Troubleshooting Trailer that is Continuously Shaking

Updated 05/09/2017 | Published 05/07/2017

Question:

Hello. I bought an aluminum tilt ramp car hauler last year and cant get it to stop shaking. We have balanced the wheels many times, bought new wheels and tires, no success. There is no centering ring from the Dexter hub to the wheel. The hub is 2.67 and wheel is about 3.20inch Shouldnt there be some sort of hubcentric ring that pilots the wheel on the hub? From my car experience, wheels shouldnt be piloted on the lug bolts/nuts. Thank You!

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Most trailer hubs are lug centric and the wheels will be centered by the lugs. If you do have hub centric hubs you will need the pilot hole to be exactly the correct diameter to fit onto the hub. If it's hub centric it will likely use bolts instead of studs with lug nuts.

Some wheel manufacturers do make rings that will fit on the rim to make the pilot hole a specific size if you need it to be hub centric. These rings will be made specifically for the particular wheel and I don't think you'll find them for trailer wheels.

Assuming you aren't overloading the trailer you may want to check the speed rating of your tires. Many are rated no higher than 65 mph. Also, make sure you're inflating the tires to their maximum psi when cold. I've linked an article on trailer wheels and tires you might check out for more information.

Since you've already put so much attention to the wheels and tires they may not be your problem. Inspect the suspension and axles as well. Make sure the axles are aligned. You would see uneven wear on your tires if they aren't. Since the trailer is so new you wouldn't think there is anything damaged but it's always possible.

expert reply by: Charles S