Recommended Replacement Vintage Wheels for a 1973 Holiday Rambler

Question:

Hello, I have a 73 Holiday Rambler that we have renovated. It has the original dexstar 4 lug wheels. Last year one of them had a catastrophic. The rim cracked completely around each lug nut. When we pulled over the lug nuts were loose so I assumed that allowed the steel to bend and work till it cracked. We replaced that rim and have taken a few trips since then. This last week another rim did the same thing but the lugs were not loose. I’m assuming the problem is caused by the twist that occurs while turning the dual axles. I’d like to keep the vintage style but do you know if this is a common problem? The replacement rims are made from a thicker gauge steel. Do you know if this change was to address this problem? I don’t want to spend the money on replacements if they will fail in this way as well.

asked by: Philip D

1973 Holiday Rambler Wheel
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Phillip, I don't know that to be certain but I'd imagine that's why the replacements # AM20312 are made from thicker steel.

Also, with the lug nuts being loose - that's usually associated with under-torqueing, over-torqueing, differential thermal contraction, and improper mating surfaces, so I'd say that may have been the snowball that caused the wheels to break.

I'm confident with the new thicker wheels and properly torqued lug nuts, that you won't have this issue again.

expert reply by: Bryce D