your trailer tires before the tread wears out unless there is a mechanical issue getting them.

[shag]

I second what kind says... turning period, wears the rear set more usually... But sharp turns just drag the tires sideways across the pavement and literally shaves rubber off.

[chefred112]

nice to know... I live on a court where I make a U-turn at the end to turn around..maybe I'll do more 3 point turns in the future... I've never seen irregular wear on my other boats I've owned. I'm curious how the previous owner had his setup because the tires were all the same brand so i assumed were purchased at the same time but the tires I replaced were bald but the front pair still had decent tread on them...

[Tom_H]

You can check the date codes on the tires to get an idea if they were likely purchased at the same time or not.

[chefred112]

You can check the date codes on the tires to get an idea if they were likely purchased at the same time or not.

true that...I'll check later today...

[pSchwade]

Anything in the forward direction isnt too bad on the tires - its cutting hard in reverse that really shreds the tires. Like other have said, the most important thing is to have your hitch at the right height (especially if you have torsion axles, which tend to be stiffer). not sure what size you need, but Tire Rack has 215/75R14 TowMax SRT II's for $56 each.

[chefred112]

as luck would have it , My wifes little Fiesta is at dealer for a recall and we won't get it back til end of month... this is the loaner they gave us and we fully plan to take advantage of it....

[shag]

They're secretly trying to sell that to you...

[chefred112]

you know what, I'm not doubting that...My wife use to refuse to drive my truck unless I was dead tired on a long trip. When they initially told us it was an Expedition, we argued for a smaller vehicle until they told us that's all they had...upon the pre-inspection, I noticed the hitch and wiring connector and that lil bulb lit up in my head. My wife jumped in and by the time she got to work (25 miles) she actually got use to it.... yea they are using this subliminal gesture to try an upgrade...lol