Do 205/65-10 Trailer Tires on Galvanized Rims Need to be Balanced

Question:

Just got a pair of tires/rims from you. Do you recommend Kenda 20//65-10 E be balanced on single axle boat trailer? Boat plus trailer weighs 1800#. Ive read galv rims are not good to balance. Also read trailer tires just throw off balance weights. Smaller diameter tires would seem to have less chance for imbalance, but also spin faster on road. Previous tires and rims on this trailer, from factory, were not balanced. Thanks

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

This is a debate that's been raging (well, maybe simmering) for years. In most cases, because trailers do not have steer or drive axles it's not as crucial to balance them as it is for passenger vehicles. In my opinion, it's not necessary for smaller, lighter trailers unless you notice some wheel wobble.

Because they are dipped during the galvanization process, the thickness of the coating isn't always uniform so you might find it necessary to balance the tires if you notice any wobble. If need be, you can use balancing beads like part # CA68VR to solve the problem.

expert reply by: Mike L