Warning - Wheel Failure

[RJOL]

My 2001 CTD is just over a year old with 16000 miles. I have the factory alloy wheels that came with this SLT model. I tow a 5th wheel (approx. 11000lbs with 2500lb king pin weight). I have only towed this trailer about five or six times in the past year, and the truck is never loaded when not towing. I don't do any off road/ rough driving.



Was out on a short trip this past weekend when I noticed that my tire pressure was low on the left rear. Checked it and it only had 40psi in it (ususally run 70psi when towing). Thought I might have picked up a nail so I took it in to a local tire dealer.



As soon as the dealer put it in the tank, the problem was obvious. I had a cracked wheel. Tire dealer said they have seen several wheel failures with the Dodge alloy wheel. Replaced all the wheels with after market alloy wheels.



Will call Dodge later and see what they will do. Even if they replace the wheel, I won't put these back on my truck.



Has anyone else experienced a wheel failure with Dodge's stock alloy wheels?



I'll report back after I talk to Dodge.

 

[John]

AHA! I knew it!

A friend showed me one of his Dodge alloy wheels off his '00 2500 4x a while back. I remember thinking they were pretty light and frail looking as compared to my forged M/T Alcoa Challengers, they were also lighter. I believe I also told him (IMO of course) that those wheels would probably not hold up well for either serious four wheeling and/or heavy hauling.



Moral of the story: forged Weld or M/T Alcoa wheels are the best wheels for serious work.

 

[RJOL]

Dealer Results

Took the wheel to the dealer, today... They replaced it and said they had not had any failures of this wheel.



Does anyone know what the actual load rating of this wheel is? It is Dodge part #52106367AA.



I think I'll just sell them, as I tow at near capacity for my truck, and I just don't want to take a chance on another failure.

 

[mbrolin]

The OEM wheels are forged aluminum. I dont know what the ratings are on them. I have 20k miles on my truck with over 5k towing. GCVW of over 19k and no problems with the wheels. Your case is the first Ive heard on this website

 

[MikeR]

work??

Moral of the story: forged Weld or M/T Alcoa wheels are the best wheels for serious work.

Exactly what kind of work does Blackout do to necessitate forged?

 

[Diesel Freak]

LMAO

woo hoo, hey John, what work does your truck do? It's a bigger road princess than Sam's

 

[John]

funny guys

Heck, I was in no way inferring that my beloved Ram had to work for a living...



Still... the statement I made ragarding forged M/T Alcoa or Weld Racing wheels is still valid... besides, who knows what I may use my truck for in the future. The way I have it accessorized I can pull or haul almost anything... I have plenty of useable power, fuel storage capacity, towing mirrors for wide loads, class 5 hitch, state of the art trailer brake controller etc. In other words, I haven't lost site of why I purchased my Ram in the first place... it is still very functional. Believe it or not, it was called into duty on occasion for use on our farm ("in the back 40") prior to the purchase of my Polaris 6x6.



BTW, it doesn't take an engineer to discern the strength difference between the forged OE Dodge alloy wheels and forged M/T Alcoa or Weld Racing wheels.



Point of clarification Cliff; remember, my Ram is not lifted (by choice), I therefore make no pretensious aesthetic statements for a vehicle that was never intended for serious off-road use. As I have gone down the lifted truck road before, I didn't feel the need to do so this time for a variety of reasons. I still feel I made the right decision... for me, my family and my specific usage.

 

[Diesel Freak]

Re: funny guys

Originally posted by John



Point of clarification Cliff; remember, my Ram is not lifted (by choice), I therefore make no pretensious aesthetic statements for a vehicle that was never intended for serious off-road use. As I have gone down the lifted truck road before, I didn't feel the need to do so this time for a variety of reasons.

hehe, I think Sam (DAWG-1) needs to read this.



Well put John.