Is it Necessary to Fully Balance Special Trailer Tires

Updated 11/21/2016 | Published 11/19/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" White Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR E

(1126)

$243.06

Classic Accessories RV Tire Covers for 27" to 30" Tires - Single Axle - White - Qty 2

(752)

$35.07

Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(1094)

$190.67

Question:

Thinking about purchasing new tires for my boat trailer. After just reading a article on your site, do your st tires with rims come balanced. Im thinking about the ST235/80R 16 load range E, my tires now are load range D. thought E would be even better. Thinking beginning of next year. Thank You.

asked by: Raymond G

Expert Reply:

The combination trailer wheels and tires we sell come from the distributor already mounted together. These are not given a full dynamic balance the way a passenger car tire is but this is not necessary for trailer tires. The tire's low spot (its lightest point) is matched up to the wheel's high spot (its heaviest point) to provide a degree of balance that is more than sufficient for trailer applications. You certainly could have your trailer wheels/tires fully balanced by a shop that has the appropriate equipment but it is not essential.

What is essential for trailering is keeping your tires fully inflated to the maximum psi pressure noted on the tire sidewalls. Trailer tires can deliver their rated weight carrying capacity only when fully inflated to the maximum psi shown on the sidewall. It is never appropriate to under- or over-inflate a trailer tire.

Moving to a higher load range tire can help reduce the tires' operating temperature. A tire operated below its maximum capacity will run cooler than one that is working near its limit. I linked our Load Range E tires in your size, such as Taskmaster # TTWTRTM2358016E which carries a speed rating of 81-mph.

Another way to extend the life of trailer tires is to protect them during the off-season with covers that block ultraviolet radiation. I linked our tire storage covers that fit your ST235/80R16 tires, such as # 052963762501.

expert reply by: Adam R