Understanding the Real Causes Behind Mounting and Balancing Problems
Off-road tires take more blame than they deserve.
Whenever a shop struggles to balance a large all-terrain or mud-terrain tire, the tire is the first thing accused of being “out of round” or “impossible to balance.” Yet when you peel back the layers, those complaints almost always trace back to mistakes during mounting, poor shop technique, or wheel issues that get overlooked entirely.
People often mention that certain off-road tires “don’t balance,” although the problem usually begins with uninspected wheel damage, imprecise bead seating, or outdated balancing equipment. Even top-tier brands in large off-road sizes can show balance irregularities when paired with bent wheels or rushed installation processes.
The reality is straightforward: high-quality off-road tires balance reliably when the fundamentals are handled correctly, and RBP tires are engineered for that level of consistency.
Our sponsored rigs, enthusiast builds, and customer vehicles prove this in real-world environments every day, with trucks and SUVs running hard across rugged terrain while maintaining smooth, predictable road manners.
Large off-road tires are engineered with deeper tread, stronger sidewalls, and aggressive lugs meant to claw through mud, rock, and loose surfaces.
This construction is critical for performance, but it also means the tire is far more sensitive to mounting technique and wheel condition.
The variables that affect balance most:
When these steps are rushed or skipped, the result is almost always the same: a tire that appears to be the problem when, in fact, it is the equipment or the wheel itself.
The truth is that mounting and balancing off-road tires requires a little more care than balancing a passenger tire. Problems usually show up when a shop treats the process like any other vehicle.
None of these issues is tire-specific. They affect every brand, including the largest premium manufacturers. Off-road formats simply magnify sloppy technique.
RBP tire construction is built with balance and durability in mind, even in large diameters.
The internal structure, casing uniformity, and tread design go through multi-stage inspections before leaving the factory. That quality control is what allows RBP-sponsored trucks and SUVs to run our tires across rugged landscapes at speed without vibration or instability.
Our customers and athletes routinely:
A tire cannot perform at that level unless it is fundamentally sound and capable of balancing cleanly.
When mounted and balanced on healthy wheels with proper technique, RBP tires settle in smoothly and deliver the high-performance ride they are engineered for.
These recommendations apply to every off-road tire, not just RBP, and they solve 90 percent of “my tire won’t balance” complaints before they start.
| Balancing Step | What to Do | Why It Matters | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Mount Inspection | Inspect the wheel thoroughly for damage, corrosion, or debris | Prevents contamination and ensures proper bead seating | Check for bent flanges or previous weight residue |
| Bead Lubrication | Apply bead lubricant generously and evenly on both beads | Allows tire to seat properly and reduces mounting stress | Use soap-based lubricant, never petroleum products |
| Initial Balance Check | Mount tire and perform first balance spin | Establishes baseline measurement for adjustment | Note the initial imbalance reading for reference |
| 180-Degree Rotation | If first balance is off, rotate tire 180 degrees on wheel | Compensates for tire and wheel irregularities | Mark the valve stem position before rotating |
| Road-Force Balance | Request road-force balancing for aggressive tread patterns | Simulates real-world load and detects hidden radial force variations | Essential for large-diameter and off-road tires over 35" |
| Equipment Verification | Confirm balancer is calibrated and rated for large tires | Outdated equipment cannot handle modern wheel sizes accurately | Ask when machine was last calibrated (should be monthly) |
| Proper Clamping | Use correct torque specs and secure clamping during all spins | Prevents wheel movement that causes false readings | Verify cone size matches hub bore exactly |
| Post-Drive Recheck | Recheck wheel weights after first 50-100 mile test drive | Tires settle and weights can shift during initial break-in | Schedule follow-up balance within first week of installation |
| Weight Placement | Use clip-on weights on outer rim, adhesive on inner barrel | Maintains wheel aesthetics while ensuring secure attachment | Clean wheel surface with alcohol before applying adhesive weights |
Off-road tires are tools built for work, torque, and terrain that would shred lesser equipment.
They deserve a shop that takes mounting and balancing seriously. When handled properly, RBP tires balance cleanly, run smoothly, and deliver the rugged performance our community depends on.
