Trailer vibration

[Kracken]

I have a new Load-Rite tandem trailer. The last couple of times out I noticed a vibration when I hit about 40 MPH. The vibration lasts for about 20 minutes then goes away completely. Any Ideas?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer vibration

Check your lug nut torque and your bearing/wheel free play.

 

[deadstick]

Re: Trailer vibration

I have a new Load-Rite tandem trailer. The last couple of times out I noticed a vibration when I hit about 40 MPH. The vibration lasts for about 20 minutes then goes away completely. Any Ideas?

does the trailer sitt for long periods of time.
just a guess
flat spot on your tires from sitting. tires heat up and the vibration goes away.

 

[jt185]

Re: Trailer vibration

Wheel bearing on trailer, bad tire on trailer, bent or warped wheel? Jack the trailer up and spin the wheel to check bearings, tires and wheels.

 

[Kracken]

Re: Trailer vibration

I will jack it up this weekend and check if there is any play ir the bearings.


The vibration does go away after about 20 minutes at speeds over 40, that is what makes it odd. I am thinking that would rule out a bad rim or tire. There is no visible wear. As far as it the trailer sitting, last time I moved it, it was less than 40 hours between uses, but I liked the theory of a flat spot on the tire.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Trailer vibration

Sometimes you need to balance the tires. Some people don't do the trailer tires and usually can get away with that. Some are really out of balance.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Trailer vibration

Problem is likely with ONE of the tires. When the tire heats up a bit, the problem disappears. When you jack the trailer up, switch one tire with your spare. If the problem persists, switch the other tire.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer vibration

does the trailer sitt for long periods of time.
just a guess
flat spot on your tires from sitting. tires heat up and the vibration goes away.

Ayuh,... Exactly,....

Nothing Odd about it,... Rather Common actually....

 

[deadstick]

Re: Trailer vibration

The vibration does go away after about 20 minutes at speeds over 40, that is what makes it odd. .

so are you saying, it only goes away at speeds over 40, even after 20 minutes of driving???
or
if you slow down under 40 after tires are hot , do you still have vibration?
please specify, it may help narrow down the problem..

 

[robert graham]

Re: Trailer vibration

Nylon carcass tires are bad to "flat-spot" while parked. That's one reason most passenger tires use polyester and steel, but some truck and trailer tires still use nylon for the extra strength. Check the sidewalls for types of carcass fabrics. If it's nylon then there's not much to do about it, but at least you'll know what the vibration is. Good luck!

 

[rentprop1]

Re: Trailer vibration

you could always roll the trailer fwd or backward about a foot the day before and see if that takes the flat spot out ???

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Trailer vibration

Is the a NEW trailer or new to you. One question no one else has mentioned yet, have you verified the air pressure in the tires. It could just be One tire and if it is low on air, it could be the cause of the rapid flat spotting...

If the trailer is NEW, it is more likely that all of the bearings, brakes, etc. are fine and lead to the flat spot issue. Also, NEW trialers tend to sit and could seep a little air causing low tire pressure. Fill all tires to rated cold PSI and I bet the problem lessens, or even goes away...

 

[dpoff]

Re: Trailer vibration

I second flat spot after sitting. Mine does the same thing but a few of the other posts are worth looking into, such as low air pressures etc...