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Old 01-22-2017, 09:53 AM   #1
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Centramatics?

I have not seen anything recently on the Centramatic Tire Balancers.
Are these still in favor with members of the Forum? What size for a 2017 Classic?
Should i change lug nuts at the same time? If so, what size lug nuts?
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SS
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Old 01-22-2017, 09:57 AM   #2
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I think they were just another fad. Proper balancing and tire care will do the trick.
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Old 01-22-2017, 10:01 AM   #3
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They helped smooth out my trailer, so I'm quite happy with them. I swapped out the AS lug nuts at the same time for McGards. Didn't cost too much and I don't have to worry about the fake cover coming off if I check the torq on the wheels.

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Old 01-22-2017, 10:11 AM   #4
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With a desire to keep it simple, we have always preferred top quality tires, rotated and balance checked every year or two, depending on miles traveled. Similarly no TPMS on our Airstream.
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Old 01-22-2017, 10:31 AM   #5
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I've been using the Centramatics for about ten years now. Old Lucy (2005 25FB) clocked 60,000 miles on her Michelin 16" LT's with no appreciable tread wear. New Lucy (2015 25FB) is fast approaching 30,000 miles on her Michelin 16" LT's. I can't guaranty that the Centramatics significantly contributed to this outstanding performance, but I have to think that they did. I have been convinced enough that I recently installed Centramatics on my Silverado 3500 tow vehicle.

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Old 01-22-2017, 10:55 AM   #6
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This is the difference with Centramatics on my trailer. Before Centramatics, every single trip, the snap in back cushion on my dinette along with the other set in place cushions, would be on the floor, occasionally falling out the door onto the street as I opened it. Post Centramatic installation, this now happens only ocasionally. This is with no other change, on the original GYMs. It will be interesting to see what effect switching to the Nokian tires will have this spring.

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Old 01-22-2017, 12:03 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moosetags View Post
I've been using the Centramatics for about ten years now. Old Lucy (2005 25FB) clocked 60,000 miles on her Michelin 16" LT's with no appreciable tread wear. New Lucy (2015 25FB) is fast approaching 30,000 miles on her Michelin 16" LT's. I can't guaranty that the Centramatics significantly contributed to this outstanding performance, but I have to think that they did. I have been convinced enough that I recently installed Centramatics on my Silverado 3500 tow vehicle.

Brian
Are your rims 16 inch? Do you recall the size of your Centramatics?
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Old 01-22-2017, 01:20 PM   #8
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Are your rims 16 inch? Do you recall the size of your Centramatics?
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SS
I do have 16" wheels and LT tires. I just looked up my Centramatic invoice. The balancers that I have are part number 200-221 Special. Mine were purchased in October of 2014. I would give Centramatic a call (800-523-8473) and speck to the about which part number you need. They are very helpful and knowledgeable about Airstreams.

Brian
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Old 01-22-2017, 03:30 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moosetags View Post
I do have 16" wheels and LT tires. I just looked up my Centramatic invoice. The balancers that I have are part number 200-221 Special. Mine were purchased in October of 2014. I would give Centramatic a call (800-523-8473) and speck to the about which part number you need. They are very helpful and knowledgeable about Airstreams.

Brian
Thank you!
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Old 01-22-2017, 03:42 PM   #10
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I put them on a brand new airstream. Not many miles on it yet, but knew I planned to do this. So I tried to benchmark performance by placing things that wouldn't break or do damage (pillow) stuffed animals, empty paper cups.

I noticed less movement of these over the same trips when I put the centramatics on. I think they help as well. Cheap investment, depending on your definition of cheap....


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Old 01-22-2017, 04:24 PM   #11
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When I found a post that explained Airstream balanced the tires, wheels, brake drums and hubs as a set, it was clear why a balancing device like Centramatics was a good addition. If you have a shop that can dynamically balance the tires on the trailer, no need for Centramatics. Given a very well balanced set of drums, hubs, wheels and tires, the Centramatics are not required. Since I have significant doubt of that condition, the Centramatics seemed like a good choice. The $200 cost is not too expensive and they have the added value of balancing out minor changes to the tires.

Lug nuts are a change that makes sense at some point in time. A set of Gorilla splined nuts are a bit less expensive, but you do have to carry the special splined socket.

Travel safe. Pat
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:04 PM   #12
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They are no fad for me. I love them from my Airstream to my semi tractors and antique trucks they work great. Extend tire life for me and make driving more enjoyable.
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:30 PM   #13
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We boondock occasionally, and camp year-round. Consequently, we sometimes have mud, snow/ice, etc., in our wheels and big rocks in our tires. While I cannot prove it, I suspect the Centramatics keep the running gear in balance under these conditions; and our 16" XPS Ribs have worn evenly over the past 6.5 years and 45,000 miles, with no tire rotation.

I would buy them again, and I wish they made Centramatics to fit our Tundra.
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Old 01-22-2017, 06:52 PM   #14
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Running balanced Michelins without Centramatics we have never had anything break, come loose, fall, open or get tossed around in our Airstream doing four cross-country trips a year.
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Old 01-22-2017, 07:04 PM   #15
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I read on another thread that you shouldn't put the centramatics on your TV, as it makes it difficult to detect potential issues. Can anyone confirm that or provide info.

I also think Andy from can am recommended against it for TV


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Old 01-22-2017, 07:19 PM   #16
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Not sure why they wouldn't be ok for a TV - 18 wheeler drivers have apparently been using them for years - long before we started using them on travel trailers. maybe thwre is some reason though - Andy T seems to be held in high esteem on the forum.

I did install them quite a few years ago after seeing the very impressive demo on their website.

I have no real quantitative indication of how well they work other than to say that we used to have a lot of problem on the road with drawers coming open, loose screws found on the floor etc., and that is no longer much of a problem.

But then, I have also changed wheels and tires and also fiddled with latches to try to improve them, so who knows!

I guess it takes a bit of a leap of faith!

I did wonder from the outset that since the moving weights were not that great, and their operating radius rather limited, how effective they could actually be?

As a retired mechanical engineer, I suppose I should be able to do some calculations ...... but it has been a long time since I retired, and I never really did much engineering work anyway, so the inclination isn't really there to investigate further!

I have a Honda Goldwing motorcycle, and I know that Centramatic make a set of balancers for the Goldwing.

I don't have them on my bike, but I participate in internet Goldwing forums, and many riders swear they have made significant improvement in the ride of their bikes.

Just anecdotal I know!


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Old 01-22-2017, 08:12 PM   #17
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I think they are okay for the TV alone, but not when towing, as he said it's hard to feel if there is an issue in the combined rig, and you want to be able to feel if something is off....


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Old 01-22-2017, 08:40 PM   #18
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Dexter Neverlube hubs require 0" offset wheels, do the Centermatics affect this?
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Old 01-23-2017, 06:08 AM   #19
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Dexter Neverlube hubs require 0" offset wheels, do the Centermatics affect this?
Yes, slightly, but it isn't a problem. Wheels will standoff .030-.040" maybe. I not heard of any bearing issues from anyone.
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Old 01-23-2017, 06:59 AM   #20
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I think they are okay for the TV alone, but not when towing, as he said it's hard to feel if there is an issue in the combined rig, and you want to be able to feel if something is off....


Thanks,
Troutboy


Well, if that is so, it appears Andy is of the belief that they work!

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