Both of the Western Trailers (in background) shown at the International Trucking Show in Las Vegas were dressed in a new appearance option — Smoothwheels. These new polished aluminum wheels have no hand holes. They are smooth except for one inflation hole.
Truckers specify Smoothwheels for the same reasons they specify any aluminum wheel — light weight and brighter appearance. That appearance is enhanced by getting rid of the hand holes, says Craig Whitehead of Western Trailers and of Smoothwheel, 6678 Supply Way, Boise ID 83716.
So far, the hub-piloted 10-hole Smoothwheels are available only in 22.5" × 8.25" wheel size. Each wheel is 51 lb.