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Old 10-14-2017, 08:41 AM   #1
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Aluminum Rims .. build option... pros and cons?

Why would one get or not get the build option....Aluminum Rims?

What say you forum members........
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Old 10-14-2017, 08:46 AM   #2
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Why would one get or not get the build option....Aluminum Rims?
Only reason I can think of is, if you like the way they look. I'm not all that fond of the ones ETI uses, so I didn't get them.
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Old 10-14-2017, 08:48 AM   #3
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Only reason I can think of is, if you like the way they look. I'm not all that fond of the ones ETI uses, so I didn't get them.
Do they change the weight of the trailer?
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Old 10-14-2017, 08:49 AM   #4
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Good morning from San Antonio,

My wife insisted on the aluminum wheels and I really like them. You don't need to have them, but it is nice having them. I have not had any issues with them and the spare tire also has an aluminum rim. The option provides 5 rims.

Regards,

Red Dog
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Old 10-14-2017, 08:52 AM   #5
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If you tow has fancy wheels then they will match, but if not, then I'd stay with the stock. Personal preference, that is all.
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:01 AM   #6
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Do they change the weight of the trailer?
I would expect that the aluminum rims would be slightly lighter than the steel ones, but probably not enough to be significant enough to justify the cost just for that difference.
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:07 AM   #7
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I would expect that the aluminum rims would be slightly lighter than the steel ones, but probably not enough to be significant enough to justify the cost just for that difference.
Yes.....seemingly correct...... anyone have the data to help confirm?
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:44 AM   #8
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Just a thought, the aluminum ones will never rust and look cool but keep in mind you can always change the steel rims later to change the look of your Escape! I would guess the weights are similar and have minimal weight advantage either way. Bill
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:44 AM   #9
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Options? The hardest part of the build sheet. What to do, what to do... When I was working on the build sheet for Ten Forward, and budget WAS a concern, I decided there were two things to consider: 1) What I wanted/ETI to do during the build, 2) What I could do for myself at a later date. I know zip about running propane lines and wiring. I did know I didn't want to be fishing wire under the headliner. So... I spent my money on those things (among others) and decided I could get fancy wheels sometime in the future. Like, maybe when it's time to buy tires. My plain Jane white wheels get Ten Forward down the road just fine and I can plug in electric appliances where I want. Win-Win.
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Old 10-14-2017, 10:00 AM   #10
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We often camp along the Gulf Coast. Salty sea mist will rust ferrous materials, like steel rims, quickly. The aluminum rim set fit within our budge, so we got them. On an aside to that, it seemed like the white painted steel rims contrasted a bit with the white shade of the fiberglass shell. Aluminum goes with anything!
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Old 10-14-2017, 10:03 AM   #11
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We live in Eastern Canada, close to the ocean. Roads are also heavily salted here - not that we would be out in the snow. We had the steel rims on our 17b, and had a fair bit of rusting on the rims. I was constantly " touching them up", I'm pretty fussy about this sort of thing, so maybe I noticed more than others- I swore I'd never buy them again. When we bought our 5TA we got all aluminum including the spare. For the cost ( relative to buying aluminum for a car) they have been well worth it and holding up like new. Would do the same all over again. Maybe some of the "rust" issue depends on where you live, I'm not sure. Not everyone seems to have a problem with them.
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Old 10-14-2017, 10:25 AM   #12
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I forgot to mention that the 25% discount on the aluminum rims (.75 exchange rate CAD to USD at the time) helped make our decision easier, too.
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Old 10-14-2017, 10:40 AM   #13
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we live in Cali so no salt on roads.

I could not justify that cost for looks.
I could, however, justify a 2nd solar panel on the roof.... based on how we camp.

good to have options

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Old 10-14-2017, 10:48 AM   #14
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I plan on changing out wheels for nicer aftermarket than what ETI offers.
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Old 10-14-2017, 11:55 AM   #15
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I added aftermarket rims to my previous 17b. There were so many cool choices and no one else had what I chose. I wasn’t big on the ones ETI offered, so figured I’d add something unique later on down the line that I’d be happier with.
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Old 10-14-2017, 12:07 PM   #16
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We have a 21' on order and am leaning toward the steel wheels. Would upgrade later to aftermarket aluminum and pick whatever caught my eye. Does anyone know the wheel size specifics diameter, width, bolt pattern)?
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Old 10-14-2017, 12:46 PM   #17
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4 Aluminum rims, or 5?

My main choice was 4 aluminum rims or 5.

Since I rotate my own tires, now with 5 rims, instead of 42,000 miles on each tire, they each have only been on the road 32,500. What deal!

Probably change them soon. They're coming up on three years of use and are dated 2214, which is around late April 2014.
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Old 10-14-2017, 12:50 PM   #18
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We have a 21' on order and am leaning toward the steel wheels. Would upgrade later to aftermarket aluminum and pick whatever caught my eye. Does anyone know the wheel size specifics diameter, width, bolt pattern)?
Someone can correct if I'm wrong, but believe they are 205x75x15 ST's on 15 x 5" rims with 5 x 4.5" bolt pattern.
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Old 10-14-2017, 02:30 PM   #19
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After having my whites rust on my Starcraft I went aluminum. Didn't take long for filiform to start on the aluminum, it's not bad in our 4th year, but I didn't expect it at all. I do like the look.

Ordered 4 but bought another off Amazon when I got a flat that marked up the original. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 10-14-2017, 03:39 PM   #20
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Speaking of rims, does anybody know the bolt configuration ? I have the aluminum rims and really think it dresses up the trailer, and would like to put a locking nut on each wheel and the spare. I understand there r different thread patterns etc. Thanks.
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