Tire wear Tandem trailer

So, whats the deal on tire wear (aside from bad alignment)? Which set of tires carry the most weight(does this increase wear)? Does the axle w/brakes put more wear on tires? Turning? Do most trailers pivot on front set or rear wheels?

On my tandam, the trailer pivots on the rear tires, so the front tires get dragged sideways in a tight turn. The fronts always wear first.

Weight distribution should be almost even, probably slightly more on the rear.

Grouse

my 20ft deep v champion trailers better with fuel in front tank verses rear. My rear tires squat a lot more with both tanks full. Boat holds 55+ gallons of fuel usually try and keep five gallons in rear and run off front tank. Still chew tires up. Best seems to remember to rotate tires.

My 20′ Ranger trailer carries the weight evenly. I think that’s the key to making tires last. I’ve ran the same tires for 5 years now and to say I’ve put on a few miles would be understatment. I think last year I put on almost 16,000 miles on that trailer. Tires look like they’ll go another 5 years too.

I try and tow my tandem with the boat empty. I have a 54 gal fuel tank and do tow alot.

1.) Keep tires inflated.
2.) Rotate

My rear two tires do wear a bit more as the the engine (hangs off the back) and the fuel tank is behind seats)

I have used Marathon tires and they seem to have worn well ( however they are the older white letter tires )

Dog

I wonder if there is a way to determine if the weight is equal on the front and rear axles? With tanks full or empty?

A properly setup trailer will carry the load fairly evenly over both sets of axels. Follow the recommended tongue weight the trailer manufacturer has listed and you will be in good shape.If you move the axels make sure you get the trailer aligned. Having the trailer aligned will also tell you if you have a possible bent spindle. I have replaced axels on trailers right from the factory because the spindles were manufactured incorrectly. That would give you a toe in/out on the tire causing wear on one side of the tire. I would say that most of the premature trailer tire wear is due to improper trailer setup. Just my two cents worth.

Make sure the trailer sits level when it is hooked to your truck, too low in the front puts extra weight on the front tires, too high loads the rear tires.