Troubleshooting Motorcycle Trailer that Vibrates at High Speeds

Updated 03/24/2020 | Published 01/18/2015

Question:

I bought a Stinger Trailer used from a friend. He bought three 5.70-8 tires from you. I like to drive faster than most while towing a Harley FLHTK 900 lb bike and have no trouble doing this except for vibration. I was thinking about modifying the trailer to accommodate 12inch wheels going from 18inch diameter to 20.5inch diameter would the wheel RPM significantly, additionally I heard you cant balance a 8inch diameter wheel but it can be done to the 12inch wheel. So my question is: can you balance or true the 8inch wheels to eliminate the vibration, or will I need to modify the trailer and go with bigger wheels.

asked by: John O

Expert Reply:

The thing about trailer tires is that unless otherwise noted they cannot exceed 65 miles per hour. It sounds like you exceed this speed and that is why you are getting vibration.

Exceeding the speed rating will cause heat to build up in the tire and can cause premature failure.

If you took your 8 inch wheels to a wheel and tire shop they should be able to balance them.

Going to a larger tire might help you reduce some vibration, but I believe your problem is directly related to the speeds you are traveling at. Also, judging by the picture you sent us it would take considerable fabrication to allow your trailer to accommodate the tire size.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Eugene R.

3/24/2020

trailer vibrates above 40mph smooths out sometimes at higher speeds then starts all over

Chris R.

3/24/2020

What type of trailer are you pulling - cargo, travel, boat, etc? Does the vibration happen consistently, or only when the trailer is empty? It's possible that some weight shifting on the trailer is enough to greatly improve the ride. You can try moving more weight up towards the tongue/front of the trailer if possible to see if this helps.