Abnormal Tire Wear

[adeakins]

I have a 2020 F350 DRW I bought new from a dealer some 400 miles away from my residence. I drove it home and, on arrival, notice some irregular wear on the outside right front tire (Michelin LTs). I took to my then local ford dealer for routine service and paid for an alignment. They also did a same axle rotation, the logic for which was lost to me. We went full time pulling a 41’ 5’ver. The excessive outside wear became obvious after about 2k miles of towing. Long story made short, I’ve had this truck into about six or seven dealers, replaced the front tires at around 25k miles, and had the truck aligned at least four times including when I replaces the front tires staying with Michelins. While I’m not wedded to Michelins, I’ve always had Michelins on my vehicles since as long as I can remember including my 1999 F250 SRW and never a problem. I’m now at 43k miles and looking at having to replace the front tires again. The front left now being the worst for wear. I had one Ford dealer tell me that, while my tow weights are well within spec, the truck is being lifted slightly at the front thus creating a camber problem. I put a carpenters level on the bed rails before and after hooking up and I could not see any difference. I had another dealer tell me that this was a common characteristic of DRWs and I should just accept it. So, I’m now at 43k miles and looking to replace the front tires and another alignment. I don’t really think the problem is a trait of towing as the wear seems to persist when I’m not towing. Whatever it is, I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who may have encountered same or similar problems.

[RJS3791RD]

Sorry to learn of your situation. Is your truck 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive?

My current setup is a 2022 F350 4x4 crew cab DRW. The truck has 15k miles on it of which 13k of those miles are pulling our 40’ 16k pound 5’er. We have not had any unusual tire wear on any of the axles. We have had three different F350 DRW plus two other super duty trucks (all for pulling boats or RVs) and thankfully have not any unusual or excessive tire wear as a result of towing activity.

I would consider having an alignment performed at a truck tire dealer / specialist. Alignment specifications have a degree range for “acceptable”. I suspect a camber/caster situation where you may be on the outer edge of that range.

Good luck

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by RJS3791RD

Sorry to learn of your situation. Is your truck 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive?

My current setup is a 2022 F350 4x4 crew cab DRW. The truck has 15k miles on it of which 13k of those miles are pulling our 40’ 16k pound 5’er. We have not had any unusual tire wear on any of the axles. We have had three different F350 DRW plus two other super duty trucks (all for pulling boats or RVs) and thankfully have not any unusual or excessive tire wear as a result of towing activity.

I would consider having an alignment performed at a truck tire dealer / specialist. Alignment specifications have a degree range for “acceptable”. I suspect a camber/caster situation where you may be on the outer edge of that range.

Good luck

Thanks for the reply … Did that twice, ie; alignment by truck specialty shop. My truck has 4WD but seldom used. I sometimes use it to start pulling the trailer when there’s loose gravel or soggy ground. Keeps me from throwing debris onto the trailer and / or tearing up the ground.

[NMRandy]

If you are wearing the outside of the tire, it is very likely toe in. When we set the alignment on these trucks, we set them as close to zero as possible, with maybe a little bit of toe in, like .03 to .06, and don't have tire wear issues. A lot of alignment techs will not touch them if the vehicle is "in spec". You just need to find a tech with some "give-a-s**t".

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by NMRandy

If you are wearing the outside of the tire, it is very likely toe in. When we set the alignment on these trucks, we set them as close to zero as possible, with maybe a little bit of toe in, like .03 to .06, and don't have tire wear issues. A lot of alignment techs will not touch them if the vehicle is "in spec". You just need to find a tech with some "give-a-s**t".

You make a very good point. Many shops don't care what the issue is they care if it's within the range of "spec" whether the vehicle is acting normally or not.

Bought a new Hummer. Test drove one but didn't like the color. The one I liked was on the showroom floor so had them bring it out to me. Drove it around the block and bought it. On the 60 mile drive home it felt nothing like the one I test drove. Took it back repeatedly and was always told "it's within spec". On the last 2 times I told them it needs to be toed in but they refused saying they wouldn't adjust anything if it was in spec. Took it to my hometown alignment shop, told them what I wanted and they did it. Problem solved and it drove like it should.

[adeakins]

Originally Posted by NMRandy

If you are wearing the outside of the tire, it is very likely toe in. When we set the alignment on these trucks, we set them as close to zero as possible, with maybe a little bit of toe in, like .03 to .06, and don't have tire wear issues. A lot of alignment techs will not touch them if the vehicle is "in spec". You just need to find a tech with some "give-a-s**t".

Thanks for the tip. When I replace the current tires, I will take it to a truck shop to heve it aligned and have them do as you described.

[NebraskaRoofer]

Originally Posted by adeakins

Thanks for the tip. When I replace the current tires, I will take it to a truck shop to have it aligned and have them do as you described.

Wherever you take it for the alignment I would insist on getting an alignment report that will show you the before & after setting for Toe, Caster, etc.
Good Luck!