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KYAirstream · 11-30-2015, 03:42 PM

I'm getting ready to order some new 16" wheels while there are still some holiday prices, and I'm unsure about the center caps. I see there are plastic, steel, chrome, and stainless for options. What's recommended?

Also, some center caps are open with a plug, and others are closed. What the benefit of an open one with a plug?

Lastly, I noticed some of the Sendels have a 3.75" center bore, and others have a 4.25" center bore. Also, some come with 6 lugs at 5.5, whereas other 8 lugs on 6.5. Since I haven't ordered my axles yet, do these specs matter?

Rich W · 11-30-2015, 04:08 PM

I got some replacement center caps for my Ranger bass boat trailer. The open cap with plug allow you to put grease into a 'bearing buddy' style dust cap. My Ranger requires the dust cap be removed for greasing so no benefit, I got the closed end cap, removed the old Ranger decorative disc on the old caps and glued to the new ones.

The plastic caps are lighter but if the hubs get warm enough the plastic lip will get soft and you'll lose the caps. I lost 2 sets like that and the last ones stayed on, but discolored.

Otherwise, the choice is yours. I got the chrome caps which seem to match the ones on my AS wheels, not exactly what Ranger put on but they had the flat end so I could put the deco discs back on. Measure the hole in the wheel before you order to confirm the cap will fit.

switz · 11-30-2015, 07:12 PM

For both the 14" to 15" wheel conversion using the 14" bolt pattern SenDel T03-56545T wheels on the 2015 23D International Serenity and the 15" to 16" wheel conversion using the 15" bolt pattern SenDel T03-66655T wheels on the 2014 Classic, I was able to use the stock Airstream stainless steel center hubs from the original wheels.

KYAirstream · 12-01-2015, 06:14 AM

Thanks. Anyone use rims with 8 lugs and a center bore different than 4.25?

markdoane · 12-01-2015, 06:50 AM

I don't know of anyone using 8 lug wheels, which I think have 4.9" center bore.

You need to choose your axle size first. Go to the Dexter website. The have #10 (5 lug), #11 (6 lug) and #12 (8 lug) axle/spindle configurations.

I've never seen 8 lugs on a travel trailer, these are usually used on construction equipment trailers as the axle can carry a ton of weight. Actually several tons. They might also be found on large 5th wheels and gooseneck horse trailers. These large axles are the next to last step (#13 spindle) before you move up to air brakes.

I would use whatever size is on your trailer now. Otherwise, if you plan to add a lot of weight, or feel that your trailer is close to the load limit for the 6 lug wheels and spindles, then you could upgrade to 8 lug wheels and spindles.

Once you have settled on an axle/spindle size, then you can order either the 8 lug ot 6 lug wheels and hub caps.

If you want to go to a non-standard combination, like putting 8 lug wheels on a #11 axle spindle then you would need to ask if Dexter would do a custom build. It would look pretty cool.

switz · 12-01-2015, 08:47 AM

The SenDel T03-56545T wheels: 15x6 - 5/4.50" bolt circle - zero offset - 3.19" center bore 2,150 pounds rated load at 60 psi. Used to install 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires and wheels on a 23D 14" brake drum.

The SenDel T03-66655T wheels: 16x6 - 6/5.5" bolt circle - zero offset - 4.25" center bore rated 3,580 pounds @ 80 psi. Used to install 16" Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires and wheels on a 25' or longer 15" brake drum or in my case, disc brake rotor..

The SenDel T03-66866T wheels: 16x6 - 8/5.5" bolt circle - zero offset - 4.90" center bore rated 3,580 pounds @ 100 psi.

Since the 16" Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tire that is rated for 2,680 pounds at 80 psi with a 29.2" diameter is about the largest and widest that will fit in the Airstream's wheel well and both the 6 lug and 8 lug SenDel wheels have the same load rating, it would seem spending funds for a unique bolt pattern would not be prudent as an emergency backup wheel could be challenging to find in a remote area. Also, the Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tire is more readily available.

'We have the 2014 31' Classic with the 16" tire conversion using the SenDel T03-66655T wheels and Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires (which are now standard on the 2015 and later 31' Classics). The trailer has a 10,000 pound GVW. Loaded for camping with full 40 pound propane tanks and 54 gallons of water, the scaled weight is about 9,200 pounds of which 8,160 is resting on the axles when loaded. The heaviest loaded tire is carrying 2,060 pounds. That is about a 30% reserve on loading the tire.

The last 34' Airstream models have three axles so the 11,500 pound GVW is spread over six tires for a average tire load based upon the GVW is around 1,920 pounds which is less than I have on the two axle model. The reality is that many owners install the 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tire derated to 1,985 pounds at 50 psi since the typical tire loading is closer to 1,600 pounds or less.