Are Trailer Tires Already Balanced on the Wheels on the Tire and Wheel Combinations?

Updated 02/29/2016 | Published 02/27/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(1556)

$146.14

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" White Mini Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2775)

$140.03

Question:

I am looking to buy 3 tires mounted on wheels for my pop up camper. Are these tires already balanced on the wheels or do I need to take them to a tire shop to have them balanced afterwards? Ill likely get the radial 175 80 13 on steel wheels. Thank you.

asked by: Gia D

Expert Reply:

Trailer tires do not have to be balanced due to the fact that you won't be able to feel the imbalance in the vehicle. Every tire and every wheel has a high (heavy) spot and a low (light) spot. When the manufacturers mount the tires on the wheels, they try to offset the tire high spot and the wheel high spot to provide some balance.

You can take them to a tire shop and have them balanced if you want them to be balanced, but they do not need to be balanced to be used on your trailer. Many times the weights will become loose or dislodge when the trailer is being towed unloaded.

expert reply by: Jackie C