D60
04-23-2002, 10:21 AM
I did several searches in all forums but couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for. Who can tell me about wheel load ratings - how are they determined, how are they rated (I mean like tire speed ratings are actually safe at XX MPH for 24 hours continuous use), how much of a safety factor is built in (like just about anything rated for air pressure is actually good to 3x that rating before burst). During cornering and braking forces have to exceed most wheel load ratings on all but the lightest rigs....?
I ask because I just ordered some US Wheel wagon wheels (series 70) for my '90 Bronco, 8 lug, 15", 2.5" bs. Supposedly rated at 1500 lbs per wheel. I figure my rig is at least 5500lbs on the trail, if you figure 60% of that weight is up front that's 3300 lbs divided by 2 is 1650 on each front wheel pretty much at all times.
I know the concensus is that Eatons are stronger, but I ran this same US Wheel on my rig for over a year (and never gave a thought to the load rating), just w 4" bs rather than 2.5" bs. US Wheel claims the bs does not affect load rating.... Also I don't really wanna pony up the dough for the Eatons (about $85/wheel vs $48 for US Wheel).
I know Scott at Rockstomper says the Series 05s are stronger, but according to US Wheel's specs they're actually rated at 1400 lbs per wheel.
Finally, if I'm overloading the wheels what type of failure is likely? I kinda doubt the welds would fail as they should be identical to the welds on a 16" wagon spoke. Plus I doubt the wheel center is of a thicker steel in a 16" wheel. Perhaps the 15" rim itself is weaker?
I ask because I just ordered some US Wheel wagon wheels (series 70) for my '90 Bronco, 8 lug, 15", 2.5" bs. Supposedly rated at 1500 lbs per wheel. I figure my rig is at least 5500lbs on the trail, if you figure 60% of that weight is up front that's 3300 lbs divided by 2 is 1650 on each front wheel pretty much at all times.
I know the concensus is that Eatons are stronger, but I ran this same US Wheel on my rig for over a year (and never gave a thought to the load rating), just w 4" bs rather than 2.5" bs. US Wheel claims the bs does not affect load rating.... Also I don't really wanna pony up the dough for the Eatons (about $85/wheel vs $48 for US Wheel).
I know Scott at Rockstomper says the Series 05s are stronger, but according to US Wheel's specs they're actually rated at 1400 lbs per wheel.
Finally, if I'm overloading the wheels what type of failure is likely? I kinda doubt the welds would fail as they should be identical to the welds on a 16" wagon spoke. Plus I doubt the wheel center is of a thicker steel in a 16" wheel. Perhaps the 15" rim itself is weaker?