Tires for boat trailor

[kuip]

I pull an 1850 Tyee on a single axle shorelander trailor. The insides of the tires are worn. Does anybody have any suggestions for replacement tires? Also is there anything that I can do in the future to prevent inside wear on my trailor tires? Thanks, kuip

[perchjerker]

Are they feather-edged? Meaning, if you run you hand across the tire tread does it feel like the treads catch you hand in one direction as opposed to the other direction? Or is it smooth both ways? Is it the same on both wheels? Could be your axle is out of alignment on your frame. Look for witness marks where the axle might have shifted slightly. But if that is the case with a straight axle, you would more likley have wear on the outer edge on one tire and inner wear on the other. Also, does the axle look like its sagging? Get your eye down there and kind of sight along it like you are buying a piece of lumber. How old are the tires? May just be normal wear. Do you keep them aired up?
I know thats a lot of questions, just trying to pin down the problem.

[Ayeye]

kuip you may need to get your axle aligned, I had a similar problem. I talked to alignment shop and he said he does alot on the newer trailers. Have had no problems since

[Dodge1]

Kuip,

IMO, the only reasonable explanation for both tires wearing on the inside is that your axle has bent and that is usually caused by excessive weight, or the age of the trailer.

What you need to do is to find the capacity of your trailer and then calculate the total weight of your rig. Find the dry weight of your boat; add the motors weight, fuel, batteries, fishing gear, coolers and the weight of the trailer. Then just to be on the safe side, add another 500 lbs for miscellaneous junk, like your trolling motor, oil, anchor etc.

If your rig exceeds the suggested capacity of your trailer you can either replace your current axle, with one that’s rated for the weight of your rig, or you could buy another trailer.

If that's not the case, you'll still want to have a qualified alignment shop take a look at your trailer. I tried the eyeball approach and while my axle looked fine, that was not the case. FYI - most alignment shops won’t even know what the heck you’re talking about. So first call your local boat dealers and see if they can suggest someone. If that doesn’t work, start calling the alignment shops to if they can refer you to someone.

It took me over 2 hours on the phone before I found a shop that could do the work. When it took it in they found that my axle was only bent slightly less then 1/2" but that was more then enough to cause both of my tires to wear on the inside. They also determined that this was due to the age of my trailer (10+ years now) and not by overloading.

[REW]

I 2nd the advice on the axle replacement.
If the axle has bent once - as is evidenced by the wear on the tires, it is likely that the axle will bend again.

Often, a trailer can be rated for a certain amount, but - due to manufacturing irregularities, the axle won't actually hold that specified weight.

If you have any questions at all, it would probably be a good idea to pull the axle, and replace it with one with a heavier weight capacity.

Take care

REW

[Big Fish Eddie]

I replaced my trailer tires with the new Titan II tires,about mid season, just last year. They seem to be good ones.

[Peanut]

This happened to my tires 2 seasons ago. My axle was bent (less than .75", but enough that both inside edges were bald. I took it to a local welder, and he straightened my axle, and welded on a piece that strengthened my axle. He said it was the same thing he did to his own trailer. Total cost was only about $100.

This was way cheaper than a new axle. If you're checking around, check with a reputable welder in addition to the boat dealers, and definitely get your axle looked at before driving any distance with new tires, or you may have the same problem very soon.

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[science nerd]

It may be that I am looking at the nice big Lund boats with green eyes and looking for a place to pick but here goes anyway. I think I see alot of those boats on trailers that seem a little light for the use they endure. Sometimes as I follow them down the road I can see the tops of the tires bending inward as the axle flexes. Maybe that is in the design? The same trailer is probably adequate for the more occasional fisherman. Most of the guys who spend the money on the Lund boat though are a pretty serious and well traveled bunch. For instance a fully rigged 1850 on a single axle seems a little optimistic. It would probably be wise to actually weigh your loaded boat and trailer just to see what is actually in it. I bet its more than you think. Stuff adds up. 3 batteries, 2 trolling motors, 2 or three tackle boxes, one full of lead, an anchor, electronics, seats, life vests, 10 rods and reels, a cooler full of lunch, ice and soda, etc. A rural feed mill or some construction or building material companies have a scale you could use for a buck or two. Then if I was really serious about avoiding trouble I would add in a safety factor for the day that your buddy brings all his stuff and throws it in your boat to. The real solution to this depends on how you use your boat and how much $ you want to spend up front to help avoid trouble later.
Nerdy

[punch1]

I won't be of much help reccomending a replacement tire, but I can surely advise you to NOT buy Carlisle brand tires. I have had nothing but bad luck with them. I have heard much better things about the Goodyear Marathon and the Titan tires.

[InTheNet]

I had the same problem with my tires wearing. It was so bad that I replaced a set of radials every year for three years. This spring I bent my axle and had to replace it. In researching the replacement axle I found I had the lightest axle available on the trailer. I bought the heaviest axle available and the tires show no wear on the insides. I even think it tows better. The diference in cost from the light axle to the heavy was $23.00 I did lots of research on the boat and none on the trailer. It was a package so they could have a lower price but It ended up costing me several hundred dollars. Live and learn.

[Tuna]

Go with the Goodyear Marathon's, I just lost a fender last fall to a Titan. There is a good reason why Shorelander quit installing them on their new trailers.

[kuip]

Thanks for all the help. I am glad that the alignment was mentioned because I probably would have just put on some tires and hoped for the best. I have heard more than one person now tell me that the Goodyear Marathons are the tire to put on. When I take the boat out of storage I will put on the Marathons and get the trailor aligned.
Thanks all, kuip