RVingAndMore.com

I had been wanting to get the tires balanced on the RV for
sometime, but did not want just anyone to do it.

Since we are on a freightliner chassis, I tried to get it
done when getting service at freightliner in Gaffney SC (factory
for freightliner). But they do not balance.

I put off balancing for sometime. The last long trip we took
(900 miles) it seemed the speed I wanted to drive (~62) we would get a
vibration. It was very annoying.

Then one of the RV forums I monitor had a thread about
balancing tires.  Some had wheels
removed, spun and balanced.  All cost
from $250 and up.

Then someone wrote they had their tires balanced for $15.00
per tire and was very satisfied. They had had ‘Equal' put in their tires.  Truckers put this in their tires all the time.  Equal can be put in when a new tire is
mounted on the wheel or on an existing tire.

To put in an existing tire, about 70% of the tire pressure
is removed.  Equal is then blown in thru
a special ‘tool' and a new valve core is installed. This new valve core has a
screen which keeps the Equal from escaping thru valve.  Equal is made of some kind of a polymer which
does not absorb water but will clump with oil. 
So if you are getting new tires, make sure they do not use an oil when
mounting.

Here is an interesting
video showing how Equal works.  The
nice thing about equal is that it is dynamic- it is always changing to balance
your tire. Changes with speed or road conditions and tire wear.  

I went to IMI website
the maker of Equal and looked for the closet dealer.  I did not find one listed, so I called and
asked.  I found a car/truck tire company
in my town which installs equal.

I contacted ALL Star Tire in Lafayette Indiana,
and yes they do install equal.  The cost
was $25.00 per tire.  I made an appointment
and had Equal installed in all six of my 22.5 tires.

Now the big test. We had to go to Indianapolis, about 70 miles away. 

At first we did not think there was any difference.  I got up to ~62 and there was still a
vibration- but not nearly as bad as before. 
To my surprise, the longer I drove at 62 the vibration got less and
less. Until finally it was almost gone. 
My wife remarked that things were not rattling like they usually
do.  The Equal had made a BIG improvement
in the ride of the RV. 

I recommend having Equal put in your tires for a smoother
ride.  If you are in the Lafayette IN area, give All Star Tire a call
to get it installed.

All Star Tire

3460 Concord
Road
Lafayette, IN 47909-5130
(765) 477-6111