Rotating TM Tires

**Carol** · 07-26-2003, 07:25 PM

Hi!

Does anyone regularly rotate tires on their TM? Is it necessary? Does it make sense? if so, would it be a 3 tire rotation (involving the spare) or just 2?

I haven't seen this discussed, but know that the Tow Vehicle tires need to be rotated periodically.

Carol

07-30-2003, 07:42 AM

I hadn't thought about that at all, but it makes sense. I do know that our dealer recommended repacking the bearings at least every three years, but I will give them a call to see what their thoughts are about tire rotation, as well as tire balancing.

**kempert** · 08-04-2003, 07:41 PM

I would think that the most important thing would be to check the tread depth on the tires. You would want to rotate them if one side shows more wear than the other.

08-17-2003, 08:22 PM

The tread design on the GY Marathons doesn't really need rotation. Don't get me wrong...rotating the tires wouldn't be bad; but I think it is unnecessary.

All season radials, or tires with individual tread blocks are a different story...

**mjlaupp** · 08-18-2003, 06:14 PM

If you are going to rotate the tires from side to side and they are radials, then you must do this rotation every 5K to 10K miles to prevent damage to the tires. Radial tires develop a set after a long run of miles in one direction.

If you are getting increased wear on one tire or one side of a tire then there is a problem with the axle or the wheels not the tires. Rotating the tires will only hide the problem, not cure it.

I don't plan to rotate the tires on my TM. I will probably replace them in three to five years mostly due to UV and O3 damage.

MJL

**Civil_War_Buff** · 10-10-2011, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjlaupp

If you are going to rotate the tires from side to side and they are radials, then you must do this rotation every 5K to 10K miles to prevent damage to the tires. Radial tires develop a set after a long run of miles in one direction.

If you are getting increased wear on one tire or one side of a tire then there is a problem with the axle or the wheels not the tires. Rotating the tires will only hide the problem, not cure it.

I don't plan to rotate the tires on my TM. I will probably replace them in three to five years mostly due to UV and O3 damage.

MJL

Just an FYI, I had experienced inside edge tire wear and thought it was the axle too, I took it to a truck alignment shop because Dexter told me it had to be cold bent, but they wouldn't touch it, then I realized that the last time I repacked the bearings, I didn't "pre-load" the bearings. I have done that and no more inside edge wear.

The unsightly steel wheel comment must only apply to Elkmonts, all the wheels are the same on my TM.

10-10-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Civil_War_Buff

Just an FYI, I had experienced inside edge tire wear and thought it was the axle too, I took it to a truck alignment shop because Dexter told me it had to be cold bent, but they wouldn't touch it, then I realized that the last time I repacked the bearings, I didn't "pre-load" the bearings. I have done that and no more inside edge wear.

In our case the wear was on the tire's outside edge and only on the one (passenger side) tire. And that wheel had never come off for bearing repack or brakes or anything. The trailer was purchased new just 6 months earlier.

I guess by "pre-load" the bearings you mean fill them with grease? Will be re-packing them sometime soon so will be careful there.

**Civil_War_Buff** · 10-10-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brulaz

I guess by "pre-load" the bearings you mean fill them with grease? Will be re-packing them sometime soon so will be careful there.

Actually Pre-loading is tightening the nut against the bearings to 50 Ft-Lbs while turning the hub, then you back the nut off, but don't turn the hub. Then just finger tighten the nut and then back off till the hole lines up for the cotter pin. That 50 pound pre-load is critical.

Outside wear could be axle or overloading.

10-10-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Civil_War_Buff

Actually Pre-loading is tightening the nut against the bearings to 50 Ft-Lbs while turning the hub, then you back the nut off, but don't turn the hub. Then just finger tighten the nut and then back off till the hole lines up for the cotter pin. That 50 pound pre-load is critical.

Ah. Yes, I've done that on the other side when fixing the brake wiring. Though my EZ-Lube axles uses a "retainer" that snaps over the spindle nut. Same idea though.

**Carol** · 08-18-2003, 06:43 PM

Hi!

Thanks for the replies and advise! The tires still look new and show no wear at all.

We haven't done as much traveling as some of you, but we will be putting on well over 3000 miles in Sept and Oct so we wanted to check everything out in advance.

Carol & Stan