Wheel valve stem leak - warranty repair

[huntindog]

Yes, intuitively it doesn't make sense. That being said, a trailer wheel/tire is simply handling vertical loads, not involved in handling/steering/cornering like car wheels. Also ride comfort is not an issue, although we don't want our trailer shaking more than what the road conditions produce. In addition, solid axles can absorb some vibration vs independent suspensions in cars.
I do inspect my wheels as I drive via the truck mirrors to make sure no obvious wheel hop as that potentially can increase bearing and leaf spring wear. As to interior vibration, lower grade vibrations are a fraction of what happens from our problematic highway surfaces.
Anyway, feel free to research online. Unfortunately too many opinions, little science out there. But, when the RV manufacturers and trailer tire manufacturers that should know the most are not doing/recommending, that's something. But, it certainly won't hurt anything (other than your wallet) to do if you find a shop that can balance lug centric wheels.

Back when I was young and broke, I needed some used tires, when the man at thetire shop added up my total, he must have noticed that my money was really tight. He advised me that I could save some money by not balancing the rear wheels. He said that on a solid rear axle i would not be able to tell the difference. I found that he was right.

[ajg617]

Back when I was young and broke, I needed some used tires, when the man at thetire shop added up my total, he must have noticed that my money was really tight. He advised me that I could save some money by not balancing the rear wheels. He said that on a solid rear axle i would not be able to tell the difference. I found that he was right.

At the Esso station I worked at in the 1960s, this was standard operating procedure - we recommended customers not pay to have the rears balanced unless suspension was independent. Solid axle, no balance.

[Hoopy Frood]

But there are lots of "Old Mechanics' Tales" that are rooted in "alternative facts". Just because they've been passed down by lots of mechanics doesn't make them so. Personally I think most tires are "close enough" and may not require balancing. But it give me the warm fuzzies, so I like to have it done. I do my motorcycle tires too.