Community Forums

aldermanre · 04-01-2011, 06:53 AM

I'm replacing all the tires on my camper due to a recent blow out, and noticed the tires on the camper were oval shaped. The tread all the way around was ovaled more like a bike tire, and the spare was flat normal looking? What makes this occur?

Thanks,
Rick

okie-dokie · 04-01-2011, 06:59 AM

Aldermanre, If the tire tread is worn on the outsides, that's caused by underflation. If the tire tread is worn in the center of the tire, that's caused by over inflation.

aldermanre · 04-01-2011, 08:50 AM

They aren't showing wear. I'll try to remember to snap a picture this evening and post it. The spare tire looks flat across the tread section, the used tires are all rounded across the tread section.

Thanks,
Rick

wa8yxm · 04-01-2011, 09:08 AM

I agree with under inflation.. Thought proper inflation is not as critical on a trailer it can still save your bacon, possible your life or the life of another. Here is why.

If the tires are properly inflted then the full tread is in contact with the road, This gives teh absolute best control,, In the case of a trailer it means your brakes work better nd it tends to track better,, Over inflation only the center of the tire is in contact but due to the laws fo physics this is not so bad.

Under inflation the "edges" are in contact (teh center of the tread is basically doing nothing) this makes it easier to hydroplane if the road is wet, also it lets the sidewalls flex more which makes it easier for the trailer to come round and smack you upside the side of the tow vehicle.. Both very bad situtations.

Park the trailer, loaded for travel, on a scale and inflate the tires per the tire maker's web page inflatino chart. Best to do each side independently but if you just park it on a scale and divide by 2 (Keep it hitched and do not park the tow vehicle on the scale) you should do better.

I tell folks the two pressurs all but guaranteed to be wrong are

1: On the sticker in the rig and
2: On the sidewall of the tire.

Proper pressure is in between.

aldermanre · 04-01-2011, 09:20 AM

I see where underinflation could cause that, but I an anal about checking pressures before every trip. These are 235/80/r16, and I run them at 80 psi. I use to check the air pressures with 2 guages, but now only use one because they both always read the same. I actually bought a 150psi guage to make sure 80psi was closer to the center of the guage measurement since that is the most accurate range for guages. I'm taking them to a tire shop in the morning, I will try to talk to them and see if they can offer some insight.

Thanks,
Rick

Muncie_6spd · 04-01-2011, 01:24 PM

It could be tread separation; the 7 year old tires on my 5th wheel look the same as you described. I've watched my trailer tires as I back into my driveway from the road; they look like they are trying to peal themselves off the rim.
Tight turns on pavement are really hard on them; thats one reason they should be replaced long before the tread wears down very far. Mine is parked in a permanent campground for now but the next time I tow it anywhere I will have to replace all the tires.

Mike

aldermanre · 04-02-2011, 08:31 PM

I talked to a tire guy today, he said it looks like tire separation.

Ray,IN · 04-02-2011, 10:16 PM

Yup! I had all 4 tires fail at the same time due to ply separation. Mine looked like yours. BTW, do not use load/inflations charts for ST (special trailer) tires, they do not apply. All ST tires are to be inflated to sidewall maximum per mfgrs. warranty requirements. Here is just one: http://www.carlisletire.com/product_...are_safety.pdf
page 2, 2nd paragraph.