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- GjacExplorer IIINobody mentioned that the Al wheels would be made to a closer tolerance than the steel wheels which should help the ride. The steel wheels are stamped in a die. I would guess they would be plus or minus 1/32 on the dia. The Al wheels would be turned on a CNC lath probably holding plus or minus .005 or better on the dia. I don't know if it reduces tire vibration enough to pay $2000 extra for the Al. I would be interested in first hand experience with the conversion.
- stan909ExplorerIt looks like the Alcoa's would eliminate the cutting of valve extenders that is so common with liners.
- Tom_AndersonExplorerI like them mostly because they make it easier to check tire pressure or remove the wheels. But I put Crossfire equalizers on to make tire pressure checking even easier, and I hardly ever have to remove the wheels, so I still have steel wheels with simulators and really can't justify the upgrade.
- deadbatExplorer
J-Rooster wrote:
No poster mentioned this but any coach with aluminum wheels adds $2,000.00 to the price of your coach when it comes time to trade or sell it!
well yes and no, mostly no because most all mid to upper A only come with aluminum wheels so the trade value is just that. the trade value - deadbatExplorer
stan909 wrote:
Just wondering advantages and disadvantages.
all mid to upper end A units use them.They look 100% better than steel and hub caps combo by far.They are slightly lighter and do disapate brake heat faster but its mostly for cosmetic looks just the same as a chev silverado or a mustang GT etc - JarlaxleExplorer IIHonestly...I'd pay a premium to NOT get Alcoas. Stamped steel, please.
- J-RoosterExplorerNo poster mentioned this but any coach with aluminum wheels adds $2,000.00 to the price of your coach when it comes time to trade or sell it!
- RbrunsonExplorerJust a small correction to your statement, "as all coaches are equipped". All rim's on Foretravel's are Alcoa's as are a few of the other high end brands.
- Bikeboy57ExplorerThree things to add to this post.
In general the aluminum wheels tend to me more true to round and easier to balance.
More importantly, it is not the absolute weight that is the key factor. Rotating weight is to the fourth power header to accelerate or decelerate than static weight. So the lighter the wheel the easier to accelerate or brake.
And lastly the wheel is unsprung weight, lower unsprung weight equals smoother ride and compliance to bumps. - fr8rpltExplorerZephyr Pro 40 for polishing the Alcoas. Great stuff but hard to find check truck stops.
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