Rusting Hubcaps?

[golf_bears]

Has anyone come up with a solution/replacement for the snap on rusting hubcaps used on the 17 1/2" wheels?

Mine are in really bad shape and need to be replaced.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Motor31]

There is no reason the hub caps need to stick out as far as they do. Perhaps if you take a couple pix and then visit one of those truck supply stores or a trailer supply store they can provide some options. Those would be the places that specialize in accessories and chrome stuff. Take one of the better caps in with you so they can match it up size wise.

Good luck.

[The View 5046]

I had mine replace in April 2010 and in April 2011 they rusted again. I was told by someone that you can remove the rust but I don't remember what to use.... I do think their very ceap...

[jcasey]

Me too! I also just discovered the rust on the hubcaps this week. I will check with some contacts to see if a remedy is available.

[RGordon]

Fine steel wool and WD-40 will make them look like new. You will have to periodically do a touchup. My problem was I lost two of them. DRV was the best place to order them and were less expensive than others. Mine just won't stay on unless I use silicone caulking every year. Think I paid about $13.25 plus shipping from DRV.

[BobW]

I got a replacement a few years ago and the box it came in was made in China. I would love to find a better hub. When you put these on, make sure you bend the tabs out so they don't fall off.

[jcasey]

Has anyone cleaned them first, then sprayed on a clear coat?

Or, cleaned them off and sprayed on a chrome paint--without or with following with a clear coat finish?

[golf_bears]

I cleaned them with an SOS soap pad, worked great, and then sprayed them with clear coat paint. They still rusted badly that’s why I'm looking for a better solution if anyone has one.

[RGordon]

I check with a large hubcap company in Florida last winter and they could not match up anything. They are just made super cheap in China and would be great to find stainless with internal lip so they would not fall off.

[rotaxman]

The hub caps on my junk 09 were rusty when I looked at it at the dealer last July. Also my wheels were pitted and corroded looking should have had them replace the wheels also.

Part of the deal was that they would replace them which they did. Came back from a trip in January and a week later they were solid rust again.

I took mine off and will not put them back on. The axle hub looks better than the rusty cheap hub caps.

[Free To Roam]

Just lost one myself !
Found a site by Summit Racing, they have several "push Thru" that look like they will work. I have not taken off a wheel to get exact measurements, but looks like something about 4.25" at base will work, and, they have several that are in that range...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AEW-ACC301/

This link os only one of several, you can navigate to find one that may suit you better...
later...

[RGordon]

Good find! Noticed on Summit Racing site they do have a stainless push thru design that is 4.25" for $22.95. It is part number American Racing 1425001SS on page 10 of their wheel and center caps page. These snap on China rust buckets are more trouble than they are worth. High maintenance!!!

[wingnut60]

Anyone talked to Scott at

http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/site/1284278/page/563559

He lists the correct size, just don't know what the quality is.

Joe

[golf_bears]

Wingnut60,

Per your post I just spoke with Scott and he needs more info about the wheel and the centering hole. He thinks he may have something that will work but it's not a snap on cap, it's a push through.

I believe the 16" wheels use the push through caps but the 17-1/2" wheels use the snap on caps.

I have 17-1/2" wheels with the pilot lug nuts (5/8") that center the rim I believe.

You guys with the 17-1/2" wheels and 5/8" studs, do you think the push through caps would work?

[wingnut60]

I got my wheels and tires from them--and the caps still look new after 3 years. I would think the only difference is how you get them off--or in my case, forgetting to put them on before putting the wheel back on--not fun realizing that the lugs are tight and the cap isn't on...
But, you ain't gonna lose them from falling off.
Joe

[golf_bears]

Wingnut60,

What size wheels and studs do you have on your rig?

[wingnut60]

Originally, 16" wheels/tires; changed them out to 17.5 wheels/Michelin tires from TrailerTiresandwheels.com Lugs are the 9/16 diameter, but the wheels worked perfectly.
I think the center hole in the wheels will be the same diameter, either 16 or 17.5"
Joe

[jdwilson3]

This'll get the rust off: http://www.guffsturdpolish.com/default.php

I think this is what the Air Force uses to polish their bullets.

[golf_bears]

Getting the rust off is not the real problem, it's keeping it off. Has anyone had any success keeping the rust off the hub caps after cleaning them?

[Vern]

Hi:

We went to the rally last month and the 2012's on display had a one piece plastic hubcap that snaps on over the lug nuts on the 17.5 wheels. They look really nice! Ryan Miller wasn't positive, but he saw no reason they would not fit existing wheels as the pattern and nut size have not changed.

We are going to the factory next month for service and I will know for sure. If they do fit I will have a set on my wheels when I leave!

Later, Vern

[golf_bears]

Vern,

Thanks for the update on the hub caps. I will contact Ryan and discuss with him.

I hope this is the fix I have been looking for. I'll post what I find out.

[wwc]

I just sent Joe a private email, thinking I was posting on the public forum. Oh well. My hubcaps rusted and I contacted Tredit Tire in Indiana and they referred me to one of their other locations. I think it was Athens,Ga. Anyway after telling me that no way could aluminum rust, they sent me 4 new ones and I sent the old ones to them at their expense. Now I had some sharkhide left over from using on my pontoons on my boat, so I put some on the new hubcaps. Now sometimes I think the sharkhide may have taken just a small amout of shine off, but they look good and have been rust free for several years. In that time we have camped app. l00 feet from the ocean at the beach for 2 months at a time.
wwc

[golf_bears]

Sent e-mail to Ryan and Leanne, response is that the new hubcaps will not fit on the 17-1/2" rims with the 5/8" studs.

So no luck yet on a good fix.

Anyone have any additional/new ideas?

[golf_bears]

OK, hang on just got another e-mail from Ryan saying they will fit???? Keep your fingers crossed!!!!