Recommended Solution to Help with Absorb Bumps on Small Utility Trailer

Published 09/17/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2701)

$128.24

Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Light-Duty Trailers 1,000 lbs

(4)

$269.36

Question:

Hi, Im looking to up-size my 4.80-12 tires/wheels on my 2000 lb utility trailer to 175/80d13 in an effort to help smooth the ride out. The leaf-spring suspension is appropriate for the trailer size, but the 80-90 psi with the current tires seem to transfer any pot hole directly into the trailer and load. Will this change to a 50 psi tire help with a light trailer, or will it just cause it to bounce around more with the extra giveinch in the tire? I have the clearance to make this change, but dont want to waste money in the tire/rim purchase if it would make the trailer more unstable on the highway. Obviously, the new tires would have a higher load rating, but I know that my trailer cannot handle any higher load. OR do you have any other ideas that could help achieve more shock absorption? Thanks for your feedback in advance.

asked by: Tony

Expert Reply:

I'm not necessarily sure that the air pressure of the tires is the main culprit here since the smaller tires have a higher air pressure to compensate for the lower capacity; you could absolutely go with a larger tire like the Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # AM3S140 to give yourself a higher capacity tire that doesn't require as much air. However, I think the light weight of the trailer also makes it a bit more prone to the bouncing you're getting and there is something else you can do to help correct this.

I recommend taking a look at the Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Light-Duty Trailers 1,000 lbs # TTRA1702 which install directly to the trailer frame above the axle and will provide you with bump stops to help cushion the road shock you're experiencing. At the end of the day, those smaller utility trailers don't have the best suspension systems on them and adding something like these Timbren bump stops would do a good job at giving you an extra layer of protection against road shock.

I've linked a short review video of these springs for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Erik B