Tire wobble, trailer vibration -- but i was prepared

bow wow rider · Aug 5, 2011

pulling the boat on i-275 near cincy this afternoon, started to notice the sound first. sounded like wind buffeting when the back windows are partially rolled down. over the next 20 miles, it got worse, soon the whole starboard side of the boat was noticeably vibrating and the passenger/starboard tire appeared to be causing the problem/wobble.

i pulled off an exit into a parking lot and changed that tire/wheel. fortunately my wife bought me a spare for my birthday and i had it right there ready to go. trailer pulled fine after that.

question is -- nothing was noticeably wrong the tire/wheel i pulled off -- is it salvageable? what could have caused the problem? i don't recall hitting any potholes or any other severe trauma to the wheel. TIA!

Jeff-in-PA · Aug 5, 2011

Re: Tire wobble, trailer vibration -- but i was prepared

Good to hear you were prepared.

Could be separation of the plies in the tires. Once you're back at home, put the tire / rim back on and slowly turn it while it's still up on the jack. Look for an out of round condition or a spot with wobble on the tread.

regardless, it should be replaced ASAP.

bow wow rider · Aug 5, 2011

Re: Tire wobble, trailer vibration -- but i was prepared

thanks Jeff --

a buddy of mine just told me it could be a problem with the tires sitting for too long in extreme temps. it's been 90 here for a while. the tires sat for 2 weeks and i rolled them about 10 miles (at low speed) before today's incident. i'll put the questionable wheel/tire on the axle tomorrow and see what happens with the wobby test.

superbenk · Aug 6, 2011

Re: Tire wobble, trailer vibration -- but i was prepared

Are these bias ply or radials? Bias ply are known for developing flat spots & separation when the sit for too long with weight on them.

bow wow rider · Aug 6, 2011