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Dually Wheels.........Help

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Which wheels?

  • Black Powder Coated with Chrome Centers

    Votes: 8 34.8%
  • Alcoa 17" Polished

    Votes: 15 65.2%

  • Total voters
    23

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Ok. I coverted my Mega to a dually last fall. Now I like the look with the black powder coated wheels and chome centers, but have been seriously contemplating going with some Alcoa wheels on both the truck and the trailer too. Looking for thoughts or opinions on Alcoa's. . I am ONLY considering the new 17" wheels.



I like the new factory Dodge dually Alcoa's but they are a lot more spendy. Does ANYONE know what the story is on those? Are the DuraBright coated?



Thanks



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Not that my opinion really matters, but... ...



Only large truck rims are currently available with the chemical Dura-Brite finish..... the Dodge wheels are not Dura-brite finish. They don't anticipate the vehicle to exten beyond 10 years of life, while many OTR trucks do... . I guess they don't have the facts on Dodge Diesel trucks..... that or they know we spend a lot of time taking care of our beasts... . anyway, I'd go with the Alcoa's for appearance, weight, fuel savings, durability and resale. If you sell your truck, the wheels will still keep their value, on or off the truck. Priced new ones? Tried to find used ones? I rest my case..... :D



And I like a little polish around the eges, unless it's got a M2 bolted to the top.....
 
Thanks for the replies so far. Will the weight savings really help fuel mileage? As for 19. 5's I always run stock tire size when I tow, becasue of the gear ratio (3. 73) unless lowering it (numerically) wouldn't hurt the tow economy. My LTX MS2's seem to work real nice so far.
 
Ok Thanks... ... .....



Note: I just looked up the Alcoa wheels from say Southwest Wheel have 8 holes. The factory Dodge wheel (Which costs more) is a 10 hole wheel according to the pics on Dodges website... ... ...
 
The only reason I haven't changed out mine is that your too limited with respect to tire rotation. When you go this route you have to break them down to rotate, due to the reverse offset.



I am able to get all six into the rotation without having to break them down.



Mac:cool:
 
The only reason I haven't changed out mine is that your too limited with respect to tire rotation. When you go this route you have to break them down to rotate, due to the reverse offset.



I am able to get all six into the rotation without having to break them down.



Mac:cool:



Ah, the price of vanity..... but I know where I can use a tire machine really cheap... . :D



As far as the fuel savings, they are minimal. To break even, you basically have to run the wheels for the life of the truck as the first owner... ... depending on who you are, that's gonna average around 200k. On a class 8 truck, average life is around 500-700k, first owner, so the wheels pay for themselves a little quicker, and when you add the weight reduction on 8 wheels, it helps with payload capacity, tire life, and overall performance of the truck..... How much you tow, how you drive, and the price of fuel all add up to payback. Personally, I like the appearance, as well as performance, so it pays me back a little quicker..... :eek:



As for the Dodge Aluminum wheels, my personal opinion(for as little as it's worth) is they are JUNK! Scrap Iron. Guano. Bantha Pudu.



Tire size is pretty limited. If you go to the 265s, you only gain a small amount(only in certain brands, some brands are shorter by . 20 inches), but the cost is minimal, as well. If you go to 315s, the cost is pretty extensive, as you'll have to go with a spacer for clearance. That's a PITA..... not that I don't do it... :rolleyes: For the torque my truck makes, the 35s are about right with 3. 73 gears..... but then there's the fender extensions, speedometer corrections, mudflaps(depending on your state), and eventually, you like it so much you want another one..... it's a very nasty cycle... :--)
 
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Well from what I am hearing, and confirming on 5500 on the dealer lot, the Factory aluminum dually wheels are Alcoa's. But are sstill about $500 more than from Southwest wheel, and that is with my 15% over cost discount :eek: If Dodge did contract with Alcoa to Dura Bright THEIR (Dodge) wheels, then the extra would be worth it.
 
Oh boy that's a good looking truck! I'd vote for the Alcoas as well. A timeless look that still says you mean business...



If you know anyone good with photoshop, they can slap those wheels on there for you in an image so you can see for yourself!
 
Here are some more pics, the wheels are off a 5500 Dodge wrecker at a local dealer, but maybe someone could photoshop them onto the truck so they look like the 17's??????

thanks

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