Trailer Tire Notes-Balancing Boo-Boo, Maybe?
This evening I jacked and blocked up the boat trailer, and removed the tires (14 in., radials). Since this is a new boat and trailer, I needed to go thru the exercise for several reasons. First,...
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shootandfish1 wrote:He probably did not use a lug plate. Most trailer rims are lug centric, not hub centric. Using the hubcentric method will give results of a bad rim as the hub hole is not centered. And it CANNOT be balanced without a lug plate..In fact it may well make it worse. Tire shops hate to use them as it is more work. I request it and watch them to make sure they do it. Often they have to go get the right plate from another location. Even tried to tell me I was wrong once...Changed their tune after I insisted and they saw the difference for themselves.
Just got back, the shop 'spin' balanced versus the old school service station 'bubble' balance.
I'm not sure what to think, the tech said I had 1 decent rim, 1 so-so, and 1 very poor. He told me that the rims were not real true, the worst acted as if bent. These are brand new, less than 800 mi.
I measure the length of the weights, so to give you folks a sense of the situation,
tire 1----3 3/4" inside, 5" outside
tire 2----4 1/2" inside, 1 1/4" outside
tire 3----3 1/2" inside, 1 1/2" outside
Tires are Made in China, Karrier, ST205/75R14, LR C, 1760# at 50psi.
Rims are galvanized steel, make unknown.
I've been watching here long enough to plan on buying a set of Maxxis before any long trips(KY to Fl,ect,), but based on what I've got, I may need a set of 'quality' rims, too. Upgrading to 15" is also a thought.
Suggestions? Any comment on the Kendall 'Super Blu' grease?
