wheels misaligning during backing/turning?

[captbanjo]

Driving my Montana home from the dealer for a landing gear repair (see the Repairs area) I backed into my driveway. My driveway is uphill somewhat from beginning to back so I have to use a little horsepower while backing. I also have to turn in almost a 90 degree angle in order to park it right. My wife normally spots me but I was alone so I took several trips to view my progress. I observed that the front (closest to truck) pair of tires were clearly out of alignments versus the back two. Almost as if they were slightly bending. This would be before the RV had been completely straightened out. Once the RV was straight, the tires appeared to be normal and even with the rear pair. In talking to my wife, she told me she observes this each time I'm backing into the driveway. Cause for concern? Or is this supposed to happen? Thanks in advance.

[H. John Kohl]

I believe you are seeing the side walls act as a rubber cushion for the tires when turning corners. The center point for a pivot, especially 90 degrees, is between the two tires. With this thought, if the front tire pulls out then the rear tire will pull in. It is unnerving the first time you see it but is a normal occurrence.
Good luck and tow safe.
Cheers,

[bsmeaton]

Wayne -

That is quite normal as neither axle is a turning axle. Almost makes you think the wheels are going to break doesn't it.

It is that type of torque action that causes most of the problems with tires unfortunately. It's called "side pull" and puts tires to the test. I eventually had tread separation on several of my last tires where the tread separated from the belts, most likely a result of side pull. The tires were 4 years old, so time to be replaced anyway.

It's normal, so we live with it.

[LonnieB]

I agree with Brad and John. Absolutly normal, nothing to be concerned about.

On Edit - Over time, this does have an adverse effect on the tire, so I try to keep my turns as wide as possible. Sometimes it is unavoidable while backing into, or even pulling out of tight areas. so all we can do is live with it.

[skypilot]

This is also why we have to check our wheels using a torque wrench so often.

[Cat320]

This is also why only ST and LT tires should be used on trailers.

[Glenn and Lorraine]

Plain and simple "it's the nature of the beast" and nothing to be concerned with.

[hazmic]

All very good advice. Just think of the strain thats on the springs and axles. If you had to do this very often,you might water down the area that this happens ,the tires will slide sideways easier and remove some of the strain on the running gear. Tire tread design also makes a difference.

[HamRad]

I realize that it is "normal" for the tires to do what they do but the first time I saw it I nearly freaked! I thought for sure I'd broken something! But soon realized that as several have said ..... totally normal.

HamRad

[ols1932]

As they have said, "It's normal." One thing you should do is once you get the rig where you want it, pull straight ahead and back up so the wheels go to their "normal" straight, in-line position.

Orv

[DONnANNIE]

quote: HamRad Posted - Dec 07 2006 : 11:40:27 PM I realize that it is "normal" for the tires to do what they do but the first time I saw it I nearly freaked! I thought for sure I'd broken something! But soon realized that as several have said ..... totally normal.

I agree. This past October I had to back into a friend driveway that turned out to be tighter than I first thought. When I got out to check I saw the front tires were tweeked out and at first it scared the heck out of me. After I got it positioned where I wanted it, I checked again and saw that they were back in normal allignment. But it was definitely PUCKER Time when I first saw it.

[MAMalody]

Had that same problem with a tight backing job at Electric City, WA. As my wife was backing my up she had a stroke when she heard the creaking sounds and saw the wheels out of alignment. I am good at mouth-to-mouth with her, and I am looking forward to the next tight backing situation. I am the type of guy that always looks for the bright side of the cloud. I fear this may not work on her anymore...she is kinda bright at this kind of stuff.

[lightningjack11]

Happens to me everytime I back into my drive. After my initial turn I pull forward and back a few times to straighten the tires and then continue the turn. First time I did it I thought I was going to push the tires right off the rims.