Driving on bare rims
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Using a wheel with fewer lugs
I have a ford E350 van with 8-hole (8-lug?) wheels. On short notice I need to find some steel rims on which I can travel at a short distance (50 meters) at a low speed (< 10 Km/h).
It is difficult to find compatible steel wheels here, but I have been told I can use any wheels where "at least 2 of the holes line up".
I can't see how this could work though: if there aren't at least 8 holes which line up with the studs, how could I mount such a wheel? The missing holes would block the studs, preventing the wheels from being mounted.
Am I missing something obvious here?
It is difficult to find compatible steel wheels here, but I have been told I can use any wheels where "at least 2 of the holes line up".
I can't see how this could work though: if there aren't at least 8 holes which line up with the studs, how could I mount such a wheel? The missing holes would block the studs, preventing the wheels from being mounted.
Am I missing something obvious here?
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Driving on bare rims
I'm in a bit of an odd situation. Due to the pandemic and subsequent closure of land borders through most of South America I'm trying to ship my E350 van back to North America. By far the best option is to use a container, this type of shipping is widely available and affordable. Other options start at twice as much, with very restricted availability.
Unfortunately, I need to reduce the height of my vehicle by about 10 cm to fit into a container. Deflating the tires completely won't do it (and would probably destroy worth $800 of tire on top of that). My plan is instead to mount bare rims (no tires) and drive about ~50 meters on concrete and into the shipping container. Speed would be slow, less than 10 mph. I'll reverse the process on the other side. I'm just going the get the basic wheels rims, that are $50 each or whatever.
Apparently this is a common trick for shipping vehicles in containers, even if it seems a bit nuts to me.
Is it a reasonable plan? Anything I should know before doing this? Will it necessarily destroy the (steel) rims? Will the rim support the weight?
Unfortunately, I need to reduce the height of my vehicle by about 10 cm to fit into a container. Deflating the tires completely won't do it (and would probably destroy worth $800 of tire on top of that). My plan is instead to mount bare rims (no tires) and drive about ~50 meters on concrete and into the shipping container. Speed would be slow, less than 10 mph. I'll reverse the process on the other side. I'm just going the get the basic wheels rims, that are $50 each or whatever.
Apparently this is a common trick for shipping vehicles in containers, even if it seems a bit nuts to me.
Is it a reasonable plan? Anything I should know before doing this? Will it necessarily destroy the (steel) rims? Will the rim support the weight?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Brentwood,CA
Its completely doable, I have done it on numerous occasions. I keep a set of spare steel wheels just for this so I can get my highboy in a 8' garage door opening. The only harm you will cause is to the wheels so make sure to get the cheapest set you can find.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
The only way for fewer holes to line up is if that number is a whole factor of the more holes; 4 holes of the same bolt circle will line u with 4 of the 8 holes. But, if your axles have studs sticking out, you will not be able to put a 4 hole wheel on it, even if the bolt circle are the same size, unless you press out 4 of the studs.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Depending what the enclosed shipping container's floor is made of the bare steel wheels might work just great. Not sure they'd have the most traction if you'll use a ramp going inside the container but someone on the dock can push it into the container?
I have a pair of the dollies 82e150 shows but don't think the less expensive versions will less than 6" diameter hard wheels would survive even a short drive on any sort of rough paved roadway--blacktop might have them sinking in a bit.
Tough call on this---not sure how to suggest something other than higher priced heavy duty shop equipment. Something like these: HD Wheel Dollies
I have a pair of the dollies 82e150 shows but don't think the less expensive versions will less than 6" diameter hard wheels would survive even a short drive on any sort of rough paved roadway--blacktop might have them sinking in a bit.
Tough call on this---not sure how to suggest something other than higher priced heavy duty shop equipment. Something like these: HD Wheel Dollies
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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Driving on bare rims may cause other stuff underneath to het and drag too.
Wheel dollies on just the rims as suggested in the posts above might work if they give you enough clearance
Wheel dollies on just the rims as suggested in the posts above might work if they give you enough clearance
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 343
Likes: 7
From: Arizona
Solid oak would probably be better (stronger). And glue some cut-up bike tubes around the circumference for better traction. Once inside the container, remove wooden wheels and rest the axles on some 4x4 wood blocks. I assume OP has a way to tie down the van with ratchet straps or something?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I was thinking the exact same thing just yesterday! Would have been nice to know which path he chose but hoping it was accomplished easily and successfully. 
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