storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

[cfcstl]

I am going to have my tandem trailer tires balances before winter to try and smooth out some vibration and after going to all that I would like to block my trailer for the winter to keep the tires off the ground. I have read the best jack points are right at the axle near the tires but should I block the trailer on the axle or the frame? My frame is U channel and I am concerned that it might bend from the weight. I also read conflicting information about letting the leaf springs hang vs keeping them compressed over winter. I have a 20' deck boat and my total weight is around 3500lbs.

 

[Blujay96]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

The axles would support them best but if you want to take the weight of the springs you could always block it up were the leaf spring attaches to the trailer. That way you are still supporting the trailer in the same way the axle does.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

Balancing trailer tires should not be required if everything is ok. If the trailer has excess virbration, you need to find out what the real problem is rather than waste money on balancing trailer tires.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

Out of balance trailer tires can cause the very same problems out of balance tires can on your car or truck. Only the very small 8, 10, and 12 inch tires can get by without balancing. 13 and up should be.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

As a boat dealer selling four different trailer lines, I have never seen a new trailer with wheel weights. All trailers we sell have 14", 15" or 16" wheels and if a customer has a problem with vibrations, we fix the cause of the vibration.

 

[Gregk]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

Interesting. I had new tires put on my trailer wheels. They were spin-balanced. They have weights on them.

 

[180shabah]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

...and if a customer has a problem with vibrations, we fix the cause of the vibration.

What do you do if the cause of the vibration is an out of balance tire?

 

[642mx]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

I don't have any weights on my rims... Kind of a waste of time IMO. If its vibrating enough to notice it in the tow vehicle, then you probably have a bent rim or a hub problem.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

A tire could be out of round, plies seperating...... No weights on mine either....

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: storing a trailer on blocks over the winter

I would agree with no weights. My camp trailer and boat have no weights and I change my own tires with an old tire changer. At work on trucks they only balance the front tires the trailer tires do not get balanced either. I have yet to see wheel weights on trailer tires. I even have a trailer with 235/85R 16 tires on a utility trailer, no weights.