Will Replacing Bias-Ply Tires With Radial Tires On 2003 Snowbear Utility Trailer Solve Bouncing

Question:

I bought the trailer new from a big box retailer in 2003. From the time it was new I could feel a bounce in the tow vehicle that was obviously a trailer tire balance issue. It sat for the winter and when I used it the following spring the bounce had worsened to the point that it wasnt tolerable any longer. I took it to a tire shop and asked them to balance the tires, they looked at me like I was crazy and told me that they couldnt be balanced, and that the only solution was to replace the tires, which I did. It was fine for a short while, and then it was right back to the bounce. The tires are 530x12, I dont recall exactly what brand the OEM tires were but the size is the same. Is it possible to go to a different tire/rim size and get a tire that can be balanced periodically or is there another solution? I would be willing to replace both tires and rims with new if I could get rid of the problem once and for all. Even if it means going to a 13, provided I have the clearance. What is a comparable tire size in metric? Is there a 12inch radial in a comparable size that can be balanced? Thanks in advance for your input.

asked by: Ken P

Expert Reply:

I spoke with our tire expert here and they told me that the 12 inch tires you have on your trailer can be balanced, and that perhaps the tire shop you were dealing with may not have the right equipment to handle your tire size. If you are experiencing the bounce when the trailer is unloaded, that can be normal. If it is bouncing when the trailer has a load then there may be problems other than the tires being out of balance.

Trailer tires are designed to be run only when inflated to their rated pressure as indicated on the tire side wall. You will always want to make sure the tires are inflated to the recommended psi. If the tires are over-inflated the center of the tread will wear more and if under-inflated the outside edges of the tread will wear out.

Although I would like to see you purchase new tires and/or wheels from us, I recommend you take the trailer to a reputable shop that can inspect the trailer and figure out where the problem is.

If you find that the root of the problem is the tires, and you wish to only replace your bias ply tires with radial tires, I recommend part # AM10130. This tire fits 12 X 4 inch rims and is a load range D tire that has a maximum load rating of 1220 lbs at 65 psi. The outer diameter of this tire is 21.3 inches, so it is a bit smaller that the 5.30 X 12 bias-ply tires which measure 21.9.

If you are looking to replace the tire and wheel, and wish to use a 12 inch radial tire, you can take a look at the attached link for the tire / wheel combos we offer. You will need to know the wheel bolt pattern when choosing wheel and tire replacements. I have attached a link to a helpful article that explains how to determine the bolt pattern for wheels.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L