MrTruck.com FAQ: What Are Centramatic Trailer Tire Balancers?
Centramatic balancers are unique, “permanent” balancing discs that bolt directly onto your trailer’s wheel studs, sandwiched between the wheel and the hub. Unlike traditional lead weights that are crimped onto the rim, 
Centramatics are dynamic. They consist of a high-quality aluminum disc with a circular hoop containing free-moving weights (usually a combination of metal shot and synthetic oil).
As the wheel spins, centrifugal force moves these weights to the exact position needed to counteract heavy spots in the tire and wheel assembly. This creates a perfectly balanced rotation at all speeds, not just the speed at which a shop machine tested the tire.
Why Balancing Your Trailer Matters
Trailer tires are notorious for “cupping”—a type of uneven wear where sections of the tread are scooped out. This happens because an unbalanced tire literally hops down the road. Every time it hits the pavement, it scrubs off a bit of rubber.
- Stop Tire Cupping: By keeping the tire in constant contact with the road, Centramatics eliminate the “hop” that causes scalloped wear.
- Reduced Heat: Friction and vibration create heat, the #1 enemy of trailer tires. A balanced tire runs cooler, reducing the risk of a blowout.
- Protect Your Cargo: Excessive vibration can rattle fasteners loose, damage electronics, and stress the trailer’s suspension and frame.
- Improved Fuel Economy: A vibrating trailer creates more rolling resistance. Smooth-rolling tires require less energy to pull.
As Kent Sundling, founder of MrTruck.com, often notes: “A balanced trailer doesn’t just save your tires; it saves the structural integrity of the trailer itself over thousands of miles of hauling.”
Comparing Balancing Methods
When deciding how to handle trailer vibration, it helps to see how Centramatic stack up against traditional methods.
Dynamic Adjustment Yes (Adjusts as you drive) No (Fixed position) Yes Longevity Lifetime of the trailer tire. Must be redone every tire change. Must be replaced every tire change. Installation Easy DIY bolt-on Requires shop equipment. Requires breaking the tire bead. Effectiveness, Balances entire hub assembly and Balances wheel/tire only. Tire brakedown and spin machines, balances tire only.
How to Install Centramatic Balancers on Your Trailer
One of the biggest draws for customers at MrTrailer is the ease of installation. You do not need a tire machine or specialized training to install these.
- Jack up the trailer: Ensure you are on level ground and the trailer is properly supported.
- Remove the wheel: Take off the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the hub.
- Slide on the Centramatic: Place the balancer over the wheel studs. It should sit flush against the brake drum or hub.
- Reinstall the wheel: Slide the wheel back onto the studs over the balancer.
- Torque the lug nuts: Tighten to your manufacturer’s specifications.
“The beauty of this system is that it’s ‘set it and forget it.’ You buy them once, and they continue to work even if you get new tires or hit a pothole that would normally knock off a lead weight,” says the expert team at MrTruck.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- All tires need balancing: Neglecting trailer tires leads to cupping and vibration.
- Dynamic balancing: Centramatics adjust in real-time to mud, ice, or tire wear.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial investment is higher than lead weights, the extension of tire life (up to 35%) pays for the balancers over time.
- Universal Fit: Models are available for 5, 6, 8 and 10-lug trailer axles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do trailer tires really need to be balanced?
Yes. While you may not feel the vibration in the cab of the truck, the trailer and its cargo are subjected to constant vertical oscillation. This causes “cupping” and shortens tire life significantly.
Will Centramatics fit my specific trailer?
Centramatic manufactures balancers for almost every common trailer bolt pattern, including 15-inch, 16-inch, and 17.5-inch wheels. Check your lug count and bolt circle diameter before ordering.
Can I move them to a new trailer?
As long as the new trailer has the same bolt pattern and wheel size, you can easily transfer your Centramatic balancers to a different unit.
Do they make noise?
At very low speeds (under 10-15 mph), you might hear a slight “shuffling” sound as the weights move inside the disc. Once you reach highway speeds, they are completely silent and effective.
Ready to stop the shake and save your tires? Visit MrTruck and Trailer to learn more about the best hauling accessories and performance upgrades for your rig.
