Tire Cupping

[Isaacs]

I just replaced the tires on my camper and both the tires were severely cupped on the inside. It's possible that this is happening on just one side because I seem to remember switching them around a few years ago when I spotted this problem.

Is this caused by misalignment? They appear to have been balanced when they were new. I'm thinking they have fewer than 3000 miles on them. I don't see any way of adjusting the axle. Can my trailer be aligned?

Thanks, Bob

[Grumpy]

RV tires are not balanced from the factory. Bouncing is what causes cupping normally not alignment. Check to be sure the suspension bolts are tight, you may have elongated holes in the spring hangars.

Have you checked the bearings to see if there is excessive play, that can be part of the problem too.

[Colorado]

Are you regularly checking the pressure?

[ScottJLa]

Good suggestions so far. What kind of tires? Radials seem to wear better than bias ply. You may also want to make sure your axle is not bent which can cause inside tire wear.
Trailer tires don’t balance the same as car tires. You would need to find a shop that can balance them using the lug holes and not the pilot hole. A good alternative to having them balanced with weights is to use balancing beads which is something you do yourself.

[Isaacs]

The tires were bias ply, not original from factory. They have been replaced with Goodyear Endurance but I can't say which method Goodyear used when they balanced them. Axle and bolts look good, I always keep an eye on the pressure.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll be keeping a close eye on these new (expensive!) tires.

[curver900]

Originally Posted by ScottJLa

Good suggestions so far. What kind of tires? Radials seem to wear better than bias ply. You may also want to make sure your axle is not bent which can cause inside tire wear.
Trailer tires don’t balance the same as car tires. You would need to find a shop that can balance them using the lug holes and not the pilot hole. A good alternative to having them balanced with weights is to use balancing beads which is something you do yourself.

They balance mine at discount tire... they even balanced a set of 12" sled trailer tires... they said well we can't then they said they can but don't hold us to it.. well they did a great job.. when i was going 60+mph the whole truck vibrated... now it is nice and smooth...

[Isaacs]

Originally Posted by ScottJLa

Good suggestions so far. What kind of tires? Radials seem to wear better than bias ply. You may also want to make sure your axle is not bent which can cause inside tire wear.
Trailer tires don’t balance the same as car tires. You would need to find a shop that can balance them using the lug holes and not the pilot hole. A good alternative to having them balanced with weights is to use balancing beads which is something you do yourself.

I just checked with the shop and they assured me they use the lug holes when they balance.