Boat Trailer Question For You Locals

[npierceuark]

I've had my rig now for about 8 months and noticed the inside of both trailer tires have worn down to almost no tread. I've put a good amount of miles on the trailer but the tires should wear evenly. I've googled the heck out of it and found a handful of issues that could be the cause.

What I am hoping you all could help me out with is a trailer repair place that could solve some of these issues. Any place in NWA would be preferable, thanks guys!

[J-Doc]

Sorry to hear that. Is it a solid axle trailer? Axle out of alignment maybe? What do you think are the causes?

I used yellow pages (which you probably have already) and found a lot more listings than I would have thought there were.

http://www.yellowpages.com/fayetteville-ar/trailers-repair-service

When you get new tires, shop hard. You can find some good deals on a good tire. I ended up getting a pair at Walmart (HD trailer rated tire) for about $80-90 for a 14" wheel (I think it's 14, might be 15). I was amazed at the price of trailer tires. They used to throw cheap whitewall tires on older boat trailers like mine but they are not load rated and it's dangerous. So make sure you get a load rating that meets your need.

[Feathers and Fins]

Nick, if they were factory tires I had the same issue... Solution was go to Tractor Supply and buy new ones haven't had a problem yet except wearing them out from typical driving ok my typical driving.

[fishinwrench]

If they are both wearing about the same you may have some axle flex going on. Maybe a brace fabricated to the center of the axle while the trailer is unloaded, is needed.

Or you might have a set of poorly manufactured wheels.

[J-Doc]

If they are both wearing about the same you may have some axle flex going on. Maybe a brace fabricated to the center of the axle while the trailer is unloaded, is needed.

Or you might have a set of poorly manufactured wheels.

That's what I was wondering. He has a pretty hefty alum mud boat with a mud jet motor on it. Axle could be a bit undersized (just enough to cause flex).

You won't see the flex unless your following your trailer in another vehicle. If you see it flexing when hitting bumps, there's an issue. If not, it could be factory tires but I would think it's something else.

Checked to see if bearings are tight? That's an easy thing to check and a probable cause.

[npierceuark]

I'm thinking axle flex is most probable cause. What's strange is my buddy has same trailer and an 18' griz tracker with a 75. Our boats weigh almost the same if not his a little heavier. He hasn't had any problems. No suggestions on a place to go that anyone has had experience with?

[Greg W]

My initial thought was bearings

[Billfo]

Would you please tell us what tires are on your trailer & did they look new when you bought the rig ? Lets make sure the obvious is covered. Hope they ARE trailer tires !

[Stump bumper]

Are you pulling the trailer level with a step down, if your truck has 18in tires and your trailer has 14in tires you should have a 3-4 inch step down. It sounds like the tires are rubbing to me.

There is a place that specializes in trailers on 62/102 before you hit the airport going out of Rogers, I would check with them. Can't remember the name but that is all they do, so I would go there, but I have no personal experience to pass along.

[npierceuark]

Checked tire pressure, bearings, tires are ST175/80D13 2 yr olds, swapping those for radials.

Talked to the shop today, negative camber in the axle. Swapping the 2000lb axle for a 3500.

Went to a place in Springdale, 5 J manf. Seem like good guys but the deal isn't done yet so we shall see.

B.O.A.T. we all know what they stand for haha. I figure, do it right now and not have to worry about it again.