Community Forums

ByeTheWay · 11-04-2018, 01:55 PM

I too use Centramatic

Dutch Star Don · 11-04-2018, 07:55 PM

I use Centramatics on all three axles, including the tag. Some people can drive down the road with square tires and never notice it, while others are more sensitive to the ride. Spin balancing doesn't/can't last the life of the tire. When you spin balance a tire, it balances both the rim and rubber, correcting for heavy spots. Once the tires start to wear down, their weight changes, thus changing what weight is needed to keep the tire in balance. It won't get crazy out of balance, but they often slowly get worse, making it hard to notice.

If you buy the Centramatics, directly from Florida Shores Truck Center, they're a $186.00 OTD. You don't need to do all the axles. Start with the front, the most critical. When you're ready to change the rear tires, add the rears.

Yes, they can be expensive compared to bead or spin balancing. If they're outside of your budget, that's fine, but you shouldn't poo poo the best balancing system out there if you haven't tried them.

DGundy · 11-04-2018, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I use Centramatics on all three axles, including the tag. Some people can drive down the road with square tires and never notice it, while others are more sensitive to the ride. Spin balancing doesn't/can't last the life of the tire. When you spin balance a tire, it balances both the rim and rubber, correcting for heavy spots. Once the tires start to wear down, their weight changes, thus changing what weight is needed to keep the tire in balance. It won't get crazy out of balance, but they often slowly get worse, making it hard to notice.

If you buy the Centramatics, directly from Florida Shores Truck Center, they're a $186.00 OTD. You don't need to do all the axles. Start with the front, the most critical. When you're ready to change the rear tires, add the rears.

Yes, they can be expensive compared to bead or spin balancing. If they're outside of your budget, that's fine, but you shouldn't poo poo the best balancing system out there if you haven't tried them.

Agree!

Domo · 11-05-2018, 10:37 AM

Beads are the quick and inexpensive way to balance. Many fleet service centers favor beads because they can get the rig back on the road quickly.

However, beads have been known to mask problems when tires are aging; such as tread separation and runout (radial and axial).

With "traditional" expensive spin balancing, most potentially dangerous changes can be felt before the "alligator" is left on the road and you have a blowout.

Despite personal opinions, expressed by many - the key is always to inspect your tires, visually as well as use your hands to check for raised ridges/cupping and other problems we all know can lead to shortened tire live.

And, while you're sitting in your campground or driving on the road, give a courtesy glance at other people's tires - you just might save someone's vacation or their life!

Dutch Star Don · 11-05-2018, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domo

And, while you're sitting in your campground or driving on the road, give a courtesy glance at other people's tires - you just might save someone's vacation or their life!

That's a great point....I look at every car and truck I pass or passes me. I just like to be aware of my surroundings and keeping an eye on other drivers. On many occasions, I've flagged someone and pointed out they had an issue.

Domo · 11-05-2018, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

That's a great point....I look at every car and truck I pass or passes me. I just like to be aware of my surroundings and keeping an eye on other drivers. On many occasions, I've flagged someone and pointed out they had an issue.

Plus, sometimes they drop stuff off the rig that you can use!

BTW - thanks - glad you've got my back!

grindstone01 · 11-05-2018, 09:19 PM

I haven't had a tire balanced in over 10 years now and haven't noticed any difference in tire wear or ride. This is for my motorcycle last 3 tire sets, Chevy truck new tire set last year and fifth wheel camper. I am begining to believe that tire balance is over rated.
If you have a front end vibration, I would look at tie rods, ball joint, and broken tire belts first.

MSHappyCampers · 11-06-2018, 11:16 AM

I use balancing beads in all the MH tires!

Domo · 11-07-2018, 11:28 AM

Please remember that ANY dynamic means of balancing (beads in the tire, or beads in a contained oil bath near the tire (such as Centramatic and others), can mask tire problems as they start to occur (such as tread separation).

Therefore, tire inspection is even more important for those folks since they do not get the added vibration or handling issues that others can feel in the wheel or butt.

Nothing wrong with any system - it's simply an informed choice.

GramPa Carso · 11-08-2018, 10:16 AM

I was looking at Centermatic. A great review for them.
A shop person told me to try changing the lug nuts. There is lug nuts with a shoulder that goes into the wheel. It centers the wheel on the spindle. I had that vibration at 65 to 70 MPH. I put two nuts on each front wheel. It took all the vibration out of the front wheels. These nut are around $10 each. $40 dollars verses $200. Your question.