Is it standard practice to balance trailer tires?

[Riwright]

After I got some new tires it seemed to me that I was experiencing an increase in the number of loose screws. I wondered if the trailer tires were balanced properly. I looked over the tires and could see no balancing weights at all.

I called a tire place and told them I wanted to get the balance checked on my trailer tires. They seemed puzzled that I would want that.

Is it standard practice to balance a trailer tire or do they just slap 'em on? Do you have to ask for them to be balanced?

[Redtail Cruiser]

I had mine spun balanced when I bought new tires and wheels last year. I would think that it is common practice. The only other thing that it might be is, if you are running a higher pressure now, than before.

[Speckul8r]

I don't think it is "standard practice". I've always had it done and get the same surprised reaction each time. My 5x8 utility trailer doesn't seem to care but with the boat and the TM I'm convinced it does make a difference.

[Padgett]

Ones I bought from Northern Tool were not. Ones I bought from a local tire company for less money were and one has 3.5 oz. There are just some things it is better to buy locally IMNSHO.

[hillbillyhotel]

Most don't. on trailer tires if you don't. ask. but they. need to be balanced

[Bill]

+1 on most of the responses. I don't know what TM does now, but in the past, they (like most RV mfrs) did not balance tires. And the tires need to be balanced. And generally (in my experience several times) they will take a lot of weight. And yes, the tire shops will always tell you "Trailers don't need to be balanced!" Just tell 'em "I'm fussy, and I'm paying. Do it anyway."

Bill

[tentcamper]

I always have ours balanced. They will start to get a odd wear pattern if they are much out of balance.

Some trailer wheels can not be balanced on the spin balance machine because how the center hole is cut and need to be balanced on the old bubble balance tool. But I have had no issues with my TM wheels being balanced on a spin balance machine.

[Lesherp]

Interesting. I had tried to find some of the brands of tires people recommended here but was unable to find any locally. After some research and shopping I ended up buying from Les Schwab. They gave me a funny look when I told them I wanted the tires balanced and told me they always balance them and it is included in the tire price.

I had done business with them for years and liked their customer service and the fact that they had a reputation for treating their employees well. I was concerned about what would happen if I had a tire problem out of their area as they are a west coast company. When I talked to the manager he told me if I had a road hazard problem to go to any tire dealer and have them call him and he would authorize a replacement and pay for it.

The tires they had in stock were a little old but they had no problem calling around and finding me some newer ones. I have no affiliation with them, just years of buying tires from them every year for my rural postal vehicle.

I might give Costco a try next time though. Anyone have experience buying trailer tires from them?

Surprisingly few dealers will balance trailer tires unless asked and I don't know why. Any tire, regardless of what it is used on wears unevenly if not balanced. The only exception may be those on small utility trailers that move at low speed. I insisted on mine being balanced and have never regretted the few extra dollars they charged for the service.

Dave

[scrubjaysnest]

We have always required it done, I don't know a dealer in Fl that balances a trailer without be told to.