Comparison of Steel vs Aluminum Trailer Wheels?

Published 01/11/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Aluminum Sendel Series T02 Machined Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2

(261)

$211.13

Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White Powder Coat

(2583)

$68.49

Dexstar Conventional Steel Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - Black Powder Coat

(337)

$83.92

Question:

I am considering the replacement of the 4 original 15inch wheels of my 30foot camper trailer. Other than pure aesthetics, are there any advantages for purchasing a set of Aluminum wheels rather than steel? Will rolling weight be significantly reduced? Thanks, in advance

asked by: Harv

Expert Reply:

The actual weight of aluminum wheels versus steel wheels will depend on the design. For instance the Aluminum Sendel Series T02 Machined Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 # AM22654 will weigh 20 lbs and the Aluminum Lynx Trailer Wheel # LHSL311 will be 16 lbs. Similarly, the Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White Powder Coat # AM20422 will be 17 lbs versus the 22 lbs of the Dexstar Conventional Steel Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - Black Powder Coat # AM20514.

The main differences other than styling is more weight capacity and the corrosion resistance. The aluminum wheels have a capacity rating of 2,830 lbs and 2,540 versus the traditional steel wheel capacity of 2,150 lbs and conventional wheel capacity of 2,600 lbs. The steel wheels are powder coated for corrosion resistance where the aluminum wheels will naturally be corrosion resistant.

expert reply by: Jason S