19.5 alumin rims on a 2003 W22

[targaracer]

Hi all,

We have a 2003 Itasca Suncruiser on a Workhorse W22 Chassis. The current 19.5 steel rims and covers are, well...ugly. I'd like to switch to 19.5 aluminum rims, because I think they look better and I like the idea of less unsprung weight (I race cars and unsprung weight reduction is sort of our holy grail...) They were apparently not offered as an option for my model year. I've found some Accuride rims that fit and at a price I don't mind. My question is about rim width. The steel rims are 6.75 inches and the aluminum are 7.5. Will I have a problem mixing rim widths in the rear (steel inside dual 6.75" and aluminum outside dual 7.5") or should I just use 6 aluminum rims all round. Tire size would be the same regardless.

Second question, if I go with 6 rims (4 aluminum at the rear) I'll need to extend the wheel studs, any problems doing this from a structural or safety standpoint?

All of the work would be done by a local reputable tire shop that I've used before.

Thanks for the help

Gord

[targaracer]

Hi all,

We have a 2003 Itasca Suncruiser on a Workhorse W22 Chassis. The current 19.5 steel rims and covers are, well...ugly. I'd like to switch to 19.5 aluminum rims, because I think they look better and I like the idea of less unsprung weight (I race cars and unsprung weight reduction is sort of our holy grail...) They were apparently not offered as an option for my model year. I've found some Accuride rims that fit and at a price I don't mind. My question is about rim width. The steel rims are 6.75 inches and the aluminum are 7.5. Will I have a problem mixing rim widths in the rear (steel inside dual 6.75" and aluminum outside dual 7.5") or should I just use 6 aluminum rims all round. Tire size would be the same regardless.

Second question, if I go with 6 rims (4 aluminum at the rear) I'll need to extend the wheel studs, any problems doing this from a structural or safety standpoint?

All of the work would be done by a local reputable tire shop that I've used before.

Thanks for the help

Gord

[edgray]

GORD: your posts reads like you've already done the homework and have a good understanding of the issues. FWIW, I'd go with 6 Alum. Changing the stud length is required, but does not present any concerns. Just make sure the new rims provide the correct dual SPACING required by the tire manf. charts. ED

[BEBOP]

I once bought a used motorhome and had an inside dual blowout.
When the tow truck guy looked under it he found the two dual tires were rubbing each other on the bottom. I had just bought this first motornhome coming over from fifth wheels.
I bought a full set of 7 tires when I got to the tire shop 30 miles down the road at Needles, CA.
Bebop