Community Forums

Ridemist · 09-24-2016, 12:27 AM

We just returned from our first long trip towing a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. We towed it around 5,300 miles and the rear tires are excessively worn while the front tires still have plenty of tread (all tires had same amount of wear prior to the trip). The wear is flat across the tread so there is no cupping or wear on either the inside or outside of the tires. We run a Demco baseplate and Aluminator tow bar with an EvenBrake supplemental braking system The height of the toad is slightly more than the RV, even though I haven't measured it yet, it does not appear to be more than the 3" recommended height difference. Any thoughts on what my issue may be? Thanks in advance. Rick

Gary RVRoamer · 09-24-2016, 02:42 PM

Could it have been in gear all that time? That would probably accelerate the wear on the rear tires (not to mention the tranny!).

Is it a 4WD or 2WD? The Grand Vitara came both ways.

Skip426 · 09-24-2016, 02:53 PM

Check the wording in the manual with the height difference .
Blue Ox , says level between the two, up to having the coach 4" higher than the toad. Coach lower not acceptable , because the bars will lift the front of the toad, when the coach starts braking, and that would move , the braking in the toad system to the rear wheels, and accelerate tire wear.

Selah · 09-24-2016, 02:56 PM

A couple of wild guesses: is the toad out of alignment? Is the base plate square to the toad frame? In both cases the front wheels would be free to track behind the coach while the rear might be slightly not running straight.

ahicks · 09-24-2016, 03:06 PM

Not sure of the details regarding the EvenBrake setup,or how it functions. Can't help but wonder if it is actually braking evenly, as in front to rear braking, on the Suzuki? If all (or most) of the braking force is being applied to the rear axle (for whatever reason, including the Suzi's front/rear proportioning valve), that could easily explain the excessive wear in back, especially if they were working on the sensitive side.

Maybe a call to EvenBrake is in order?