The Centramatics Thread

[Phoenix]

We bought the Model 200-221 Special (for 15" wheels) and installed them on our 16" Sendel T02 wheels and LT tires; and they fit fine.

CWF, interesting test. So simple; wish I had thought of doing that when I first installed the Centramatics. All this time, I have been operating on faith that they actually worked. Nice to see that you have proven that on your Airstream.

[dznf0g]

Like Phoenix, sorta, I already had the 220-221 Centramatics on my OEM 15" wheels. When I got the 16"ers, I just installed over the 220-221s. The fit fine. The 300-356 ones are just a larger diameter, which allows for effective dynamic balancing at a lower speed than the smaller diameter. As I recall the mfr states that, by design intent, the balancers start becoming effective at about 35 mph. So the difference is the 220/221s will not be effective until a few MPH higher than the 300-356s. I could do the math, but it's early.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I'm not very smart either....I just rode in the AS.

If you try it you'll have a much better understanding of why bad things happen.

This is not us......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15J4pMIT50A

Bob

[Beach Bum]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Like Phoenix, sorta, I already had the 220-221 Centramatics on my OEM 15" wheels. When I got the 16"ers, I just installed over the 220-221s. The fit fine. The 300-356 ones are just a larger diameter, which allows for effective dynamic balancing at a lower speed than the smaller diameter. As I recall the mfr states that, by design intent, the balancers start becoming effective at about 35 mph. So the difference is the 220/221s will not be effective until a few MPH higher than the 300-356s. I could do the math, but it's early.

Math ya gotta be kidding me. This here is the internet only half truths, speculation, innuendo's, fish tales.... no math science or facts please The internet never lets the facts get in the way of a good story, kinda like the press.

Makes sense. Good to know they have been installed on 16" by other with no problem.
Thanks

[BoldAdventure]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 300-356 today because I actually like math.

[Ted S.]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I'm not very smart either....I just rode in the AS.

If you try it you'll have a much better understanding of why bad things happen.

This is not us......

Bob

Thanks for taking one for the Team.

[gtc6452]

if you order, make sure your put special because I got the regular and they do not fit. they are going to swap them out for me. Good company.

[blkmagikca]

I put CM's on S & the TV. I had ordered the 220-221 when I had 15" wheels, but I upgraded to 16" wheels with Michelin LTX225/75R16(E) tires. CM told me that the 220-221 would work fine, and they do.

My TV is a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, which has discs in front and drums in the rear. There had always been vibration in the rear, possibly due to the drums being oout of balance. With the CM's, the ride is totally smooth. Without the AS in tow, on the AZ I-10 (limit 75mph), there is absolutely no vibration.

This past summer was the big upgrade (after a GYM blowout) - new axles (increased rating from 4,000 lbs ea to 4,500 lbs ea), new 16" Sendel wheels and Michelin LTX225/75R16(E) tires, Centramatics and Dill TPMS. Recently changed the hitch receiver on the TV from the OEM Class IV to a Titan Class V. I'm carrying a bit more weight in the front of the AS, as I changed my 4 90Ah AGM batteries for two 4D AGM's (totalling 420Ah), which weigh 135lbs each.

[lsbrodsky]

I bought Centramatics over the winter and brought the Airstream home today to install them. I was not really happy with their bolt holes; they did not line up exactly. I hammered them on with a rubber mallet but I was concerned about galling threads. In the end, they went on with no problems. Those darn tires and wheels are heavier than you might think. I used to pull wheels on my cars without the effort needed to get these on and off. Hope it was worth the effort.
Larry

[Vycan]

I have centramatics on the 360. Love them, effective, and awesome.

[BHBadger]

I have seen on some sites (airstream Life) that Centramatics should not be used on Never-lube axles, post 2010 AS. Can anyone confirm or debunk that?


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[DHart]

Originally Posted by BHBadger

I have seen on some sites (airstream Life) that Centramatics should not be used on Never-lube axles, post 2010 AS. Can anyone confirm or debunk that?


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Oh. I've been planning to use Centramatics on the 2016 International we have on order. I'm looking forward to the conclusive word on go or no-go.

[switz]

Centramatic 300-356 all A plates for 16" rims or 200-221 Special for 15” rims (both sizes are $199.00)

I have Centramatics installed on both the trailer (300-356 all A plates on the 16" SenDel wheels) and the Ram tow truck (300-318).

I started using them on my Honda GoldWing motorcycle. Never balance the motorcycle tires any more. Within about ten feet, the wheels are in perfect balance.

[moosetags]

I used them on Old Lucy for 60,000 miles. They have been on New Lucy with her Nev-R-Lube hubs for the last 8,000 miles.

Brian

[BHBadger]

Today I called AS Tech and they know of no reason that Centramatics should be avoided on new Dexter axle, but suggested I call Dexter, which I did. Their engineers were concerned about anything mounted between the wheel and hub possibly causing the wheel to loosen. (We all agree lugs should be torqued/checked regularly). Dexter engineer agreed that reduced/no vibration on hub and axle was preferable to unbalanced situation. AS Life guys are at Alumapalooza so not available to comment on their warning in advertisements. My conclusion is that there doesn't appear to be reason to think they would be incompatible with newer axles.


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[cwf]

Originally Posted by BHBadger

Today I called AS Tech and they know of no reason that Centramatics should be avoided on new Dexter axle, but suggested I call Dexter, which I did. Their engineers were concerned about anything mounted between the wheel and hub possibly causing the wheel to loosen. (We all agree lugs should be torqued/checked regularly). Dexter engineer agreed that reduced/no vibration on hub and axle was preferable to unbalanced situation. AS Life guys are at Alumapalooza so not available to comment on their warning in advertisements. My conclusion is that there doesn't appear to be reason to think they would be incompatible with newer axles.


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Thousands of miles... no 'loosening' or obvious/apparent reduced 'clamping' effect.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by BHBadger

Today I called AS Tech and they know of no reason that Centramatics should be avoided on new Dexter axle, but suggested I call Dexter, which I did. Their engineers were concerned about anything mounted between the wheel and hub possibly causing the wheel to loosen. (We all agree lugs should be torqued/checked regularly). Dexter engineer agreed that reduced/no vibration on hub and axle was preferable to unbalanced situation. AS Life guys are at Alumapalooza so not available to comment on their warning in advertisements. My conclusion is that there doesn't appear to be reason to think they would be incompatible with newer axles.


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I tend to agree with your view here, but it's nagging at me that a company who could add to their bottom line by declaring their product is compatible with Airstreams with Dexter hubs doesn't come out and say that. They must be concerned about something (with that zero offset...?).

On the Airstream Life store, the warning (pasted below) actually predicts bearing failure. There has to be some reason they're not supporting this...

Important: Centramatics should not be used on Airstreams with Dexter "Nev-R-Lube" bearings, because the change in wheel centerline position will eventually result in bearing failure. Starting in the 2010 model year, Airstreams 25 feet and longer have been factory-equipped with Nev-R-Lube bearings. If you aren’t sure what sort of bearings are installed, check with Airstream by calling 937-596-6111 or ask your local Airstream dealer before ordering.

[slowmover]

I like CM and use them, but if I were SPECIFICALLY warned against them, I'd forego it.

At the same time, DEXTER doesn't like torsion axles for tridem setups. Despite thirty or more years of A/S success with same. Or that shock absorbers aren't needed.

So it's with a grain of salt that warning. These aren't wheel spacers, nor is maintaining lug nut torque value difficult. That value doesn't change is my experience.

But I'm not using their axles, either.

[dznf0g]

I am unaware of anybody (auto mfrs., etc.) that would approve of anything between the wheel and hub.....you know....the liability thing. And perhaps justifiably so. That said, I have never had an issue with lug nuts loosening, with or without CMs.

[polarlyse]

I suspect that this is the " Lawyers Talking" here and not from any direct testing.