Replacing my wheels/Steel vs. Aluminum

Foiled Again · 09-15-2009, 09:20 PM

I dented and split an OEM Aluminum Rim on my 2006 Safari FB SE... ran over a bigass rock. I've got the spare on now. I'm going to The Wilds of Ohio on Thursday so I needed another rim.

I called the factory... they found the part number, I was transferred to sales to see if they had one in stock. Got a voice mail, left a message... no one ever called me back.

So I says to myself, self, it doesn't matter I've GOT to get another spare. A local trailer repair store looked at my current tire, and the tech and I both decided it had too much sidewall scuffing to risk putting the old tire on the new spare, so I bought a rim and tire.

They were having a sale on a nice chromed steel wheel, for $45. It has a weight rating of 2640 lbs - about the same as the aluminum rim.

So... I haven't been able to match the rim anywhere locally and Airstream isn't calling me back....

So I says to myself... self I says... any reason I shouldn't switch to a nice chromed steel wheel? I'd have to torque the bolts tighter, other than that?

I ask those of you having more experience to comment.

Thanks in advance, Paula

(Wabbit if you're still in hiding PM me...)
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SteveH · 09-15-2009, 10:09 PM

The steel wheels are a little heavier, but not so you would notice in operation. Chrome steel wheels will eventually rust. A frequent waxing will reduce the rusting.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-16-2009, 01:36 AM

Hi, if you have lots of spare time to keep those chrome wheels cleaned and polished, go for it. I personally like aluminum wheels because I can wash them and let them air dry. If I were to switch to steel wheels I would want them to be painted or powder coated. Too much maintainence for me.