Question

The Boat Trailering Guys

I noticed that the wheels on my trailer are not balanced. Is there a reason that trailer wheels aren't balanced? I have an aluminum Loadmaster with the torsion axles and Goodyear Marathon radial tires. Would there be any benefit to having these tires balanced? The trailer pulls very smoothly as it is, but I am always looking for ways to improve the system.

Alex T., Wellington, FL

Answered on: 6/2005

GEORGE: Manufacturers of trailers don't balance the tires. It may be a cost-cutting reason, I just don't know. If you have occasion to drive over curbs from time to time, I'd suggest you get the tires balanced. It never hurts and that's always a good reason to make the effort to make your trailer as safe and smooth-riding as possible. MIKE: Tires are balanced primarily to provide a smooth ride. Since the tires are on the trailer and therefore not affecting the ride for passenger comfort, there is not a need for the manufacturer to incur the added expense of balancing the tires on the rim. That does not mean that you should not have the wheels balanced yourself. If there is any bounce to your tire, balancing may cure this problem along with improving the wear of the tire. I have read some articles where the service station had balanced the tire by mounting it on the center of the wheel. In some cases it was found that the center was not true and the balance of the wheel was made worse. It is recommended that you ask the service station to use an adapter that mounts the wheel to the balancing machine via the lug nut holes as it would be mounted on a hub.

The Boat Trailering Guys: Mike and George