Do trailer tires need to be balanced?

**Richter** · 06-11-2019, 04:26 PM

Got a new TPMS for my 303RLS. Highly recommended that we have metal valve stems, so I went down to the local tire shop and inquired about the change-over. Got a price-quote and he said, “We don’t usually balance tires on a trailer, you won’t need that.” Didn’t sound right, but I didn’t ever need any tire work on my previous unit, so this is new to me. Thoughts/opinions?

Thanks, in advance.

Tom

**Steve7** · 06-11-2019, 04:29 PM

Many owners balance their tires. I do. I see no reason not to. Good job on getting the metal valve stems for your TPMS.

**Calbar** · 06-11-2019, 04:35 PM

I always balance the trailer tires. They go round and round. Out of balance tires will be hard on suspension, trailer and tires.

Rob

**xrated** · 06-11-2019, 04:48 PM

Absolutely yes.....have them balanced. The trailers going down the road under normal circumstances are experiencing a lot of shake, rattle, and roll....why run the possibility of making it even worse. Folks are constantly complaining about arriving somewhere and something has fallen down..... a light, a window valance, shades, etc., try to make it as smooth as you can. You really can't do anything about the condition of our roads wherever you live or where you are going, but you can do something about making those little black donuts turn round and round......very smoothly.

**steve gravelle** · 06-11-2019, 05:11 PM

The reasons are many to balance. One that has been on my mind is broken leaf springs. Lots of them, and out of balance tires cause springs to shake. Balancing will reduce this.

**315RLTSinPA** · 06-11-2019, 05:15 PM

I had ours balanced when they put metal valve stems in.

**MidwestCamper** · 06-11-2019, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Richter

Got a new TPMS for my 303RLS. Highly recommended that we have metal valve stems, so I went down to the local tire shop and inquired about the change-over. Got a price-quote and he said, “We don’t usually balance tires on a trailer, you won’t need that.” Didn’t sound right, but I didn’t ever need any tire work on my previous unit, so this is new to me. Thoughts/opinions?

Thanks, in advance.

Tom

The thought on trailer tires from trailer manufactures is that they do not need to be balanced. This is due to the tires being so heavily loaded they will remain planted to the road even if slightly out of balance. However, tires will last longer (bearings too) if balanced so I have always removed the wheels and tires from my new trailers and have had them balanced.

**JCZhome** · 06-11-2019, 05:41 PM

It looks unanimous.....I had all of my tires balanced (even the spare) when I bought the Goodyear G614 tires.

I really don't understand why a tire shop would talk you out of it.....unless it was the hired help that was/is actually going to have to do all the labor?

**cookinwitdiesel** · 06-12-2019, 07:59 AM

One thing to keep in mind, and someone correct me if I have this wrong, is trailer wheels need to be balanced differently thank standard vehicle wheels. They require Lug-centric balancing, not the standard hub-centric balancing. This requires an adapter plate that many shops don't have or do not even realize exists. You may need to call around to find a shop that can do this correctly.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-135668.html