What Are Advantages Of Aluminum Wheels Over Steel Wheels
Updated 07/21/2026 | Published 07/20/2026
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Question:
Looking to order some new tires/rims for our pop up. they are 12inch rims now and i have two questions. 1 what would the advantage be of a Alloy rim vs a steel rim? the look more open would they allow better cooling? 2 I have 12foot on our camper now a Viking 1706XLS which is shy of 1600 pounds. how can I tell if I can go up to a 13inch rim for generally cooler running?
asked by: Hugh P
Expert Reply:
Hey Hugh, welcome back! Aluminum wheels like the ones found on # KE46EV can run cooler. They are a better conductor so they do a better job dissipating heat. They're typically lighter, although not always, and really stand out when it comes to corrosion resistance.
Do you have radial tires now? The one listed above, or the Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire # KE29EV you were looking at, are both radial tires. These will be more reliable overall and a nice upgrade if you have bias tires right now. Moving to a larger tire size can help a little, but most people find they don't have the clearance for it.
The Kenda Karrier KR35 ST175/80R13 # KE22XJ is larger than the 12" with an outside diameter of 23.8" and section width of 6.7". If you compare it to those other tires you're losing 1.2" of clearance on the top and .45" on the inside of the tire. You want at least 3" on the top and 2" on the inside for proper clearance and to allow for suspension travel.
Did you add a TPMS system yet? If not, I still recommend adding the # LC67VC for that extra safety measure before your trip this fall.
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum AM02 Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 145/12
- 12 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Aluminum Wheels
- Kenda
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Hugh P.
7/21/2026
Thanks, the tires I am replacing are radials that came with the camper. Steel rims though so will probably upgrade to the Aluminum