Question

The Trailer Boat Guys

I have a tandem axle trailer. Do you think I should rotate the tires and, if so, how should they be rotated and for home many miles until rotating again? K. Delaney, Ft. Myers, FL

K. Delaney

Answered on: 9/2005

MIKE: I do think you should rotate your tires at least once a year. An additional rotation may be in order depending on how much mileage you put on the trailer. As most trailer boaters do not keep track of the actual mileage put on their trailer, the industry has not dictated a standard. It is necessary to rotate your tires as they can experience uneven wear from a number of causes ie. Uneven tire pressures, sharp turning of the trailer (dragging the tires) and misalignment of the axles. I find that it is best to incorporate the rotation with the annual maintenance of the trailer. When you are going to pull your hubs to inspect, change and/or lube your bearings that would be a great time to perform the rotation. Not only do you want to change the tires from side to side, you should also change the front to rear and vise versa. GEORGE: I will take the other side of this. On a tandem axle trailer, I wouldn't rotate the tires out of concern there is a potential of doing something to the brakes because the elevation could change as to where the rotor hits the calipers. Mike and I see this differently.

The Trailer Boat Guys: Mike and George