Wheel balancing-centramatics

[PeterH-350LE]

Disclaimer, I have no connection to Centramatic Balancers.
I installed them on my 34 trailer and my previous 345 MH came with them.
Next to brand new tires freshly balanced, I know this system to be the biggest improvement for a smooth, low vibration ride. It will pay for itself by saving rebalancing cost, uneven tire wear, bearing wear, etc
I just ordered a set for the rear axle for the 310 (part # 400-417), but unfortunately they discontinued the front axle balancers due to low demand.
If you know of a compatible system for the front axle, I sure would like to know about it.
I talked to Centramatic Balancers and ask what they thought about the Dyna Bead concept. (adding beads to the inside of the tire) They told me they considered introducing a Bead product, but decided against it due to the flat road surface contact throwing the beads off.
Check out this video
How Centramatic Tire Balancers Work Video

[PeterH-350LE]

May have found front axle balancers:

19.5 & 22.5, Balance Masters

[r carl]

You have this option.
Equal Tire Balancer -- EE -- Expedition Exchange Incorporated

[Smartstream]

I have been happily using Dyna Beads for years. My question is why won't the rear Centramatics work on the front wheels? The wheels are the same and if you have rear disc brakes the brakes are the same also.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Smartstream

I have been happily using Dyna Beads for years. My question is why won't the rear Centramatics work on the front wheels? The wheels are the same and if you have rear disc brakes the brakes are the same also.

Dan,
the rears are a disk wedged between the duallies and the fronts are like cup fitting over the brake disk and caliper.
Which makes the mounting surface opposite on rear and front.
Its good to hear that you think the dyna beads work you, because as i mentioned above, Tech support from Centramatics told me that they canned that system due to the flat road contact of the tire making the beads ineffective. I am sure they would work perfectly on a no load tire mounted on a wheel for demonstration

[Smartstream]

My bad Peter, I assumed they mounted against the hub front and back.

[Malmills]

Hi Peter
You are the first person to give a review of the Centramatics. Thanks. I would like to order a set for my rears as well but I have a 350 with the tag axel so would they work on them as well? Also I'm not sure what I am looking at on the Balance Master site you posted, do they work like the Centramatics?

Thanks again Malcolm

[Malmills]

As I'm having one of these sleepless nights I looked through my sites on the subject and came across this site
TRU-BALANCE
Also another in tire solution
Equal – Continuous Wheel Balancing - Reduce Tire Vibration
Malcolm

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Malmills

Hi Peter
You are the first person to give a review of the Centramatics. Thanks. I would like to order a set for my rears as well but I have a 350 with the tag axel so would they work on them as well? Also I'm not sure what I am looking at on the Balance Master site you posted, do they work like the Centramatics?

Thanks again Malcolm

Malcolm,
Being a user of the centramatics for many years, I have nothing but praise. The best way I can describe it is what you feel when you drive off the tire place with brand new tires. The big difference being that you balance the entire assembly and not just the tire.
The dually axle is the same, so the 400-417 should work.
The tag axle is just a slightly modified trailer axle, just call Centramatic and ask them. Or Andy at inlandrv may be able to help you with that.
Yes, the BalanceMasters appear to use a very similar system. I am waiting for a reply from them and will report it here.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Malmills

As I'm having one of these sleepless nights I looked through my sites on the subject and came across this site
TRU-BALANCE
Also another in tire solution
Equal – Continuous Wheel Balancing - Reduce Tire Vibration
Malcolm

Thanks for posting those links. I looked at both of those options and find the TRU-BALANCE to be too permanent versus static, unless I am missing something.
The bead options would be my last resort for the front axle, despite the issues I described above and other problems with certain beads:
Steel beads can hurt the rim
Glass beads can come apart
Plastic beads can clump up with moisture
So far I read that Ceramic Compound Beads seem to be the desired ones.

[PeterH-350LE]

Talked to Balance Masters rep today:
No balancers for p30 front axle in his repertoire
When I asked him about using beads, he strongly advised against using them.
He said they cause rutting in the tire and in the worse case scenario they lump up and cause all kinds of issues.
I may did a little deeper into TRU-BALANCE Malcolm posted

[PeterH-350LE]

This rear Centramatric is substantial!!
No more dishes rattling, drawers opening and rivets popping...
This is the best 175.- I spent so far ( and I spent a lot )

[Malmills]

Hi Peter

I will order a set for my rears. Your picture really shows how substantial the unit is. Is it recommended to remove any existing balancing weights when this is installed?

[r carl]

Originally Posted by Malmills

Hi Peter

I will order a set for my rears. Your picture really shows how substantial the unit is. Is it recommended to remove any existing balancing weights when this is installed?

I wouldn't.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Malmills

Hi Peter

I will order a set for my rears. Your picture really shows how substantial the unit is. Is it recommended to remove any existing balancing weights when this is installed?

Since my tires were balanced years ago, I will remove mine since they "expired" long ago and are probably doing more harm then good.

This is from the horses mouth:
Centramatic Wheel Balancer FAQ - HitchSource.com
Should the tires/wheels be pre-balanced?
In most cases pre-balancing is not required. If a vibration still exits after installation, a computer balance of the problem position can indicate a miss-mounted or defective tire, a bent wheel or other "out of round" condition, that balance alone cannot correct. Wheel bearings should also be checked and defective parts replaced.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

This rear Centramatric is substantial!!
No more dishes rattling, drawers opening and rivets popping...
This is the best 175.- I spent so far ( and I spent a lot )

Is that $175 per wheel or does that cover both sides?

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Is that $175 per wheel or does that cover both sides?

175 per set (2)

Don't you have 16" wheel on your Argosy, if so I think that both Steer and rear axle are available.
http://www.centramatic.com/wheel-bal...us-Motor-Homes

[PeterH-350LE]

Installed the rear, update is here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ml#post1698249

[Bob662]

Are these for TT or MoHo?

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Bob662

Are these for TT or MoHo?

Moho, trailer ones are readily available from centramatic
Wheel Balancer 200-221_Special from Centramatic