Flat Bed Trailer Made From Camper Bounces Badly When Towed Empty
Question:
Ive got the Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8inch White Wheel on a 2000 pound axle camper modified to flatbed trailer. I have to slow way down at potholes, bumps, on gravel roads because it bounces and jars very loud. I know the trailer is very very light since removing the camper top. Ive noticed these tires are more ballooned than the original factory installed tall skinnier tires. Would/does this have an affect on the ride of the trailer? Options to keep it from being so rough? Besides hauling around a bunch of bricks on it
asked by: Justin B
Helpful Expert Reply:
It's pretty common for a trailer such as what you describe to have a rough and bouncy ride when empty, especially since most of the weight of the trailer was removed when you converted it to a flat bed. I believe this is more of a function of the trailer suspension rather than that of the tires.
You could try putting lower rated leaf springs on the trailer, but this would lower your weight capacity. Unfortunately, the trailer's existing suspension was designed for a camper. If you'd like to explore that option, please reply with the axle capacity, spring length while the trailer is jacked up so the axle hangs free, and tell me if they're slipper or double-eye springs.
Bricks are sort of hard to handle, but a few sand bags would be easier to handle and would provide some ballast so the trailer would ride more smoothly. I'd recommend trying that first.
I've linked to some help articles about trailer suspensions.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80/4.00-8
- 8 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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