Trailer vibration

[kaflanigan]

Hello, I tow a Ranger 333v (17') boat with a single axle ranger trail trailer (1991). As I first start out I get a lot of trailer vibration as going over rubble strips. After about 5 to 10 minutes the trailer tows as smooth as can be. I have tried replacing the bearings (no difference) .By the way when I bought the boat the previous owner still uses the E-Z lube hub along with bearing buddies (any problem using this method, or should I just go with the E-Z lube hubs with a cap?) The tires are fairly new Carlisle 4 ply load range C ST205/75d14. Can these tires be flat spotting? But I still get the vibration after reloading the trailer after a day on the lake with the trailer sitting empty.? Anything else I should look at? Thanks

 

[capt sam]

Re: Trailer vibration

how do the springs look? trailer tires pretty much suck as a rule, even if their new.

 

[kaflanigan]

Re: Trailer vibration

Springs look OK, no rust. Anyway of checking them?

 

[capt sam]

Re: Trailer vibration

if there's no rust, they're probably fine, check and see if any have cracks in them and check all related hangers and ubolts. You could try getting the tires balanced but usually trailer tires don't balance well.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Trailer vibration

Does it have brakes that may be hanging up? Is the axle or are the spindles bent so one or both of the tires have toe-in? Are the tires wearing in a "cupping" pattern? Is the pressure correct? Does it happen in the summer?Are you in a cold area where water inside the tire can freeze then thaw as the tire heats up?

 

[kaflanigan]

Re: Trailer vibration

No brakes. tires are at 50psi. do not tow a great distance so tire wear does not show. If the spindle or axle was bent won't the vibration continue after warm up? Air, water temperature doesn't make a difference.

 

[kaflanigan]

Re: Trailer vibration

Yes, tire have been balanced.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Trailer vibration

has it always been this way even before replacing the tires? is the boat new to the trailer? how much does the boat weigh, is the axle/spring setup rated for that?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Trailer vibration

Maybe the problem lies within your tow vehicle and it's not the trailer at all but actually you trucks ujoints, an axle bearing, or something else that pulling the trailer put extra starin on. Maybe?

 

[kaflanigan]

Re: Trailer vibration

Older tires acted the same way before replacing with new tires. Boat and trailer was a packaged deal when new from Ranger so I would guess that it's correct. Boat has a dry weight (hull) of 1045lbs, trailer is rated at 2995 lbs.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Trailer vibration

Can you get any spare tires to try? I know it's a pain but I've had a lot of issues with Carlisle tires over the years so nothing about them surprises me.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Trailer vibration

Have you Tried towing with another car/truck.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Trailer vibration

I don not know what your problem is, but the clue is in the fact that it stabilizes after about 10 minutes. Flat spots on the tires was my first thought. Could it be the bearings seating in somehow? Try it behind another vehicle like was suggested.

Here is another thought. Put it up on jacks for several hours and then lower it and pull it right away. That would tend to eliminate flat spotting. Also, spin the wheels while it is up. That might tell you about the bearings. If you can determine that the issue is one side only, you can swap tires and try it again. While you are at it, do you have a spare? Put that on and seewhat happens.

TerryMSU

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Trailer vibration

flat spotted tires come to mind for me as well.

I like the idea of putting it up on jack stands for a while then setting it back down and going for a ride right away.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Trailer vibration

Our new boat came with Carlisle tires. I replaced them right off of the dealers lot with some COOPER trailer tires. (8 ply tires).

We had originally put them on a tandem axle trailer for a 21' Viper Coral with a 225 Merc.

They are now on a 20' LARSON 204 Escape. I like the tires, and as a matter of fact, I run COOPER tires only on our 2 F-150's and our Mustang !!!!

(I figured the heavier tire would help control the boat/weight, as I felt the Carlisle tires were to light weight, and everything that I had heard about them wasn't good).

 

[kaflanigan]

Re: Trailer vibration

Yes, I have towed with two different vehicles, same results. I think I will spend the money on some radials and see if that cures the problem.

 

[td8]

Re: Trailer vibration

I am assuming your tires are bias-ply if they are that's probably your problem. Some of the bias-ply tires will ride rough till they get warmed up.

 

[Ram58]

Re: Trailer vibration

Sounds like a bias ply tire issue to me. One of the first things I do with a new rig is change the tires to radials.