Centramatics or Balance Master?

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Centramatics or Balance Master?

October 24, 2013, 12:42:11 pm

I have noticed some cupping on my front tires. I will replace them next year [aging out]. I know some folks like and some folks don't like wheel balancers. I am leaning to adding them when I replace the tires. The question is has anyone used the Balance Master units. They use mercury instead of ball bearing. Thank you

Roy

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #1 – October 24, 2013, 02:45:27 pm

Roy, I know nothing about the balance masters but I have used Centramatics for years and they are trouble free. Some dislike any kind of wheel balancer and stick with glued on weights but My experience has been good. Present tires were put on in 06 and were never balanced other than the Centramatics. Correct mounting of the tire is very important, if poorly mounted you may never get it balanced.
Gary B

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #2 – October 24, 2013, 04:24:39 pm

I also use Centramatics.

Brett

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #3 – October 24, 2013, 04:34:06 pm

I rank these magic devices with the crankshaft vibration damper, better than nothing but not the same as a balanced engine.
If you like them, use them, I have had my fill of these, rank them in the junk area. Yes I am a hard head, but EVEN an idiot can be shown the light.
SO Do what you like, its your money.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #4 – October 24, 2013, 04:48:15 pm

I put on Centramatics early this year. I moved some tires around and balanced five of six tires at the same time. We are pleased with the results. Tires are three years old and ride is smooth on a smooth road. I plan to keep using Centramatics. They probably help and are not likely to cause any harm.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #5 – October 24, 2013, 05:32:05 pm

I have used this product for ten years with great success.EQUAL | International Marketing, Inc. I have no tire vibration. The best thing with Centramatic, Balance Master or Equal Powder Balance you tires rebalance every time you stop and re start. Good Luck Karl

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #6 – October 25, 2013, 11:51:03 am

Maybe these things work and maybe they don't. The story of the man clapping in the tavern to keep the elephants out. Bartender pointed out that there were no elephants. Works, doesn't it? If the point is to keep the wheels balanced and yours are balanced using them then they work. Don't laugh at the person clapping, remember, there were no elephants!

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #7 – October 25, 2013, 12:30:36 pm

Years ago I put these on my then new 1988 Winnebago Super chief on John Deere (Oskosh) chassis. After repeated tries to get the front weels in balance, they worked.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #8 – October 25, 2013, 12:38:43 pm

Because of the toxicity of Mercury, I would much rather have the ball bearings of the Centramatics. But Mercury never hurt me as a kid when I played with it that I know of. Come to think of it, maybe that is what is wrong with me now

But with me having only 6 lug holes, I know the Centramatics will not work, and doubt the Balance Masters will either. But I would think some drilling adaption would make them work.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #9 – October 25, 2013, 12:41:37 pm

Have them on present coach and on my previous coach as well , work great . At first I had the feeling that it might be sorta like rubbing a lamp and ask for a wish . They have nothing to do with an out of round tire . I learned that on my 06 Phenix that came with Good Year Tires. Could not keep them round . Had them trued three times but after 10,000 miles had to do it again . They don't seam to ware out so if there is a next coach , I wiil transfer them . Brad Metzger

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #10 – October 25, 2013, 02:21:54 pm

Perhaps irrevelant to this thread, but I was surprised to see that the new IH45 that we did the men's seminar walk around on at the LDS this weekhad clip on external weights on the outside of the wheels...
Don

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #11 – October 25, 2013, 04:37:36 pm

Brad,

Do you have Centramatics on the drive and tag axles too?

Roy

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #12 – October 25, 2013, 06:36:21 pm

Roy,
I use EQUAL in all eight tires on my MH. The big thing is the tire installer needs to make sure that he reads the EQUAL chart on how much to use in each tire. This is very important. Not just to through a bag in each tire and call it good. EQUAL has on line a amount chart. This is for all size and types of tires. I am on my tenth year of using EQUAL. Good Luck Karl

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #13 – October 25, 2013, 07:04:31 pm

Roy ; yes , all eight . Between the duel's is a heaver one that takes care of both wheels . Brad Metzger

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #14 – October 25, 2013, 09:53:23 pm

I have centramatics on the steering and on the dual wheel drive positions and would not be without them. Many many OTR truckers also use them.
Bill

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #15 – October 26, 2013, 08:00:27 am

I had them installed on my 1985 35', 18500lb for over 70,000 mile and 2 sets of tires.
I immediately installed them, with a new set of tires on the U300, only 27000 miles ago.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #16 – October 26, 2013, 09:34:25 am

Looks like they don't have Centramatics for the 6-lug wheels on the U240 and U225 coaches.

Craig

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #17 – October 26, 2013, 09:41:56 am

Craig,

You are correct. Centramatics is about 3 miles from the where I park in Bill Chaplin's warehouse. Fun seeing a little brother U225 and like a big brother U300 near each other. When I was in there truck service shop, we talked about my U225 wheels and the no fit problems with our wheels. They were going to see what could be done, but it came down to them not having enough market share to make them. They do offer solutions for motorcycles, such as the Goldwing and BMW and some other models. So they rebalanced my tires for another try. What ended up happening was Wayne at FOT showed me how out of round and how the tread wandered on my Goodyears. New front tires did the trick, along with a front end alignment. With all that the coach was fun to drive again.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #18 – October 26, 2013, 09:44:39 am

The previous owner installed centramatics on our coach. I've never driven one without them, so I can't compare. But, I'll tell you, I can't imagine anything riding any smoother. I had our new tires balanced with weights also, but it rode perfectly on the old tires too.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #19 – October 26, 2013, 06:59:47 pm

I did a lot of research into tire balancing several years ago (maybe 6-8) to try to do the right thing by my tires. I ended up going with Equal by IMI for all of my vehicles. I have been very happy with the results as I put on a lot of miles over time. I even run it in my trailer tires and it seems to resolve a couple of tire issues.
Its cheap compared to other options and works until the tire wears out, I guess. Haven't gotten there yet.
I like the results, so far.
FWIW.
Regards,

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #20 – October 26, 2013, 08:02:37 pm

I too have Equal in the tyres and find they run fine at all speeds.
John H

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #21 – October 26, 2013, 09:17:01 pm

A major truck tire dealer in Texas, when asked about Equal told me "we just throw two-three golf balls in there, works just as well and a whole lot cheaper." His recommendation was to spin balance.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #22 – August 29, 2014, 10:29:45 am

Does anyone with the Centramatics happen to know exactly which model is best for the front of a 97 U295? I have spoken with the manufacturer and I'm getting some confusing information. The rear axle clearly takes model #600-640 so there's no confusion there. Due to variables such as disc brakes and aluminum wheels the front could either be a 700-720 or a 600-630. They say that the 600-630 is a larger diameter tube with more weight and therefore is preferred if it will fit. However, there is uncertainty that it will work with the aluminum wheels and disc brakes. Their suggestion is that I bring the RV into a dealer that has both in stock to have it properly fitted but I was hoping to order them online if I can be 100% sure of the best model. Does anyone remember what they put on their similar era coach?

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #23 – September 15, 2014, 07:42:01 pm

Just to recap & document this for future reference, I tested both potential Centramatics models that were recommended by the manufacturer for the front of my coach (the rear is easy...600-640). They suggested that the 600-630 was a better option if it would fit because of it's larger diameter and more weight content. They were concerned that it would not fit due to interference with the brake calipers so they suggested the 700-720 as a safe option. I purchased the 700-720 online and brought it with me to the tire dealer today because they don't stock it. They do stock the 600-630 so while they were mounting my new XZA3's I tested both models. The final answer for my 1997 U295 40' is that either one will work. The 720 was a little tight on the hub but it would have been fine. The 630 had plenty of clearance at the brake calipers and was the better choice. They made me a great deal on the 630 and the 720's will be returned. As far as performance, it's too early to tell but I did not get any computer balancing and it rode great on the drive home. I think there was slightly less vibration at the rear axle. I'm satisfied with the purchase so far.

Re: Centramatics or Balance Master?

Reply #24 – September 15, 2014, 07:57:06 pm

Great info, as I plan on buying Centramatics in the near future. Bigger is better!

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