Tire balancing question

[kingdaddy]

This seems like a "no-brainer" but I just noticed that my new BFGs that I had mounted at the dealership were apparently NOT balanced. While looking at the suspension and wheels closely, I noticed there were NO weights on the wheels at all. Seems highly unlikely that my tires/wheels balanced out perfectly!
I'm assuming it is important to balance trailer tires like it is on cars, trucks etc.? Another "oversight" by the dealer?

[awaywego]

Mike,
Most tire dealers say it is not necessary to balance trailer tires and unless you ask for it, they do not do it.

[7.3Ford]

I don't think tires come from the factory balanced either. I had mine balanced, and it took more than I thought it would take. They used sick on lead weights on the inside I guess because they are aluminum wheels.

[NCFischers]

I had mine balanced also. I don't care what a dealer says, logic tells you to balance anything that is revolving as fast as those tires are turning.

[mhs4771]

Agreed, I had mine balanced. Out of balance tires will wear unevenly and cause vibration to the unit. Ever see a car or truck that has a tire out of balance going down the road? I've seen some so far out of balance the tire almost comes off the road. Do I want that on my Monthy, I think not.

[pbahlin]

I'm not sure why but when you ask to have your trailer tires balanced they look at you like you have two heads. Wonder if it is just traditional to not do it.

[scductman]

I had a guy tell me nobody rides back there so you don't need to balance them. I Always do mine it should make the tires last longer. JMHO
Bobby

[camper4]

My tire guy balances mine without me asking.

[Jolu]

I agree with the notion they need balanced. Since they don't come balanced from the factory we are on our own.
If not balanced there can be a lot more shaking going on back there.
Joe

[exav8tr]

Kingdaddy, most weight go on the inside of the wheels now days, make sure you look inside, they may, in fact , be balanced. If not I would insist they be balanced..........

[LonnieB]

Balancing fifth wheel and travel trailer tires is standard operating procedure at our shop, and because I don't charge extra for it I won't take "no" for an answer. Just another one of those little things that sets us apart from the folks down the street.

[8e3k0]

We are using the balancing beads on both the TV and our Monty. No more weights on the outside of the wheels; as the beads on the inside self balance the tire as it goes into motion. This is an application that is used in the trucking industry. I would never go back to weights on wheels.

[kingdaddy]

Thanks everyone for all the good feedback! I am going to get my new (and dirty) Monty washed and waxed this week, then head over to my local America's Tire to get the tires and wheels balanced. Thinking of getting a set of wheel locks too while there (call me paranoid but I DO live in So. Cali )
On a side note, I'm wondering about getting the tires rotated occasionally as well since while turning the front and rears get differing amounts of stress and wear from the scrubbing effect. Also by swapping sides, the tires rotate the opposite way and even out the wear a bit more. Any thoughts on this?

[deadeye]

Kingdaddy:
In your last comment, you suggested that you would think about rotating tire. That is not a bad idea. One more thing. As your owners manual says, "Don't forget to torque the lugnuts". The wheels also come loose from the stress of turning.....JB

[CORattler]

I agree with balancing the tires on the Monty. I've heard the same story about trailer wheels don't need balancing ... baloney! I paid a pretty good dollar for my new tires and I'm going to do what I can to make them last and ride smooth.

[7.3Ford]

quote:Originally posted by kingdaddy
On a side note, I'm wondering about getting the tires rotated occasionally as well since while turning the front and rears get differing amounts of stress and wear from the scrubbing effect. Also by swapping sides, the tires rotate the opposite way and even out the wear a bit more. Any thoughts on this?

Age of the tires will be the biggest problem not ware. If you do rotate them, be sure to following the Torquing procedure, 10, 25, and 50 miles. Also a good practice to torque them before living on a trip.

[8e3k0]

We use the "X" rotation about every 5000 to 7500 miles. Tires have worn evenly. This helps if you have been travelling with a heavy side wind from the same direction for long distances. The tires will scuff on one side to resist that force on 40 feet of body.

[wersqu]

As everyone has stated, I have never heard of a dealership balancing the tires. After our first trip before I had an opportunity to balance the tires I had a little uneven wear on just a 2000 mile trip. After that trip I balanced the tires and had no further problems. I am on my second set of tires balanced with no problems. Like many I recommend balancing and have many trouble free miles.