Posted 2012-02-12 8:53 AM (#140807) Subject: Sundowner replacement wheels
New User
Posts: 4
Location: VA
I have a Sundowner 2002 2h bp and the15 inch 6 lug wheels look terrible as the paint is coming off (looks like this year's model are all that way). I would like to replace with a inexpensive salvage wheel. Does anyone know what wheel to look for? Say a GMC or Toyota or... something that fits, looks good and will safely perform?
Posted 2012-02-12 9:48 AM (#140810 - in reply to #140807) Subject: RE: Sundowner replacement wheels
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
why not take them to a paint and body shop and have them sandblasted and re painted? at least you would know what you have and not be buying a damaged wheel.
Posted 2012-02-12 9:50 AM (#140811 - in reply to #140807) Subject: RE: Sundowner replacement wheels
Regular
Posts: 51 Location: VA
Another possibility is to have the tires removed from the rims, then you could either have the rims blasted and repainted or repaint them yourself. I did this when I needed new trailer tires. Also a good time to have bearings and brakes checked. Good luck.
Posted 2012-02-12 10:05 AM (#140812 - in reply to #140807) Subject: RE: Sundowner replacement wheels
New User
Posts: 4
Location: VA
Sounds expensive to remove, sand blast and paint...looking for a better looking and cheaper option...thus my question, the brakes have been replaced and bearings packed.
Posted 2012-02-12 10:34 AM (#140813 - in reply to #140807) Subject: RE: Sundowner replacement wheels
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When we started out with horse trailers, we bought a series of several old steel ones that needed repairs and renovations. Their wheels were always rusty and ugly. Short on time and funds, the easy fix was to wire brush the rust and paint them with Rustoleum paint. The application of wheel covers greatly improved their appearance.
When we were finally able to afford a new trailer, its steel wheels followed the familiar path to rust. When I later restored the trailer, I had the wheels media blasted along with the body. The tires do not have to be dismounted from the rims for this process. Again I painted the wheels, first applying a conversion product. Then I installed some inexpensive ABS mag styled wheel covers that looked reasonably well. They lasted the several years we then used the trailer until it was sold. The new owner was impressed with how well the trailer looked, and didn't realise at first, that the wheels were not custom aluminum products.
These wheel covers are still available from many sources in 15" and 16" sizes for less than $40 a set of four. Stainless bolt on SIMS covers will set you back about four times that amount and look quite nice as well. It all depends on how involved you want to be and the amount of money you want to spend. Both ways result in an attractive appearance, and will help protect the wheel studs from rusting and seizing.
Sundowner replacement wheels
