Tire wear - alignment issue?

[2andavizsla]

We have a Keystone Premier 22RBPR. We have 1 tire (out of 4) that is wearing on the outside very quickly, while the others are wearing normal. We had to replace the tire after just 5K miles. We took it to the dealer where we purchased (used) and they said we need a new axle. But that was just based on the wear of the tire. What we are wondering is if the wheel could be just out of alignment. Is that possible?

[Summergirl]

Funny we have the same unit and the same issue.
Is yours the passenger rear tire?
We are going to upgrade the springs, shackles and put in wet bolt kit.

[2andavizsla]

Ours is the passenger front tire. We were unsure if there is even the concept of Alignment with a TT?

[Hblick48]

You need to get a wheel alignment. Much cheaper than replacing axle, and new ones often need alignment after installation.. I just had mine done for the second time in 4 years; $250 per axle.

It is done by bending the axle. You have to find a shop that aligns trailers. There are not a lot of shops that do it. Do a search online and make calls. If a shop says they don't do it, ask for recommendations.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Summergirl

Funny we have the same unit and the same issue.
Is yours the passenger rear tire?
We are going to upgrade the springs, shackles and put in wet bolt kit.

Upgrading all these suspension components is a good idea, but most likely won't cure the tire wear if it's out of alignment, you'll still need the alignment.

[Northofu1]

I would have a mobile tech come to have a look at it. It could be a bent spindle, sticky brake, bad wheel bearing, axle is not squared up to the others. A second opinion is always best. Just my opinion Good luck

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Northofu1

I would have a mobile tech come to have a look at it. It could be a bent spindle, sticky brake, bad wheel bearing, axle is not squared up to the others. A second opinion is always best. Just my opinion Good luck

I agree with the second opinion, but I've found that most (probably not all) mobile RV techs don't carry the tools to do a good axle alignment inspection with them on their truck. Most will resort to a HF (or Craftsman) tape measure, do a "rough measurement" and go from there. Some might find a "slightly out of tolerance hub" while others probably would miss it.

If it were me, I'd find a reputable trailer axle shop (look at places that service 18 wheeler trailers if there's not a "light duty axle shop" in the neighborhood), make an appointment to drag the trailer to them and have them look at it.

Money wise, paying the $75 for a mobile RV tech to drive to your place and then paying him $50-100 for his time to inspect it, will probably be close to the same $250-300 it costs to have a "true axle expert" look at it and usually fix it on the spot, if it's just an alignment issue.

[Laredo Tugger]

Originally Posted by Hblick48

You need to get a wheel alignment. Much cheaper than replacing axle, and new ones often need alignment after installation.. I just had mine done for the second time in 4 years; $250 per axle.

It is done by bending the axle. You have to find a shop that aligns trailers. There are not a lot of shops that do it. Do a search online and make calls. If a shop says they don't do it, ask for recommendations.

I just put new Carlisle tires on my FW. When I replaced them I noticed excessive wear on the inside of the rear driver side tire. I recently did everything mentioned by Northofu1 so I'm confident an alignment will ensure proper tracking.
Just did a search and found an alignment shop about an hour away with a quote of $150 per axle. I will get the trailer to them next month prior to my next planned trip in March. Thanks for the reminder.
RMc

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I agree with the second opinion, but I've found that most (probably not all) mobile RV techs don't carry the tools to do a good axle alignment inspection with them on their truck. Most will resort to a HF (or Craftsman) tape measure, do a "rough measurement" and go from there. Some might find a "slightly out of tolerance hub" while others probably would miss it.

If it were me, I'd find a reputable trailer axle shop (look at places that service 18 wheeler trailers if there's not a "light duty axle shop" in the neighborhood), make an appointment to drag the trailer to them and have them look at it.

Money wise, paying the $75 for a mobile RV tech to drive to your place and then paying him $50-100 for his time to inspect it, will probably be close to the same $250-300 it costs to have a "true axle expert" look at it and usually fix it on the spot, if it's just an alignment issue.

The rv tech wouldn't be able to do anything about it if he did determine it was out of alignment other than John said charge you for his time to take a couple measurements & recommend an alignment.