Towing Vibrations

[MakeItSo]

I'm towing a Yamaha 195S. On smooth surfaces, at a constant speed, I get a pretty significant vibration that ebbs and flows. It will disappear, return significantly, then disappear again, then return, etc. The vibration will get so significant I can hear the hitch vibrating on the ball. Speed seems to have no effect. This seems to happen whether I'm traveling at 30 mph, or 55 mph, or anything in between. Engine speed also seems to have no effect. Tire pressure is good. I have towed the trailer/boat from Michigan to New York without this happening. It seems to be something that has developed in the past two weeks. Any thoughts or ideas? I am towing with a mooring cover on. Could it be a type of sympathetic vibration, or drumming effect of the air over the cover?

 

[motomandan]

I'm towing a Yamaha 195S. On smooth surfaces, at a constant speed, I get a pretty significant vibration that ebbs and flows. It will disappear, return significantly, then disappear again, then return, etc. The vibration will get so significant I can hear the hitch vibrating on the ball. Speed seems to have no effect. This seems to happen whether I'm traveling at 30 mph, or 55 mph, or anything in between. Engine speed also seems to have no effect. Tire pressure is good. I have towed the trailer/boat from Michigan to New York without this happening. It seems to be something that has developed in the past two weeks. Any thoughts or ideas? I am towing with a mooring cover on. Could it be a type of sympathetic vibration, or drumming effect of the air over the cover?

jack it up , remove the hubs and check the bearings! ASAP

 

[WV Hillbilly]

How long did the boat sit in one spot? The bias ply tires will flat spot from sitting. If they get in sync going down the road with even minor flat spots they will be more pronounced. On a single axle trailer it will be even more pronounced. I agree the hubs should be pulled and bearings checked along with play in the bearings before you take them off.

 

[RobbieO]

I'm towing a Yamaha 195S. On smooth surfaces, at a constant speed, I get a pretty significant vibration that ebbs and flows. It will disappear, return significantly, then disappear again, then return, etc. The vibration will get so significant I can hear the hitch vibrating on the ball. Speed seems to have no effect. This seems to happen whether I'm traveling at 30 mph, or 55 mph, or anything in between. Engine speed also seems to have no effect. Tire pressure is good. I have towed the trailer/boat from Michigan to New York without this happening. It seems to be something that has developed in the past two weeks. Any thoughts or ideas? I am towing with a mooring cover on. Could it be a type of sympathetic vibration, or drumming effect of the air over the cover?

Check your tires for a separation.....What about the tow vehicle?

 

[MakeItSo]

How long did the boat sit in one spot? The bias ply tires will flat spot from sitting. If they get in sync going down the road with even minor flat spots they will be more pronounced. On a single axle trailer it will be even more pronounced. I agree the hubs should be pulled and bearings checked along with play in the bearings before you take them off.

I think you might be on to something there... The trailer is brand new. So, I'm not thinking bearings or tire separation, BUT it's been in the 90's here. The trailer sits in direct sunlight. That's gotta soften the rubber a little. It's a single-axle trailer, with a fully-fuelled, and loaded boat. The vibration does seem to lessen after driving a few miles. The flat-spot theory seems to make sense. I'll see what happens this weekend after a little bit longer of a tow. Otherwise, I'll look into the other avenues. Thanks!

 

[Maineiac]

Flat spots
Loose wheel
Bent rims

those would be my suggestions

 

[WV Hillbilly]

I had the same trailer until I went to a tandem axle aluminum load rite. (Modifying it for the 195s and two jet skis). If mine sat for more than a couple of days, the first miles until the tires warmed up were awful.

BTW, the 2021 ShoreLandr is for sale if you need it or know someone who might.

 

[SCP1]

First step, replace the bias tires with radials and upgrade your steel wheels to aluminum. You might just have a bad tire.

 

[2kwik4u]

First step, replace the bias tires with radials and upgrade your steel wheels to aluminum. You might just have a bad tire.

Agreed.

My Bias Ply tires only lasted about 5 seasons of semi-regular towing. They would flat spot horribly, especially once warm. Stop for gas, took 2-3 miles to "round them out" again and get smooth.

I had the belts come loose on my passenger side trailer tire. Made a GIANT bubble in the tire, and the only indication in the cab of the pickup was a slight vibration at speed. The bias ply are so "squishy" that they just went right along for the ride until about 55-60mph, then it was just kinda shake a little. I have a picture somewhere, I'll try to find it and post it.

Moved to Radials this season, and had the new tires road force balanced. It's probably over the top (an extra $10 and 5 min of labor) for a boat trailer.....but it tows smooth as butter now. Just did a shade over 1,300 miles from KY to FL and back with them. Stayed cool and round for the entire trip at interstate speeds.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I had The same problem with my trailer not too long after I bought the boat, it was so bad I thought a wheel was falling off.

Make sure your tires are fully inflated to cold psi on the tire, this will help a bit more. I eventually jacked up the trailer and put a set of goodyear endurance tires on and no more vibration.

 

[mcmspark]

I have this same problem on a brand new 195s. It goes away after towing about 10 miles. Weird. I plan to get new wheels and tires anyway. I don't trust these bias ply tires at highway speed for many hours.

 

[RobbieO]

I have this same problem on a brand new 195s. It goes away after towing about 10 miles. Weird. I plan to get new wheels and tires anyway. I don't trust these bias ply tires at highway speed for many hours.

The bias-ply tires get flat spots from sitting and the tire will round itself out after a few miles. I thought my tow rig was having issues. I put on Goodyear Endurance and smooth sailing.

 

[WV Hillbilly]

Bias ply tires will flat spot overnight when parked warm. Radials will also flat spot from sitting but it takes much longer. When I put cars away for the winter, the tires either sit in cradles or the car sits on jack stands.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

also see if the tires are out of balance