Right main tire wear pattern

[Radioflyer]

I was wondering if there is a commonly observed difference in wear between left and right main tires, at least on the -6A. My thinking is that since planes are often flown without a passenger, there might exist a natural camber difference such that the right main tire might have more wear on the outboard side.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

Variances in parts manufacturing & builder alignment are more likely the issue.
Swapping tires side to side to achieve max tire life is common on most RVs.
You could measure alignment of your main gear but there is no adjustment options on RV6As short of sending your legs back to Langair to rework them.

 

[JonJay]

I although not an A model, since I moved to the Coast, the prevailing winds necessitate cross wind landings predominantly from one direction. My tires and brakes wear a bit quicker on one side. They assume this is due to the bulk of my landings are at my home field and crosswind. I never had this condition before. Something to consider.

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Are you tapping right brake more on the takeoff roll to keep the nose straight? It is fairly easy to do that, and it will wear the tire and brake pads on that side.

 

[Radioflyer]

Are you tapping right brake more on the takeoff roll to keep the nose straight? It is fairly easy to do that, and it will wear the tire and brake pads on that side.

No, I don't think so. The plane doesn't have any noticeable left/right tendencies when rolling fast or slow. I'm certainly going to flip and remount the tire on the wheel. This seems more necessary on the co-pilot side than pilot side. No big deal though, I was just wondering if this was a common thing with the co-pilot tire.

 

[DeltaFoxtrot56]

No, I don't think so. The plane doesn't have any noticeable left/right tendencies when rolling fast or slow. I'm certainly going to flip and remount the tire on the wheel. This seems more necessary on the co-pilot side than pilot side. No big deal though, I was just wondering if this was a common thing with the co-pilot tire.

I have the same problem with my 6A so interested in anyone that can provide a plausible theory. The right main has worn quickly over the last 40 flight hours. I've logged 85 landings since I bought it at the end of 2025. The tire wasn't new but it had plenty of tread showing - now it's bald on the outer half of the tire. The left has plenty of tread and is wearing "normally". Seems like excessive wear on the right main only, however, this is my first owned airplane so don't have experience with tracking the condition of a singular aircraft.

 

[Southern Pete]

Engine torque

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Engine torque

Engine torque would wear the left main.

 

[moosepileit]

P factor, then, I think he means the sum of reasons for right rudder on a CW rotating prop... Add any left crosswind component on takeoff or right croosswinds on landing above some notional average and value...

 

[bluesflyer]

Since the pilot side carries more weight routinely, that gear leg straightens out more. Tire rolls flatter, and that is why it wears more "normally and evenly".
Right side does not always have the same weight. Gear leg is not always fully "extended", causing the right main to cant a bit and the tire rides more on the outside edge.
Just my $.02 worth. BTW, there us a $.02 discount for today's observation.
Cheers