Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

[nhmaina]

I just purchased a boat with a 1989 galvanized trailer. The trailer is made up of hollow rectangular beams. When I jack up the trailer and rotate the tires the trailer makes a rumbling sound. I have drive 1/2 hour with the boat on the trailer and there is no heat on the hubs and then jacked up the tires move very freely. What is causing this noise? Could it be the bearings? Also, is a slight amount of dry cracking on boat tires normal and ok? Thanks, it's my first boat in 20 years (since I was a teenager), and I didnt' pay attention to things back then

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

Inspect and re-pack your bearings. There should not be any noise.

Weather cracking is bad. Time to replace the tires

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

What is causing this noise? Could it be the bearings?

Ayuh,... That usually means atleast 1 of the bearings, is No longer really a Bearing...
And,...
Dryrotted tires are only a heartbeat from being a Blow-out...

 

[nhmaina]

Re: Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

Inspect and re-pack your bearings. There should not be any noise.

Weather cracking is bad. Time to replace the tires

OK I will do both. Not what I wanted to hear, but oh well. I bought the trailer, boat with a bad motor for $600 so I guess you can't expect much for that price.

 

[nhmaina]

Re: Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

Well, I am glad I took your advice. I took out the bearings and although they looked fine to me, I guess I am no expert because I bought new bearings and now the trailer doesn't make the sound. Now, the only thing I hear is a very faint slight thump every few rotations. Don't know if it was already there, and it isn't every rotation. I really have to listen for it next to the wheel on jacks to hear it. Hopefully this time it's me being paranoid. I think I put everything back together properly

 

[rwidman]

Re: Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

Well, I am glad I took your advice. I took out the bearings and although they looked fine to me, I guess I am no expert because I bought new bearings and now the trailer doesn't make the sound. Now, the only thing I hear is a very faint slight thump every few rotations. Don't know if it was already there, and it isn't every rotation. I really have to listen for it next to the wheel on jacks to hear it. Hopefully this time it's me being paranoid. I think I put everything back together properly

You can find detailed instructions for trailer wheel bearing replacement on the Internet, but basically, you grease and install the bearings, put the hub back on, tighten the nut while rotating the hub until it won't turn any more, then loosen it to where it turns and you can put the cotter pin through the slots in the nut and the hole in the spindle. That's probably 1/8 to 14 of a complete turn. It's been a really long time since I've don it so look it up on the Internet. You can find instructions with photos.

As for the tires - use only type "ST" trailer tires, not car or truck tires.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Is trailer rumbling sound normal?

the thumping sound is probably a high spot in one of your tires.

Just it up, spill the tires, and stare at the top of the tire. check for roundness.
then, spin it again and stare at the tire tread. check for straightness.