VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans SPLIT RIM WHEELS

I located some split rim wheels for my '49 3/4t and know a trucking service company who can mount the tires. After reading about people getting their heads taken off, I'm having second thoughts about the wheels. Once the tires are mounted, assume correctly, is there still a chance that these things can blow apart. Don't want to be sweating bullets trying to mount them on the truck or tip-toeing around them everytime I'm near the truck.

If the wheels are cleaned before re-assembly and in good condition they shouldn't come apart after mounted. The most dangerous time is when the tires are being inflated, which should be done inside a cage or a couple of chains run through and around the rim and tire. The mounting ring must be fully seated in the rim.

I mount all my own split rims. CAUTION is the word to LIVE by. 35pm has it exactly right, some (2 or 3) chains around the tire and through the wheel so as to contain the ring if it should come off. Check the seating of the ring several times during inflation. If possible, get behind the wheel and reach through to inflate.
If you are squeemish, by all means, take it to the pros.
Mike

Never get near the wheel when inflating. Use a clip on inflation chuck and use a remote valve.

The key is to watch the ring / rim seat against one another from a distance (this should happen at a very low pressure) Once things look good and you have even engagement around the perimeter of the rim, then inflate to full pressure.

Cage and or chains will contain the parts if something goes awry. They are safe if properly assembled and inflated - they are deadly dangerous if improperly assembled / inflated.

Scott
I agree with all above comments. Initial inflation is the most dangerous time with split rims. After correct assembly and inflation to correct pressure they very rarely come apart until deflated again.
Always use a cage or chains during inflation.
Tony