Utility Trailer Is Bouncing When Towed - Check Air Pressure

Updated 06/15/2021 | Published 06/11/2021

Question:

I have 5.30 x 12 load range 1050 carlisle tires on a 4x8 trailer.I used 35 lbs for 20 years with 1200 lbs at times,and 1/3 yard stones and dirt with no problems or bulge,and it ran smooth.Now,i bought 2 new carlisles and one blew out with 125 lb load so i bought another and keep them at 50,no tire place is willing to fill them to 80,plus they would bounce very badly at 80,even 60 lbs.Will another brand work better? radials maybe?I will be buying new springs soon from you and want to issues in the future.

asked by: Randall

Expert Reply:

Tires should be inflated to the maximum air pressure as stamped in the tire. For instance, the Kendra # AM10002 tires (that you page linked) have a maximum air pressure of 60 psi. At that pressure they will support 590 pounds each. If you have a single axle trailer with two tires, then together they will support 1180 pounds. If you have a tandem axle trailer with 4 tires then you have a load limit of 2360 pounds.

Trailers tend to bounce some, especially when not loaded. Springs should be properly sized to the trailers capacity. Springs that are too rigid will cause more bounce. Also make sure you have your load weight properly distributed.

If your trailer has a manufacturers data plate showing the GVWR, and you can measure the eye to eye length of the current spring, I could recommend the correct springs for your trailer.

expert reply by: Les D