vibration??

[dse]

Hi guys, new to the site. Was looking on the web for some info and found you. My question: When I first hook up to my boat trailer and for the first couple of miles down the road, I can feel a vibration, almost like the boat is shaking, but it doesn't look like it is. I live on a back road, so I'm not going over 35mph till I get out to the main road, by which time it stops?? Then it doesn't do it again even after I've fished for 6-7hrs. But the next week when I go fishing again, it does it?? Doesn't make any sense to me that it stops after a few miles. Just bought this vehicle (Trailblazer) and it's done it everytime. My truck I had before, I never felt it. After I felt it, I had the trailer wheel bearrings done (new ones) and didn't help?? Any Ideas? Thanks for any help!!

Doug

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: vibration??

Doug, welcome to iboats, when was the last time you check the tire pressure. sounds like typical bias ply tires, that sit, and get the flat spot, and have to warm up. keeping the tires to full recommended pressure will help.

 

[xtraham]

Re: vibration??

the tires are probably getting flat spots from setting, and as you drive the heat up and become round again, thats fairly common on something thats sets a lot especially if they are bias ply tires

 

[xtraham]

Re: vibration??

oops sorry TD looks like you can type faster than me

 

[dse]

Re: vibration??

Thanks for the quick reply guys! I just checked the tire pressure before my last outing and they were a couple of pounds light, filled them to the correct poundage as stated on the tire, but it still did it. How do I tell if they are bias ply tires? Looked on the tires and nothing on them to tell me. My only concern with the flat spots from sitting is why didn't I feel it with my truck? I towed with it for 3 yrs. and never felt the vibration. Or could it just be because this is a smaller vehicle and more "sensitive" to something like this. Thanks again.

Doug

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: vibration??

it is a rythmic vibration, like the tires going around, or a random vibration. could be the play in the reciever hitch. did you have a reciever on the truck. i do get reciever noise more with one trailer than another. i also adjust my coupling, there is a nut on the bottom side, that tightens the coupling, i tighten mine just so there is enough play without binding. i just hook the reciever in it and tighten down on the nut

 

[j442w30]

Re: vibration??

What were you towing with before? If the Trailblazer has a shorter wheelbase then you might feel the vibrations more. Might be time for some new tires on the trailer.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: vibration??

How do I tell if they are bias ply tires? Looked on the tires and nothing on them to tell me.

If it is a radial, there is almost always a letter "R" in the size description on the tire.

To test if the tires are developing a flat spot after sitting a week, do this...............

When you park it for the week, put a couple blocks of wood under the axle just high enough that the wheel will spin. Let it sit like that until you go fishing again.
Then see if you get the same vibration.

 

[dse]

Re: vibration??

It is a rythmic vibration, but it only last for a few miles, then stops?? My other truck was a Dodge Ram 1500, not the most smooth ride, but never felt the vibration. My tires look real good yet, have lots of tread, but they are at least 10 yrs. old, maybe older, bought it used. The rubber is not cracked or anything, but I don't know a whole lot about them, so maybe it could be them. After I go fishing on Thursday I will block the tires up and try that for the next week. Think I covered everyones suggestions. Thank you very much for ALL the help.

Doug

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: vibration??

i think this is a good move. but unless you are only towing a short distance, i budget some new tires.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: vibration??

Those tires are way overdue to be changed.

Be safe and buy some new tires.

 

[Zackman]

Re: vibration??

Doug, does your trailer have surge brakes? If yes, there is a shock absober in the actuator designed to stop the brakes from actuating while going slow on bumpy roads. The shock absorber can be replaced... Just a thought.

 

[dse]

Re: vibration??

No surge brakes. I am going to buy new tires!! Was looking on here for them and all the tires in my size are bias tires (4.80x12), could I still get the "flat spots" some of you referred to or does that just come with the tires being old?? Thanks

Doug

 

[bruceb58]

Re: vibration??

Those tires will be very inexpensive and is probably your problem.

When you jack up your trailer next time, give your wheel a tug and make sure the bearings are adjusted correctly. A loose or damaged wheel bearing may also cause a vibration problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: vibration??

here's good radial at a reasonable price. 33.50 ea. 7.50 shipping.

http://www.gemplers.com/tiressupplies/tires/highspeed/932.html

 

[bruceb58]

Re: vibration??

here's good radial at a reasonable price. 33.50 ea. 7.50 shipping.

http://www.gemplers.com/tiressupplies/tires/highspeed/932.html

That is a bias ply tire. I don't think you can buy a radial in that size.

 

[fishweed]

Re: vibration??

dse,
I have the same vibration with my single axle with bias plys. If the trailer sits for a week, the first mile is going to be bumpy until the tires warm up. I too bought new tires and did a brake overhaul thinking this would solve the ploblem, but it did not. I am interested to here what happens when you park your trailer with the weight off your tires, so please post back.
I also agree that 10 years is long enough for trailer tires no matter how good they look.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: vibration??

I have 2 scissor jacks that I use to take the weight off my trailer tires (bias ply) when it is there for a long period of time. I dont know if it helps or not but it is one of those things that my Dad taught me many years ago and it has stuck with me.

 

[dse]

Re: vibration??

Thanks for all the help! I'm just going to get new tires because I agree with you that they are to old. So hopefully this solves the vibration and I will feel safer also.

Doug

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: vibration??

Good Luck with the new tires. Please post if this cures your problem.