trailer wobble at low speeds

sikz3

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2006
Messages
244
Any ideas what could cause boat and trailer to wobble at 20-25 mph? It is fine below 20mph and above 25mph.
The trailer is a single axle roadrunner 14" wheels.
 

xtraham

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 20, 2006
Messages
1,425
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

seperated belt in a tire possibly
 

jtexas

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
8,646
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

have you inspected the tires closely for defects?
checked inflation?
sticky brake caliper or warped rotor?
"wobble" - is it something you can see, or feel, or hear while driving? Maybe have someone outside the tow vehicle observe it.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,994
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

I would think a Bad Tire,........
Or,.... A Bent Wheel.........
Or,..... Very Loose Wheel Bearings............

Any 1 of the 3 will Ruin your Day.........
I Wouldn't Move the Trailer til the Cause is Found........
 

sikz3

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2006
Messages
244
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

I have already taken it to the lake about six times since it has been doing this. I will get it down to the tire shop this week. Thanks
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

No need to go to a tire shop. Jack up one side, give the wheel a spin while watching the tread. If it has an obvious wiggle to it, a belt has separated. While its jacked up, rotate the wheel while looking carefully at each sidewall. Any bulges indicates tire damage and the need for immediate replacement. Place a fixed object close to the wheel rim and spin the wheel. Watch the gap between the object and the rim. If the gap varies you have a bent wheel. If the tires are radials, some of them develop what's called radial tire waddle. Very annoying on a car and it can also cause a problem on a trailer. Again, its belt related. Are these trailer tires or auto tires. Trailer tires are marked "STxxx-xx on the sidewall.
 

bjcsc

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
1,805
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

If the tires are not radials, they're bias-ply. It's normal for them to do this until they "warm up", esp. if they've been sitting awhile.
 

sikz3

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2006
Messages
244
Re: trailer wobble at low speeds

Wouldn't they have caught this stuff when mounting and balancing the tires? They are st tires. I have an appt. tommorow at the tire shop to have this checked out and have the wheel bearings replaced. wish me luck. I hope it is not a bent wheel.
 
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