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12-20-2014, 01:08 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
Ayer
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,114
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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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12-20-2014, 01:16 PM
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#2
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
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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.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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12-20-2014, 01:20 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,367
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted S.
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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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.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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12-20-2014, 01:21 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 28
Irrigon
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 122
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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.
__________________
Rod
AIR# 60278
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12-20-2014, 01:35 PM
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#5
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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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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12-20-2014, 02:37 PM
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#6
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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They do work as advertised, definitely worth the investment.
No concerns in 10yrs of use.
Bob
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12-20-2014, 02:52 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
Ayer
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,114
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Sounds like a good product. Thanks for the replies.
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12-20-2014, 03:33 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1998 30' Excella 1000
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 546
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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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12-20-2014, 04:44 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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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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_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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01-24-2015, 12:35 PM
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#10
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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What size are you guys ordering for those of you who upgraded to 16 inch rims?
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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01-24-2015, 01:23 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BoldAdventure
What size are you guys ordering for those of you who upgraded to 16 inch rims?
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Balancers - Centramatic Wheel Balancer, Tire Balancers for DFW Trucks
220-221 Special at the top of the chart....for 6 bolt.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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01-24-2015, 03:18 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
2012 30' International
South Western
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 92
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Quote:
220-221 Special at the top of the chart....for 6 bolt.
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Question: top of chart reads 200-221 Special I'm I missing something?
__________________
Sometimes I pretent to be Normal....
but it gets boring, so I go back to being me
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01-24-2015, 03:22 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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Sorry. Typo
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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01-24-2015, 03:38 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
2012 30' International
South Western
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 92
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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.
__________________
Sometimes I pretent to be Normal....
but it gets boring, so I go back to being me
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01-24-2015, 04:20 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2019 23' International
La Habra
, California
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,019
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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.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
2019 GMC Sierra Denali
2019 23CB International
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02-04-2015, 03:01 PM
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#16
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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I'm adding this valuable info here:
Quote:
Originally Posted by switz
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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__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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02-04-2015, 03:34 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Ponce Inlet
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 168
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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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02-04-2015, 04:48 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Bump so I can find this again
Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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02-04-2015, 08:10 PM
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#19
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beach Bum
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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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.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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02-04-2015, 09:10 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
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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'....
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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