Aluminum Rims .. build option... pros and cons?

[bailiej757]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I can't see the strength difference between aluminum and steel wheels ever being a factor on a travel trailer. As for the exchange rate, that's still way in your favor. A little quick math shows the aluminum wheels at $95 CAD equals $75 USD, less than you'll be able to find them anywhere in the US right now. And, that $75 is mounted and balanced too. If you think you like the look, why not just do it during the build?

Safety may be a consideration. Aluminum rims can crack or break on impact with a pothole or other road hazard whereas steel rims can withstand much more impact and will usually just deform.

[AKCamper]

Originally Posted by bailiej757

Safety may be a consideration. Aluminum rims can crack or break on impact with a pothole or other road hazard whereas steel rims can withstand much more impact and will usually just deform.

The choice of aluminum rims versus steel rims is obvious, if you like cool wheels that don’t rust then mags are for you. I personally like the look so that’s what we got, but hey Escape let’s you choose what you like. If we all liked the same thing then Reese would only have to build one trailer for everyone.

[gbaglo]

But, I have a half pint of white Rustoleum. What would I do with the rest of the can if i got mags?

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by bailiej757

Safety may be a consideration. Aluminum rims can crack or break on impact with a pothole or other road hazard whereas steel rims can withstand much more impact and will usually just deform.

Safety? What kind of "impact" are you anticipating on a trailer wheel? I've never seen an aluminum wheel on a trailer crack or break from impacting a pothole, but I guess it's possible.

I've had nothing but aluminum wheels on my passenger cars and trucks for over 40 years now, not a single steel wheel in the bunch, and have never had one crack or break - but again, I guess it's possible.

This really isn't a safety issue. It's a style and money issue.

[padlin]

I've had the bead on steel wheels bend on many cars from potholes as the cars get older, never had an issue with aluminum. I have had my last 2 sets of aluminum with the clear coat get filiform corrosion, including the Escape.

We hare blessed with an over abundance of potholes and salt in my area so your experiences may vary.

[Bobbito]

I spent a lot of time and got sore fingers each year as I battled rust on our Nash trailer’s white wheels. Rocks flying off our trucks rear wheels on gravel roads chipped the paint off. Far less maintenance with our Escape aluminum wheels.
Bob K


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bailiej757]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Safety? What kind of "impact" are you anticipating on a trailer wheel? I've never seen an aluminum wheel on a trailer crack or break from impacting a pothole, but I guess it's possible.

I've had nothing but aluminum wheels on my passenger cars and trucks for over 40 years now, not a single steel wheel in the bunch, and have never had one crack or break - but again, I guess it's possible.

This really isn't a safety issue. It's a style and money issue.

google cracked aluminum rims

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by bailiej757

google cracked aluminum rims

Don't have to google. Have had aluminum wheels for over 4 decades. Anything can break if severely impacted. But the premise that aluminum wheels are less safe on a trailer is a red herring.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by bailiej757

google cracked aluminum rims

I don't need to jump in the middle of this because my life is riding on either steel or alloy rims on any given day depending on which vehicle I'm driving. But what's fair, is fair - so if you're going to google cracked aluminum rims, go ahead and google cracked steel rims while you're at it. Either one will make your heart sink and be thankful you weren't behind the steering wheel when it happened.

[Moaboy]

I wonder what else would be damaged on an Escape if u hit a pit hole so big it would damage either a steel or aluminum wheel? Perish the thought! Kinda makes me want to pay attention while driving...

[emers382]

The other option is to do as my near 80 year plus mother did and just spray paint your wheels silver. She had two problems though:
- how to contain the paint to the rims while the wheels were on the car. No problem, just spray the whole tire.
- how to spray the bottom of the of the tires when you couldn't bend over that far and still hold onto your walker. Problem solved by having an equally elderly friend watch her back up unto the bottom of the tires came around to the top. Now she could finish spraying .
Mom was very pleased with the effect as she always had wanted white walled tires and silver walled were just as good.

Submitted by Beth, Adrian's wife and travelling companion.

[thoer]

Great story Beth!

[Bakes99]

I've supplied ETI with Valyrian steel for my rims, just to ensure i'm getting the best wheel. It was difficult to get my hands on the dragon fire, but it was worth it in the end

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Bakes99

I've supplied ETI with Valyrian steel for my rims, just to ensure i'm getting the best wheel. It was difficult to get my hands on the dragon fire, but it was worth it in the end

John, I hope you thought far enough ahead to grab some dragonglass while you were at it. After all, winter is coming.