Aluminum Rims

[RoamingEngineer]

Anyone here with a 390bh that has upgraded their rims from steel to aluminum? I'm considering doing this and have got a quote from Freightliner in Gaffney SC for ~$3000.00.

I'm wondering what people have paid.

Also, do you have all aluminum rims on the rear or is it just the outsides that they change to aluminum?

[Campin Cajun]

Interested because I would like to do the same

I know for sure one other member did but I cannot remember who.

[dan-nickie]

Phil57 should be along shortly to fill you in.

[JTN8]

I've looked into it also. I've heard our studs may not be long enough and some mods may need to be done but not 100% sure about that. I'd be interested in total cost and if they would buy back the simulators.... If not I'm sure we could sell them on E-Bay

Jason

[MKClark]

Back in my old days working for a trucking company I was taught not to mix the steel and aluminum wheels. The aluminum wheels were a little different in size even if the tires were the same size. We ran all aluminum wheels on the tractors and steel on the trailers. Hard to balance the aluminum/steel combo together. If you can't swing all aluminum go with the simulators, or just save your pocket change for all aluminum.
______________
MKClark

[tmmar]

My '14 came with 4 aluminum wheels an 2 steel wheels on the inside rear tires. All of the Berkshires have this configuration.

[JTN8]

Originally Posted by tmmar

My '14 came with 4 aluminum wheels an 2 steel wheels on the inside rear tires. All of the Berkshires have this configuration.

My old class A was the same combo of 4 aluminum and 2 steel inside of the duals... Never had an issue with the ride. As I've been looking to upgrade my berk, Freightliner recommended the same combo...

Jason

[Phil57]

I upgraded mine. I was quoted 1500.00 by FL Gaffney. I should have jumped on it. I ended up getting rims at a local shop. 4 rims mounted and balanced for 1325.00 with my 4 steel rims in trade. You then need to get all the extras. Lug covers be careful what you get as even some stainless will rust quickly. I got plastic and they look good. You then need front hub covers. These can be aftermarket and are 5 lug. Be careful to match the brightness so they match the rim. In the back rims you need to order the brackets that allow the hub screw to screw into. I most likely have the part numbers someplace I will check. On the back the brackets are easy to install. A 5 minute job. The back hub cover you buy at a FL dealership and they most likely will need to order it. Your vin number will do you no good you will need a vin number for a MH that came with the aluminum rims. So on the back you need the brackets the hub cover and the long bolt with the logo chrome end.
Total I had around 1700.00 in it. I will look for the part numbers.
Also no way Gaffney did that quote correctly. I would double check on that. They quoted me 1500.00 in 2012.

[Phil57]

Also the aftermarket hub covers did not work for me. They are much cheaper but the lugs are to short. I tried several at several different chrome shops and none fit.

[Phil57]

Here is the part numbers

[psw757]

$1300-1500 is right in the ballpark of what it should cost. We changed out the hubs on our Legacy for the Alcoa stainless and what a difference in looks.

The Alcoa hub center pieces and lug covers are pretty damn pricey for what they are but the whole upgrade is worth it IMHO.

[JJvike]

OK, dumb question maybe....what is the advantage in getting aluminum wheels vs. the steel we got?

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by JJvike

OK, dumb question maybe....what is the advantage in getting aluminum wheels vs. the steel we got?

Good question and I'm not sure I have a good answer. For me I got them because I hated the wheel covers. I couldn't get them off but that's a whole old post. I think they look better and they weigh less. I thought when I drive it home from the tire shop that it handled better but when you just spent 1300 on wheels you look for anything to justify it.
I'm happy I did it. I wish I would have had it done in Gaffney when I had my axel and tires done but I'm very happy with them.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by MKClark

Back in my old days working for a trucking company I was taught not to mix the steel and aluminum wheels. The aluminum wheels were a little different in size even if the tires were the same size. We ran all aluminum wheels on the tractors and steel on the trailers. Hard to balance the aluminum/steel combo together. If you can't swing all aluminum go with the simulators, or just save your pocket change for all aluminum.
______________
MKClark

Things must have changed as the place I had mine done is a big truck tire place and they didn't suggest doing aluminum on both duels. If you do that you need to put a gasket between them they will fuse together. He said every one does the aluminum steel combo. It would lighten up the rear axle I little.

[psw757]

Originally Posted by JJvike

OK, dumb question maybe....what is the advantage in getting aluminum wheels vs. the steel we got?

Honestly, just looks, sure are pretty when freshly polished!

[tmmar]

Also, aluminum wheels are supposed to give a better ride.

[TaterColo]

Mine came with aluminum. I had them polished. Chrome in my opinion is hard to keep clean and not have rust spots. I had aftermarket chrome wheels on my Toyota Sequoia. I'll never buy chrome again.

Here is my polished wheels.






Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Phil57]

Tom I believe they do. I felt it when driving the first time. Hard to tell but I think it makes a difference on the front axel. Are you still in FL?

[Phil57]

Wow I need to get busy. They look great.

[tmmar]

Phil,
Yes, still in Key West. Not sure of exact date of when we are heading home. Where are you now?