trailer vibration

[jk1162]

I HAVE A TANDEM AXLE TRAILER. RECENTLY I AM EXPERIANCING A VIBRATION AT 70 MPH. IT COMES AND GOES. IT DOES IT WITH BOTH VEHICLES I TOW WITH SO I KNOW IT IS NOT THE PULLING VEHICLE. I THOUGHT IF IT WERE OUT OF BALANCE TIRES IT WOULD DO IT ALL OF THE TIME. PERHAPS TWO TIRES ARE OUT OF BALANCE AND WHEN THEY GET IN THE SAME SEQUENCE IT CAUSES THIS. BEEN BOATING MANY YEARS BUT THIS ONE HAS ME STUMPED.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trailer vibration

If the trailer sits for awhile between uses, the tires can take a temporary set and they will thump/vibrate until they get round again. since this is a tandem, one axle probably has brakes so is it possible you locked up the brakes and flat spotted a tire? You should also jack up each wheel and have someone spin the wheel while you look at it from the rear. If the tread seems to waver (not run true) or if there seems to be a slight tread shift, the tire probably has a belt or cord separation which will cause vibration. Time for a new tire.

 

[jk1162]

Re: trailer vibration

Will give that a try. would that be an intermitant thing. 2 minutes shakes, 2 minutes doesnot. 2 minutes is just an estimate.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trailer vibration

Speed plays a definite part in any vibration although 2-minute intervals seems a bit long. Loss of a wheel weight causing tire imbalance, flat spots, tread/cord separation can definitely cause rythmic vibration. I'd start with a visual inspection, inflation pressure check, wheel bearing pre-load check. You might even rotate tires to opposite sides to see if that changes things.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: trailer vibration

Also check wheel bearings for play by jacking trailer up and checking the play in each wheel by holding at top and bottom of tyre and rocking.<br /><br />Play equals vibration, bad tracking and high tyre wear.

 

[tommays]

Re: trailer vibration

tire balance ? i have never worried about it but it could be a problem<br /><br />tommays

 

[milkyway]

Re: trailer vibration

Must be wind drag coz you're going too fast.