Trailer Vibrates at Speeds Over 65 MPH, Should Tires Be Balanced

Updated 03/16/2015 | Published 03/13/2015

Question:

Towing trailer over 65 MPH I pickup a vibration like a tire out of balance.Thought it may be my truck but after decoupling trailer did not have this problem.Had not noticed this prior to changing tire and rim. Do I need to have the tire balanced and if so how are trailer tires balanced?

asked by: Chris L

Expert Reply:

Let me begin by saying that trailer tires have a speed rating that can be as low as 65 mph. Check the sidewalls of your tires for the speed rating. Consistently exceeding the speed rating of the tire can shorten its life expectancy.

Having tires that are perfectly balanced isn't as important for a trailer as it is for a passenger vehicle, as a trailer doesn't have a steering or a drive axle. This being said, if you're picking up a vibration in the truck you should have the trailer tires, wheels and suspension checked out.

I'd tend to suspect there's some other problem like worn or broken suspension components or a bent wheel or axle that's causing the vibration, but there's a possibility that having a severely out of balance trailer wheel/tire could be causing it. If need be, your local tire shop could balance your wheels for you.

expert reply by: Mike L