Getting new tires for trailer- To balance or not to balance?

[NorthernBasser]

Hey guys/gals. I'm ready to get new tires put on my boat trailer (single axle, 13" tires). I keep hearing/seeing conflicting reports on balancing trailer tires. Some recommend it, some say it's not needed. Just curious what you all do when you get new tires mounted.

 

Have a great weekend! 

[Bird]

I've had all mine balanced but have always delivered the wheels and tires to the shop...... boat and trailer on jack stands.

[MN Fisher]

Always balance them - just as important as for your self-powered vehicles.

[Capt Ed]

Same here.  I've had all my trailer tires balanced for many years and will continue to do so.

 

I recently bought new tires for my boat and utility trailer at Discount Tire.  No need to take your tires and wheels off, they do every thing at their store. 

 

 

[NorthernBasser]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I figured it was a no-brainer. But after seeing so many people saying otherwise, it made me question it. 

[Jig Man]

Unbalanced tires wear uneven.

[K1500]

Goodyear endurance and have them balanced. 

[NorthernBasser]

18 minutes ago, K1500 said:

Goodyear endurance and have them balanced. 

Pretty sure they don't make them in 13's. 

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

Pretty sure they don't make them in 13's. 

14" is as small as they go...

[Log Catcher]

I guess I am the odd man here. I did like @Bird and put the trailer on jack stands and took the tires and wheels to a Firestone Dealer to get new trailer tires.  I did not have them balanced and they have not given me any problems. This is for a Bass Tracker 175. Single axle trailer and 13" tires.

[K1500]

It appears they don’t make them in 13” sizes. I’ve used them on a camper and boat and had excellent service. In any event, I vote for balancing them. It is usually included in the price of mounting and I don’t see a reason to give your tires a chance to shake the boat to pieces while under tow.  

[gim]

18 hours ago, Bird said:

I've had all mine balanced but have always delivered the wheels and tires to the shop...... boat and trailer on jack stands.

That’s kind of what I do too. Take an old tire off, put the spare on. Then jack up the other side and take that tire off. Go to the tire shop with both old tires, return with 2 new balanced ones. I only have one jack so I used my spare on one side.

 

Don’t forget to check the spare tire too! I went with road runners 2 years ago.

[airshot]

I have them balanced when new to see if they are way out.  If a new tire shows off balance by a lot, then exchange it out for another.  On occasion a tire gets molded out of round/ balance by a good amount.  If you correct that with lots of weights, it will cause issues down the road, so don't let it go.  Adding a small weight is ok, but when they start adding many or large weights....no. no...replace that tire while you can, no sense starting bout with an off balanced tire !!  I do the same for all tires I buy ..

[kjfishman]

I have mine balanced. 

[BrianMDTX]

Balanced. Always. 
 

it can create excess vibration and wheel hop. 

[rboat]

If you only town in city driving at slow speeds, probably not needed. If you hit any highway speed, have them balanced.

Think about it, those trailer tires are spinning just as fast as your tow vehicle, and often times making even more revolutions if they are smaller.

Personally, I would have them all balanced. As said earlier, it is normally included in the mounting price anyhow. 

[Bankc]

I'm a cheapskate, which is why I have my tires balanced.  It saves money in the long run on gas mileage and tire wear.  Plus, it's easier on your bearings.  It's one of those ounce of prevention things that's worth the small cost up front.  

[DinkDonkey30]

You do not need to have trailer tires balanced. Trailer loads vary to much to make it beneficial.You can absolutely get trailer tires balanced if it gives you piece of mind but unless you have the same exact load in your boat every time you go out and have had the trailer alignment checked it’s not doing anything for you. I’m an ase certified auto/diesel tech. I’ve been one since 2011 I have worked for freightliner as a dealer tech. I currently work for a large towing company as an operator and road service tech.