New Rims

This wont help the OP but anybody who has a Les Schwab tire center near them can get wheels sandblasted and powder coated (choice of colors incl white) for $25 each. I had a set done for a classic car and they look fantastic.

bobnap wrote:
I have a 2005 Jayflight 31BHS and the painted white wheels are badly rusted. I've considered trying to scrape and paint them but think I'd prefer to purchase new rims. We camp on the beach so I'm hoping someone has input regarding what type of rims are most corrosion resistant in that environment. In addition I am unsure what size rims I need based on a tire size of ST225/75R15.

Any and all input appreciated.

Thanks.

Bob

You need a 6" wide wheel for that tire, but you have to check to make sure you get the same bolt pattern. Our experience here at the beach is that hot dipped galvanized holds up better than any paint or coating.

bobnap wrote:
I have a 2005 Jayflight 31BHS and the painted white wheels are badly rusted. I've considered trying to scrape and paint them but think I'd prefer to purchase new rims. We camp on the beach so I'm hoping someone has input regarding what type of rims are most corrosion resistant in that environment. In addition I am unsure what size rims I need based on a tire size of ST225/75R15.

Bob,

When I replaced the tires on my previous RV (Jayco HTT) I decided to change the rims also, not because the white rims were rusty but because I thought they were ugly AND I wanted to upgrade the load capacity of the tires to match the 3500# of the axle.



Anything exposed to a salty sea air will corrode. The rims shown above are more resistant to corrosion (I believe) than the steel ones and if one wanted one could coat them with clear for an added level of protection.

Based on your tread width, I would think that a rim 7.5" - 8.5" would work. However you need to look at the rim and tire together, and ensure that not only the rim is the proper width but it is strong enough for the pressure load the inflated tire would impart.

My 2 cents.

I would contact your local Line X bedliner place and get a quote to have the wheels done. My bedliner is awesome.

A trailer is parked for 330 days a year .
I would get handy with the D-I-Y solutions mentioned above for a trailer .
A handy buddy of mine just did that after returning from Baja where everything rusts quick .
On the other hand I have aftermarket wheels on my truck and sportscar that are aluminum and they require regular polishing with Mother's aluminum polish .
But those wheels are used more frequently .

Steel rims would probably do better at the beach.
If you have steel rims, I'd try to repaint them like was suggested. Use a pre-paint conditioner like sloshing on some dilute CLR or anything phosphate based. That will neutralize any remaining rust and remove any oxidation from the original paint.
You can get as fancy or simple s you like with the final coat. I used a gloss black on my 43 yr old rims and they look like new.

Blasting and coating a wheel can cost more than the cost of a brand new trailer wheel…
I have seen some really outrageous prices from wheel refinishing companies so stay away from them…

If you are going to get them sandblasted, go for a nice powder coat. Has to be professionally applied, but some powder coaters will do both blast and coat. Pick your color. If applied correctly to a freshly blasted wheel, very corrosion resistant and nicer looking than galvanized.

Get them sandblasted at a local body or paint shop and have them repaint and clear coat or reprint yourself with a good quality rust resistant paint such as rust oleum.

My rig is 14 years old and I have repainted the rims twice. It isn't difficult just time consuming. I pull the tire off. Wire brush the rust spots and sand a bit with 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Then, I clean the rim with a brush and soap and water. I mask off the tire and spray paint the rims with gloss white. It works for me.