Crooked wheels

[photomikey2]

Originally Posted by Top

Interesting. I have installed quite a few sets of Dexstar wheels (made in USA), and have never had a runout issue. These are the ones I have used before. I have never used the type that you are having problems with.

A friend of mine thinks these are the ticket.

Good luck!

The first ones (Dexstar black)... isn't that the exact same wheel I have, except painted a different color? I am game to order four more, but I feel I am expecting different results out of the same item.

[rideair]

Not long ago I had tires put on a trailer, during the first mounting the installer looked at me and said "This wheel is bad, it's not true, see look" as he let it spin around.

I looked at him and said "That rim is fine, you did not tighten it down tight enough on the machine". He then checked what I said and guess what? He then looked at me and said "Oh yeh, you're right. There's nothing wrong with this wheel".

Bottom line, sometimes it's the wheel, other times it can be the machine or the installer. I find it hard to believe you've had that many bad wheels. The common link, the installer. Just saying ;-) Though I have been know to be wrong in the past.

Enjoy,

[MarkR]

I was smugly happy that my wheels were made in USA - then I read this thread - "ignorance is bliss" . . . hmm, maybe that's why I'm so happy all the time . . .

Anyway, I purchased the same wheels the "OP" purchased so I'm a little "concerned" - I'll have to go take another look at them.

BTW, I don't think anyone sells "Dexter" wheels any more (and Dexstar is manufactured in the Good Ol' USA . . .).

Straight from Dexstar's Website:

Dexter Rim & Wheel was formed in 1971 and began its rim manufacturing in Lebanon, IN. In 1974 Wheel Assembly began. In 1981 to meet the needs of more production Dexter Rim & Wheel acquired 45,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space. In 1982 all manufacturing was transferred from Lebanon to the current location on Collins Rd. in Elkhart, IN. In 2004 Dexter Rim & Wheel was acquired by Americana Development, forming Dexstar Wheel Company, Inc.

Since 1982 Dexstar has made significant changes in production, technology, and warehousing. Dexstar now has 3 shifts working around the clock to keep up with the demand of our customers. In technology Dexstar has added a fully automated powder coating system, a pad printing machine for pinstriping, and two fully automatic wheel welders to replace manual MIG welding. Dexstar has more than doubled in size since 1982 adding an additional 91,000 sq. ft. to our manufacturing facility taking the total area to 136,000 sq. ft.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by photomikey

The first ones (Dexstar black)... isn't that the exact same wheel I have, except painted a different color? I am game to order four more, but I feel I am expecting different results out of the same item.

The "conventional" wheel and the "mini-mod" wheels are different.

[MarkR]

I have the same wheels as the "OP" except mine are the 16" variety. I am nearly finished replacing my leaf sprung axle w/ a torsion axle and was just about to go tire shopping when I found this thread.

The wheels have never had tires mounted on them so I was able to set up a similar test as the original poster (except I don't have a way to video tape). My wheels (vertically and horizontally - incorrect terminology I'm sure) look about the same as the OP, when spun - maybe slightly better. Additionally I set up a reference point on the inside "bead seat" (where the tire would actually contact/attach to the rim) and the results were better - but still not "perfect".

My questions:

What are acceptable tolerances?

Given that the actual process of manufacturing an aluminum wheel lends itself to obtaining an almost perfect machined circle / edge, could it be that "we've" become accustomed to this "perfection" and steel wheels never were or will be able to reach that level of perfection . . . and so when a technician sees the results he or she is possibly over stating the problem? I'm not arguing this point, I'm only asking.

Again these wheels are made in the U.S. by a company that has been making wheels for 40+ years . . . whatever that might be worth.

Lastly, in case you're wondering, I happen to want these wheels, and don't want an aluminum wheel - it's not a budget issue for me.

Thanks, MarkR

[Msmoto]

@photomikey

Those wheels in your video look like junk to me. I would never knowingly put something like that on a trailer My advice, contact a firm such as TireRack http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp and ask their advice on purchasing tires and wheels for your trailer.

Of course, a good wheel shop could no doubt make the two you have align up and run true, but this may cost you some.

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by MarkR

I have the same wheels...

What are acceptable tolerances?.., over stating the problem? ..,

Thanks, MarkR

Just for kicks, I measured a wheel on my car. I would expect steel to be somewhere in the same range as aluminum but just say that they are 2x worse...

Mine have an axial and radial runout of +-.005", if steel were 2x worse they would be +-.01 or about the thickness of card stock.

The wheels in the video look to be +-.1", or 20x maybe even worse than that.

If I wasn't loading up the camper for an outing and it was a bit cooler I'd measure one of them. I can say that when I've spun one, they visually had no where near 20x the runout of my vehicles rims

[HiHoAgRV]

A quick check of some auto manufacturer specs shows a max of +-.027. Anything beyond that and it's time for a new wheel.

On Edit...it's +-.022, I did my math rong. ;o)

[Denis4x4]

Had some real issues with my one of my hot rods involving wheel hop. Balanced the drums and wheels individually and as a unit. Problem was the tire, not the wheel. Wheels are 1935 Ford 16" wires and still run true!


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[photomikey2]

Returned all 8 of the crooked wheels. Got busy with work. Bought four of these:

Aluminum HWT Mod Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 HWT Tires and Wheels AM22646

Mounted and balanced them today. Haven't taken it for a spin yet.

[photomikey2]

Can you tell which one the new one is?



Finished:



Replaced the 14.5" rims with 15", and the 14.5 x 8 tires with 235/75R15s