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Old 01-18-2025, 10:51 AM   #1
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Looking for aluminum wheels for a 1978 Dodge class C

I have a 1978 American Clipper that has 16.5 wheels on it (rear duals). I would like to put 17's on it but would like even more since I will need new rims and tires that they be aluminum. Anyone know a source for the wheels?
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Old 01-18-2025, 11:06 AM   #2
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You have dual rear wheels , are your rims the same front and rear ?

Many Dodge chassis of your vintage used different rims front and rear dual .

First picture , the front wheel rim won't fit the rear . Different lug nuts too.
Second picture the rims are the same front and rear .
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Old 01-18-2025, 11:17 AM   #3
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Why 17"s? You won't get RV rated tires for that size wheel. Next truck wheel size would be 19.5". May not be able to get correct diameter tires for a 19.5" wheel. What size, load rating tires are on it now?
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Old 01-18-2025, 05:46 PM   #4
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Be aware that it's recommended that the inner dually be a steel wheel . Only the outer rim can be aluminum.
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Old 01-18-2025, 07:56 PM   #5
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I would keep the 16.5" wheels. Just buy new tires and be done. BUT, I would first make sure the steel wheels spin true. If not, either get them repaired, or replaced.

If they are badly rusted, have them sandblasted and repainted. That would also be a great time to change their color to something complimentary. If they can be found, chrome center caps would also dress them up nicely.
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Old 01-19-2025, 11:13 AM   #6
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It uses the same wheels front and rear. Thanks for the info on the inner wheel having to be steel. That was a question that I thought about but forgot to ask. I will go to Tire Rack and see if there is a 17 inch tire that will fit that has the proper load rating and same diameter. Mainly I want to know if anyone knows of a source that will fit my chassis. If I cannot source the wheels in 17 inch aluminum then of course I will hang with the steel wheels.
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Old 01-19-2025, 11:20 AM   #7
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16.5 inch tires may also be in short supply , although I haven't looked , as they weren't used much after the 80's .

There maybe info around about installation of 16" wheels from later Dodge chassis , more readily available .
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Old 01-19-2025, 01:18 PM   #8
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Be aware that it's recommended that the inner dually be a steel wheel . Only the outer rim can be aluminum.
Any special reason for the inner wheel to be steel other than the studs may not be long enough? They may not be long enough for just one aluminum wheel.
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Old 01-20-2025, 01:42 AM   #9
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After researching 17 inch tire options it appears that you are correct that tires in 17 inch size are not made in an RV rating. Thanks for pointing that out. The tires I need would have a load range D ( 8 ply 65PSI ). So now I have a new question. Does anyone know where or if 16.5 aluminum wheels are available for my Clipper?
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Old 01-20-2025, 11:40 AM   #10
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Any special reason for the inner wheel to be steel other than the studs may not be long enough? They may not be long enough for just one aluminum wheel.
As I understand it , there are a few reasons for the inner dually being steel .
One , is cost savings , 2 fewer aluminum wheels to purchase .
Then there's the inner wheel position on a dually truck experiences more wear and tear from rocks, debris, and road grime getting trapped between the wheels, making steel's sturdiness preferable.
Plus , as you mentioned, the length of studs could be an issue .
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Old 01-20-2025, 05:07 PM   #11
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After researching 17 inch tire options it appears that you are correct that tires in 17 inch size are not made in an RV rating. Thanks for pointing that out. The tires I need would have a load range D ( 8 ply 65PSI ). So now I have a new question. Does anyone know where or if 16.5 aluminum wheels are available for my Clipper?
If you can find the wheels to fit your rig, you should be able to use 17" tires. Most new dually pickups use them, and their load requirements are similar to that of your motorhome. If all you can find are load range E tires, they will work fine- just inflate them to the correct pressure based on your actual weight. I don't know if the newer wheels will fit your older Dodge since there have been changes to the old 8 lug pattern over the years. 16.5" wheels and tires are obsolete, so odds are you won't find any new ones. There's nothing wrong with 16" wheels either, most class C motorhomes use them.
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Old 01-20-2025, 05:32 PM   #12
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Just a thought, but make sure whatever size you end up with, replacement tires will be easy to get. You don't want to have odd-ball size tires and be stuck somewhere with no replacement.
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Old 01-20-2025, 05:44 PM   #13
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Switch to 16" rims. This is a no brainier. I had an '83 Revcon with 16.5" wheels and converted to 16s. Not only is the available choices, much greater, but 16" wheels are safer. The design of the rim has a greater lip to keep the bead of the tire on the rim. (16'5" tires must have a stiffer sidewall to keep the bead on) 16" wheels will improve the ride quality significantly. When I switched, I settled on the Firestone Transforce tire. Yes, I know it is available in 16.5, but that tire is different. It has good traction in fowl weather and is a very good tire. As for handling, I did "test" the motorhome up to 100 mph, and it handled fine. Switching from 16.5s to 16s in a common practice. Just make sure your offset is correct.
One more thing, Aluminum wheels are lighter than steel, so this also improves the ride quality and yes it is noticeable.
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Old 01-22-2025, 12:05 PM   #14
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16 inch rims

The only reason I wanted to upsize to 17's was that I was concerned about rim to caliper clearance but it seems like maybe that may not be an issue. If I can find 16's that will clear I would be more than happy to go that route. If anyone knows of a source that I may be able to find some that will fit this older bolt pattern please let me know. Thanks to everyone for their input.
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