Aluminum vrs Steel (chrome) Wheels

[Mopar_Mudder]

Looking at new wheels to replace the current 16x6 8 lug wheels on our 5ver.

What are opinions on say Tredit Tire aluminum rims (3700#) compared to U.S. Wheel Chrome (3200#). They can both be had for about the same price, but I worry about "cheap" alum rims and how good the quality is with them. But cheap chrome can fall off also.

Any other ideas for rims would be great, want to get away from my painted peeling rims.

[hotpepperkid]

We Cant Wait wrote:
If you've never had aluminum rims before post a note in your TV to remind yourself to retighten the lugs after about 75 mi., and then recheck them at the end of the trip for the first 2-3 trips.

Yep if I happen to have had on off for any reason I check it at the first rest stop and that evening at the camp ground and again twice a day for the next 3 days and then after that about once a week. I use a torque wrench.

[Mopar_Mudder]

I ordered up the HiSpec Series 3 rims. 16x7 8 Bolt, I got the HD version because they were the same price as the regular ones, which seems strange. They are rated at 3960# vrs 3200#, over kill for my 6000# axle but what the heck.

Now I have to get tires ordered.

[GACamper]

Check the rim PSI rating. Some rims are rated at 80 PSI and some are rated at 110 PSI.
Make the rims will handle the PSI rating of the tire your running.

[amxpress]

I like the fact they have a higher load capacity. Don't forget to have them balanced, too.

[RustyJC]

Mopar_Mudder wrote:

P Kennedy wrote:
There is only one aluminum rim that meets the quality and reliability if you are going to upgrade, Alcoa forged aluminum trailer wheels.

I don't know if they are worth 2-1/2 times the money though. I have been down this road with wheels for my off road trucks. Have both expensive Weld rims and cheap no name rims. Both have held up fine, actually I like the cheap ones better because they have steel inserts for the lug bolts.

The HiSpec aluminum wheels on my 2004 and my current Mobile Suites work just fine. They're round, they roll, they don't leak and none have ever failed or given any problem.

Rusty

[Coach-man]

rhagfo wrote:

hotpepperkid wrote:
Aluminum rims are lighter and never rust

X2 less un-sprung weight equals more payload and smoother ride. Had neighbor who ran a couple of log trucks, ran aluminum wheels to save weight!!

X3!!!

[Parrothead_Mike]

Several years ago I purchased aluminum wheels for my '01 Cardinal because the white steel wheels were rusting. I also wanted to make my unit look updated. I've been very pleased with them and most people that don't know the various Cardinal decal packages (model years) are surprised to learn how old it really is because it looks newer.

[Mopar_Mudder]

P Kennedy wrote:
There is only one aluminum rim that meets the quality and reliability if you are going to upgrade, Alcoa forged aluminum trailer wheels.

I don't know if they are worth 2-1/2 times the money though. I have been down this road with wheels for my off road trucks. Have both expensive Weld rims and cheap no name rims. Both have held up fine, actually I like the cheap ones better because they have steel inserts for the lug bolts.

[N-Trouble]

Stay away from chrome unless you want to be dealing with rust in a few years. Had them on my old trailer and hated em. Most have cheap/thin chrome and will start pitting/rusting fairly quickly. Have aluminum on new trailer and never have to think twice about rust

[P_Kennedy]

There is only one aluminum rim that meets the quality and reliability if you are going to upgrade, Alcoa forged aluminum trailer wheels.

[Mopar_Mudder]

drfife wrote:
I have HiSpec series 3 17.5" aluminum wheels on my 5th wheel.

http://www.hispecwheel.com/products/765/Series-03

I like the looks of the Series 3, matches closest to the truck wheels. They don't have the exact same size I have now, they only offer a 7" wide and mine are 6". Tires I am looking at, Wrangler HT, say they will go 6"-7.5". Guess I will have to look at clearances.

Actually they are offset so the new rim would stick in .186" and out .814"

Other strange thing is you can get the HD version of that wheel for the same price as the standard version, at least the one place I found them.

[drfife]

I have HiSpec series 3 17.5" aluminum wheels on my 5th wheel.

http://www.hispecwheel.com/products/765/Series-03

[Dog_Folks]

We Cant Wait wrote:
If you've never had aluminum rims before post a note in your TV to remind yourself to retighten the lugs after about 75 mi., and then recheck them at the end of the trip for the first 2-3 trips.

Good advice no matter the type of rims or whenever they are removed/replaced.

The lug nuts on my steel rims were finger tight when I took it home from the dealer, brand new!

[We_Cant_Wait]

If you've never had aluminum rims before post a note in your TV to remind yourself to retighten the lugs after about 75 mi., and then recheck them at the end of the trip for the first 2-3 trips.