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2009 Mariner FWD 2.5. It's got 255,000 miles on it now.. runs solid, and just had wheel bearings, and some suspension things repaired with an alignment, so I don't think it's suspension related. My situation is that I keep a cargo carrier on there at all times starting in September, it's not terribly heavy (Maybe 200lbs). It holds all my power tools...It also has an extension/adapter so I can get comfortably in between it and the rear hatch; which holds the rest of my tools (probably another 200lb). Since then I've had rapid inner tire wear on the rear tires.... My best guess (after looking around and not seeing any bushings or suspension issues needing repair) is that it's just from the excess weight that's in there 24/7. I think the leverage on the extension probably significantly increases the tongue weight beyond the actual 200 lb of the carrier/tools. I know for my excursion there was all sorts of things to aid in towing and whatnot.. but can anybody think of a simple solution that might help the tire wear? ( Shocks/springs, or maybe a different tire or inflation level)
When you had the alignment done did you leave the carrier and tools in the back (same as when you drive it daily)?
If not, that would probably help because they could adjust camber to make up for the weight. As you said, the 200lbs in the box being that far behind the tires is probably adding significant weight.
Only other think I could think of would be air bags or air shocks to get it back to factory height..
The carrier was attached at that point. I'm wondering if there's any heavier duty springs that might do the trick, or maybe a puck. I don't know if I need to change the spring rate. Also, there's no visible sag, but there must be some minimal amount for it to wear that way. I know it's sort of a stupid issue... But this has been an ideal setup as a little work truck, and a buddy gave it to me for free so I can't argue with putting a little bit of money/effort into it
Look at the rear wheels. If the top of the wheel is significantly further inboard than the bottom you likely have excessive camber, which will wear the inner shoulder of the tires.
You can get adjustable after-market cams and bolts that allow for correcting an excessive camber situation.
A shop that specoializes in tires and alignment can likely find and suggest a remedy that will help the camber and make the tires wear more evenly.
If the tires are not tilted then you might want to check whether there is too much toe out which also would wear the inner edge and likely 'feather' the tread.
tom
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