Trailer tires

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scott_l

Member
I have decided it’s time to put a new set of tires on the trailer. I have an 8.5’x12’ drive on/drive off with a fiberglass top, don’t remember the tire size off the top of my head but it is the taller stile not the short tires that are more common. I am going to go with an aluminum rim as I am tired of the steel ones looking like crap after a year or two. So I was looking on line to get some prices (for rim and tire) and then I called the local shop a few miles from my house to see if his price was in the same ball park (if so yup I would go with him). His price was competitive but has says I need to get the tires mounted (which he would do) and then get the tire/rim combo balanced (which he would also do for an added cost).

My question is has any one heard of balancing a trailer tire?
 
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mustardbucket2

Member
Yes. I just had my Triton in for service this week and I had both tires replaced. They had about 10K miles on them and were getting chopped up/cupped. Looked like truck tires do when they get worn. The guy said that the tires should be balanced to help get more even wear which made sense to me - it would be similar to a car or truck tire. I know that on the drive home the trailer pulled nice and smooth - much better than when I took it in.
 
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catalac

Active member
If they are the small ones, I wouldn't think they need to be balanced, but if they are 14 or 15 in.,yea maybe I would. I've never balanced my small ones and they seem to last just fine.
 
saber1

saber1

Active member
had my small tires balanced i don't know about wear but they sure got quiet after the balance so i would balance them just for that reason alone.
 
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dvision

Member
My tires are shot also .Where are you finding the aluminum wheels and are the studs going to need to be replaced since I'm guessing the aluminum wheels are thicker. Have not heard of balancing the smaller stuff but do not see the harm.
 
saber1

saber1

Active member
no the studs don't need to be replaced i went on line and googled aluminum rims for trailer, cant remember the company but they were out of WI someplace i got stainless lug nuts too no worries now.
 
yamadooed

yamadooed

Active member
Best price I've seen so far for trailer tires is Sams club online only as they don't carry them in the store (free shipping). I've opted for the 20.5x8-10 tow master tires with galvanized rims to sport on my 20' floe. My original tow masters were 10 years old with who knows how many 1000's of miles and at least 3 coats of paint on the old steel rims. Never balanced the smaller ones yet as I've never had any vibration issues with them but the main thing is to get the right load range tire for the trailer axle weight capacity.
 
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snoduke88

Member
It is best to remove and reinstall lug nuts every year. If you have flat with rusted lug nuts rim will spin in tire! As for balancing
that little 10" wheel is traveling at least twice as fast as you truck tire.
 
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