 | 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.
| Tire Size | Max P.S.I Cold |
| 4.80×12 | 90 psi |
| 175/85D13 | 50 psi |
| 205/75D14 | 50 psi |
| 205/75D15 | 50 psi |
| 225/75D15 | 65 psi |
| 235/80R16 | 90 psi |
| 235/85R16 | 90 psi |
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