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streaminwild · 01-29-2016, 08:13 AM

[QUOTE=Ted S.

I have balanced many tires when I was younger, I know for sure the machine we had could not also do the brake drums. It only allows wheels on the balance.

So good info, I think we need to verify, or buy Centramatics and not worry about it. QUOTE)

I had a 63 corvette in 1981 had the front assembly balanced on the car. The shop had a machine that pushed up against the tire and spun it to 70mph. They placed a piece of tape on the grease cap and a strobe sensor next to the tire. When the tire vibrated the sensor lit the tape and they placed weights accordingly. That car was smooth at 140mph ,and had a 90+ ticket to prove it. At 21 I was young and dumb, and hormones made my decisions.

Tire failure never crossed my mind at that speed. Now I'm old and dumb and hormones still make my decisions.

Ordering 200-221 today. Thanks for the advice everyone.

Ted S. · 01-29-2016, 10:53 PM

When hormones make your decisions, life is good.

PKI · 01-30-2016, 01:36 PM

Info was part of a manual picture that instructed you to mark the wheel and brake hub so it would be replaced same if repaired. Said the whole rotating package was balanced together. Could be an old practice but it triggered the logic of using Centros. Seems stupid to not balance brake drums individually, but if the hub is not balanced you are out as well. Using the Centros should solve all so they are ordered. Picture and info is posted on one of the AF threads. Will try to find.
Pat

Ted S. · 01-30-2016, 01:45 PM

I'm looking on the Cenramatic web site, looks like plenty of options. How do you know which ones are best? I have 16" rims on my Flying Cloud, upgraded from the 15" rims. Looks like 3 options.

switz · 01-31-2016, 05:46 AM

Maybe this will help. Centramatic Part Numbers for Airstream use:

14" 5 bolt pattern #200-221 standard part

15" 6 bolt pattern #200-221 Special

16" 6 bolt pattern #300-356 all A plates

I have installed the proper Centramatic unit on all three Airstreams, the Dodge 2500HD Cummins and both GoldWing motorcycles.

PKI · 02-14-2016, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

I have been reading that folks were buying Centramatics because the brake drums were not balanced. However, it did not connect until I read that the brake drums were balanced by the factory along with the wheels and tires as a set. Therefore the smooth ride that we see goes away if the wheels are rotated or the tires are replaced. Any modification kills the drum balance. Felt real dense when I finally figured it out. So, we will order the Centramatics tomorrow. Pat

http://www.airforums.com/forums/atta...5&d=1128361020

This is the source of the info referenced above. Pat

Ted S. · 02-17-2016, 10:41 AM

I bought the #200-221 Special.

I have 16" wheel/tire upgrades.

The reason I went with this over the 300-356 all A plates is because they are black and hide better, they said there would be no noticeable difference between either product.

GMFL · 05-12-2018, 04:27 PM

Anybody running centramatics balancers on their TV?

Mollysdad · 05-12-2018, 05:58 PM

So when the dealer switched my GYM to GYE, you're saying mine are no longer balanced? I'm sure he just swapped rims and tires off another trailer in stock. He told me, "Sure, we just traded wheels, nobody cares about tires except you."
I'll bet my spare is a GYM.
It sure feels smooth towing.

Other than Centramatics, how is one supposed to balance when buying new tires? I'm skeptical.
But I'll mark the stud and rim when I remove the tires to replace the valve stems, just in case.

PKI · 05-12-2018, 10:34 PM

Skeptical? You could call JC and investigate the current manufacturing process and appropriate after-market balancing protocol for new tires, wheels, brake drums, bearings, lug nuts, studs, and hubs. Your coach, your time, your money, your decision. I just put on the Centramatics and went traveling.

Pat

Mollysdad · 05-13-2018, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

Skeptical? You could call JC and investigate the current manufacturing process and appropriate after-market balancing protocol for new tires, wheels, brake drums, bearings, lug nuts, studs, and hubs. Your coach, your time, your money, your decision.

I'm not that invested in this concern.
The axles come assembled from Dexter. The rims are Sendel and the tires GY. You're convinced that Thor takes the axles apart, matches them with the tires and rims, then balances everything as a unit? We're talking about Thor that leaves a rat's nest of wire under cabinets?
Maybe you're right, but until I see it I'll remain skeptical.
I have nothing against Centramatics, by the way.

For an enjoyable video, check out the time lapse assembly of Airstreams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxN344_RHZ0

Full screen is best. Frames and axles meet about 1:45.
Like most things made in factories except maybe Ferraris and Rolls Royces, there's not a lot of hand fitting by artists. It's down to a science of efficiency.

GMFL · 05-13-2018, 06:11 AM

My original QUESTION was Does anyone use Centramatics on their Tow Vehicle? I have them on my Airstream and they work great. I’ve all ready drank that Koolaid. I’m thinking about adding them to my TV ( 2016 GMC 2500 Duramax Denali) at my upcoming tire change.

Ted S. · 05-13-2018, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMFL

My original QUESTION was Does anyone use Centramatics on their Tow Vehicle? I have them on my Airstream and they work great. I’ve all ready drank that Koolaid. I’m thinking about adding them to my TV ( 2016 GMC 2500 Duramax Denali) at my upcoming tire change.

You might try some truck forums if you don’t get a response here. If you look at the Centramatics website, the are manufactured for many kinds of trucks from light duty to semis. I am sure folks are using them.

**Rocinante** · 05-13-2018, 07:51 AM

My brother tried them for his GMC 1-ton dually. He didn’t feel they were helpful, and returned them for a refund.

Of course, your own experience may differ.

Mollysdad · 05-13-2018, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMFL

My original QUESTION was Does anyone use Centramatics on their Tow Vehicle?

Not me.

**moosetags** · 05-13-2018, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMFL

Anybody running centramatics balancers on their TV?

Yes, I have had Centramatics on my last two tow vehicles. I first got them for my 2011 Silverado 3500 which had 18" wheels. The same ones fit my 2018 Silverado 2500 which has 20" wheels. I checked with Centramatic on the fitment.

On my trucks, I had to install the Centramatics with the weight ring out on the front wheels, and the weight ring in om the rear wheels. I checked with Centramatic on the issue, and was told that they work the same either wat.

Brian

dznf0g · 05-13-2018, 09:28 AM

Has anyone actually tried fitting to a 2014 - 2018 GM 1500 Silverado/Sierra with 20" wheels? I was told by centramatic folks that the brake rotors and calipers are so big that there isn't room.

pappy19 · 05-13-2018, 09:42 AM

Centramatics will not work on any 1/2 ton, only 3/4 and up. I have them on my F250 and my AS. Seem to work fine with my 10 ply Michelins on both AS and TV.

J-Dog · 05-13-2018, 12:05 PM

I installed them on my Ram 2500 last year before our 6 month road trip. (Installed on trailer as well). I have driven about 20K miles since installation. I feel they help.
I am looking to see how long my stock factory truck tires will last. They are at a little over 44k now.

SeeMore · 05-13-2018, 12:49 PM

I have had Centramatics mounted on my 2500 4x4 TV for years. I run BF Goodrich T/A KO2 all-terrain tires which weigh more than the Michelin LTs most have and found the Centramatics help retain vibration free highway use and even wear patterns throughout the tire life.