Steel vs Aluminum Wheels

ron.dittmer wrote:
This topic interests me.

I have a 2007 E350 chassis with stock steel wheels in great condition. I also have stainless wheel covers. I will be replacing the tires before our next big trip and figured it's the right time to upgrade to alloy wheels.

After some research, I am most comfortable with the Alcoa brand, so when it's time, I will be buying that brand. Alcoa offers a few different finishes on their wheels. Since our rig is stored indoors most of the time, and we travel during non-winter salt-free conditions all the time, I will be buying the ones with the Dura-Bright finish HERE, currently priced at $1399.00. Their plain finish wheel package costs $200 less.

I have yet to decide what valve stems to buy. I don't want "extensions", just one-piece valves that stick out only as far as needed for access. I would appreciate any tips on "best valves" to consider for the thicker allow wheel material.

I am buying the alloy wheels primarily for "The Look", but also hope to improve the ride through less un-sprung weight.

Ron, E-trailer has a set called Wheel Masters, but there are other good ones also. I had a set on my old rig and they we're wonderful. I have seen them for Aluminum wheels too. When I got mine, the Les Schwab guys had never installed a set before, so I brought my Snap-On inch pound torque wrench, cause I knew they wouldn't have one. There is a rubber gasket that gets cinched down with a nut inside the wheel and the torque is 20 inch pounds. Too little and it leaks, too much and it crushes and cracks it. I thought the weight savings per wheel was more than what's stated in the earlier post, not sure, but would like to have a solid figure for that. I do like the look, and get tired of those silly stainless wheel covers(which are also a PIA). Don