Greetings all,
I have never seen anyone on this forum say "stupid/unnecessary" with regard to balancing the tires on a Scamp. So I thought, "Makes sense to me!" Called the local OK Tire store, and got treated like a complete idiot for even bringing it up. I won't go into the details, but basically, the young/middle-aged dude there was talking to older woman me, and said, "Do you believe everything you read on the internet???" Like, "Any radial tire on a 'trailer' doesn't need balancing. Period." Then, "I'll be glad to take your money, but you're wasting it." (What an attractive offer....)
Which made me feel like an idiot, of course.
But yeah, actually. I *do* give credence to what all of the practical-minded and experienced Scamp owners who have posted here have had to say. So, you all, supply me with some darned good *technical* information on why I should get this done. If you can do it fast enough, I might be able to have my local mechanic do it in the next 24 hours (before I leave on a significant trip), and screw the tire shop. :)
Thanks, everybody.
Had the wheels balanced on our 13 Scamp. There were some pretty big weights on those wheels when the job was finished! Balancing the wheels will help reduce vibration. If you notice things have moved around in the trailer or screws have come loose vibration is likely the cause. The extra bed board of our big bed kept falling out while traveling until we got the wheels balanced.
We also balanced ours. Also ended up with pretty big weights. Also screws were backing out of interior woodwork.
Doug
Yes, you should have the tires balanced. I'd say you ran into a Forrest Gump tire guy: "Stupid is as stupid does."
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Hey Going Light,
When I first got our Scamp, I had the same conversation at our Les Schwab place. I told the guy that I would save my money on a tire balance if he would give me a warranty that he will maintain the screws and rivets in the fiberglass for me. He went out and looked at the trailer construction and quietly took my money after he balance the tires.
Bob D
2005 13' Scamp "Lil Critter"
Brenda, AZ
Now that’s a good one, Bob.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
The last set of my tires was not balanced, the present one is. The weights look like only one oz. or so, which is not bad. The problem is that you do not know how badly off-balance they may be, since the vibration could only be felt in the trailer. A thought: there are vibration analysis apps for the iphone and you could take it for a ride (in the trailer). Anybody tried it?
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
I'm glad to have these good questions and responses to remind me of things I need to do. I had forgotten that when I first got my Scamp I noticed a shimmy around 54 to 57 mph. I asked my mechanic and he said the camper tires needed to be balanced. I didn't have it done at that moment, but I guess I need to get that on my list.
Before I had mine balanced, screws loosened and things fell out of cabinets on every trip. Balanced wheels - problem gone.
I had my new Scamp for one month when I left on a cross country trip. I never thought to get the tires balanced. After all it was a brand new Scamp. But boy, talk about loose screws! There were an amazing number of screws that came loose on that trip! and they were everywhere! And I was just driving on the interstate. So, before I travel again, I'll be sure to have that done.
Next question: My Scamp is parked in one spot for the next 4 months. I see other RV people with covers on their tires. Is that necessary? And, if so, where do I buy covers for my tires?
Thanks!
The sun will damage tires. Here in the mid west we get anything trailer at the local farm and barn store, but Walmart and Amazon have them also. You will need to know tire diameter. (I'd buy white.) My Scamp tires are not even round, I will be replacing them and the wheels this summer.