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Old 12-20-2014, 01:08 PM   #1
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The Centramatics Thread

I've only seen these referenced in Airforums so I'm going to ask if anyone has them, if they like them and/or recommend them. There are no Threads dedicated to them from my search. I understand the theory but curious if they are really worth it vs. just keeping your tires balanced to begin with.
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Old 12-20-2014, 01:16 PM   #2
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I have had Centramatic balancers on two different Airstreams for a number of years and a lot of miles.

I had a set of Centramatics on my 2005 Safari 25FB. I put them on when I went to 16" tires and wheels. With the Centramatics installed I put 60,000 miles on the 16" Michelin LT tires. The tires showed virtually no tread wear when I traded the trailer in.

Based upon my past experience with the Centramatics, I recently installed a set on my 2015 Flying Cloud 25FB.

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Old 12-20-2014, 01:20 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted S. View Post
I've only seen these referenced in Airforums so I'm going to ask if anyone has them, if they like them and/or recommend them. There are no Threads dedicated to them from my search. I understand the theory but curious if they are really worth it vs. just keeping your tires balanced to begin with.

Hi, there are threads about Centramatics, but searching doesn't work well, at least for me. I have, and use, Centramatics on my trailer. out of balance wheels will, or can, beat your trailer to death. Balancing your tires and wheels helps, but your trailer brake drums are not balanced, therefore your running gear is still out of balance. Centramatics takes care of this. But I still recommend having your tires/wheels balanced too.
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Old 12-20-2014, 01:21 PM   #4
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After researching the heck out of them first. I went ahead and installed them when I replaced the axles. My understanding of them is that they balance the whole hub assembly and tires together. They did balance the new tires when I replaced them and I left that in place. As far as how good they work - ??. It sure can't hurt none.
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Old 12-20-2014, 01:35 PM   #5
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The Centramatics Thread

Trucks and passenger buses are the largest group of users. The CMs tend to last several hundred thousand even under hard conditions. I know of several sets on oilfield trucks with over 500k on them, so the design and build is good. Truck owners report longer tire life which is a significant annual expense

I have them on both TT and TV and have been to the Alvarado, TX shop with both vehicles as they have a well-deserved reputation for being able to diagnose steer and align problems plus related.

There is also BALANCEMASTER which is different and much more expensive.

I avoid the pour in powders.

For a TT it is that the CM will also help in balancing the wheel/brake assembly. Why Inland RV offers an Airstream-specific model. Read Andy on that issue.

www.centramatic.com
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Old 12-20-2014, 02:37 PM   #6
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Thumbs up

They do work as advertised, definitely worth the investment.
No concerns in 10yrs of use.



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Old 12-20-2014, 02:52 PM   #7
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Sounds like a good product. Thanks for the replies.
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Old 12-20-2014, 03:33 PM   #8
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For over 10 years, my upper door hinge pin would work itself up during traveling. Got Centramatics. Problem solved.
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Old 12-20-2014, 04:44 PM   #9
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I have 4 of them in a box waiting for the arrival of my '15 Classic. I had them on the '12 International and had done a lot of research before I bought them. I think they are worth the investment.
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Old 01-24-2015, 12:35 PM   #10
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What size are you guys ordering for those of you who upgraded to 16 inch rims?
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Old 01-24-2015, 01:23 PM   #11
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Quote:
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What size are you guys ordering for those of you who upgraded to 16 inch rims?
Balancers - Centramatic Wheel Balancer, Tire Balancers for DFW Trucks

220-221 Special at the top of the chart....for 6 bolt.
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Old 01-24-2015, 03:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
220-221 Special at the top of the chart....for 6 bolt.
Question: top of chart reads 200-221 Special I'm I missing something?
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Old 01-24-2015, 03:22 PM   #13
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Sorry. Typo
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Old 01-24-2015, 03:38 PM   #14
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Thanks for posting the link and clarifying, I get confused real easy.

I’m having issues with vibration. Last year the kitchen faucet handle came off while in transit as well as the rear overhead cabinet sliding doors keep falling out. Thought the Centramatics might be the answer. Oh, I'm having problems with the lower hinge pin too.
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Old 01-24-2015, 04:20 PM   #15
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I too just bought a set for our 20FC and after a trip out to Palm Springs during Christmas, I couldn't believe how well they worked. Our tires were cool to the touch compared to without the CMs. I also had a problem with outside tire wear and had the axel aligned as well as new tires. I'm very happy with the smooth ride now.


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Old 02-04-2015, 03:01 PM   #16
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I'm adding this valuable info here:

Quote:
Originally Posted by switz View Post
We also put the Centramatics on both Airstreams and the truck. Note there are two sizes that apply to Airstreams. One is for 15" wheels and the other is slightly larger for the 16" wheels.

Model 200-221 Special is for 15" wheels

Model 300-356 all A plates is for 16" wheels.
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Old 02-04-2015, 03:34 PM   #17
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Interesting I called and ordered my Centramatics from the factory yesterday . I was was told 200-221 special fit both 15" and 16 " Airstream configurations.
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Old 02-04-2015, 04:48 PM   #18
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Bump so I can find this again


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Old 02-04-2015, 08:10 PM   #19
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Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beach Bum View Post
Interesting I called and ordered my Centramatics from the factory yesterday . I was was told 200-221 special fit both 15" and 16 " Airstream configurations.
This info was posted on their website too. I will PM Switz and ask him to clarify for us. It would be great to here from Centramatics about it too.

The other model is clearly for 6 lug 5.5 bolt pattern 16 inch rims.
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Old 02-04-2015, 09:10 PM   #20
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So.. I am NOT very smart... but, here is what I did.

Mounted new tires... stopped the tech and insisted on 'balancing' the tires... (he said 'we normally don't on a trailer!) Once home...Put some dry beans in a saucepan on the floor, headed to highway. Just before entering the highway (state hwy), then dropped my iPhone into the 'pan' after starting a 'video'. Drove about 2 miles, stopped and recovered the iPhone...

Watching video could see there was a lot of 'vibration'... and rattling beans in the pan.

Took AS home, installed centramatics... repeated above video.... HUGE improvement and smoothness...

No.. it wasn't 'Memorex'....
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