tow vehicle tire wear

[gbonesteel]

I purchased a 2008 GMC Envoy,with 26000 km, in June 2009 . The tires had lots of
tread, equal depth,on all four. I tow a 2007 Cikira 18 CCB (max 4100 lbs.)
using only a sway bar. The trailer tows fine, no sway and it sits almost level.
We travelled almost 10 000km in September on a trip to Newfoundland. In
November,at odometer reading 43 000 km, I switched to snow tires and I noticed
the rear tires coming off had noticeable wear, much more than the front tires.

I am assuming that pulling the trailer that distance is responsible for the
increased wear.

My question is, would using a weight distribution hitch help reduce the wear on
my rear tires?

G Bonesteel

[keyser soze]

Hey gbonesteel!

From what you describe and as long as spirited acceleration and corning is not in question, yes, higher loading will result in faster wear and WD systems will help even the load, and therefore even wear. Usually tires on the front of a vehicle wear faster due to front engine designs being nose heavy and OEM specs on front wheel camber/caster/toe settings that cause the tires to scrub slightly so as to induce more stable tracking. Add a weight distribution system to your hitch and you'll have more even wear.

[gbonesteel]

Thanks for your advice.