Aluminum Wheels

Aluminum are better but be sure is American made like Alcoa.

JIMNLIN wrote:

Chris Bryant wrote:
I put over 400k miles on a set of aluminum wheels, no issues.

Your trailer wheels have over 400k miles ??
I've had commercial trailers with that many miles but its rare a rv trailer has that kind of miles of service.

Yes, I figured about 430,000 miles. Best service out of tires were Michelin xca lt tires, 90,000 miles..



When we sold it, it’s still on the road.

I make sure they are coated, that way you can just spray them off. It’s not much fun when it comes to polishing the ones that are not coated!
Good Luck

Chris Bryant wrote:
I put over 400k miles on a set of aluminum wheels, no issues.

Your trailer wheels have over 400k miles ??
I've had commercial trailers with that many miles but its rare a rv trailer has that kind of miles of service.

I put over 400k miles on a set of aluminum wheels, no issues.

Nothing wrong with alloy wheels. Not likely going to realize any tangible advantages or see any disadvantages. Quality is typically commensurate with price, no surprise.
What's wrong with your steel wheels though? Just going for a different look?
With $ being part of the equation, there are options that don't require buying a brand new set of wheels.

drsteve wrote:
Alloy wheels are lighter and better looking. Steel is stronger.

Exactly. Also, as you know, alloy wheels are more expensive.
I doubt the strength is an issue, but I am someone who stacks the odds in my favor as much as possible.

fwiw, I've had both on my pickups over the decades and I cant tell any difference in anything. I actually prefer the look of steel if you pinned me down, but the bottom line for me is I don't care.

Its your life and cash, I say go for it as you seem to want the alloys.

cast vs forged wheels

The company I sub'd through when I pulled trailers (non rv) had a warning to their drivers and sub contractors warning not to use cast aluminum wheels especially on multiaxle trailers like our tandem and triaxle trailers with the axles placed towards the trailers center.

Aluminum vs steel....your choice there. I've had less issues with steel wheels on my road trailers however in this type of work we may run 70k-90k miles a year vs maybe 3k-5k-7k for some rv folks.

I really don’t know what type of wheels I have as they have chrome covers and chrome lug nut covers. Look great and I have to assume are the proper strength to handle the RV. Not something to spend my declining “little grey cells” pondering about. ( my apologies to Poirot )

My aluminum wheels developed corrosion very soon after installation, despite being stored indoors except when used. My theory is that the stainless steel center caps reacted with the aluminum. If you can find plastic centers, or add additional clear coat where the centers touch, maybe you could head off the problem.