Ford F53 hub cap replacement can be surprisingly expensive, but we found a simple $14 solution after our 2019 Thor Challenger lost its front passenger-side hub cap on the way to a gate guarding assignment in Louisiana.
We had already booked a site at the Love’s RV Stop in Mansfield while we figured out where we’d be staying for the job. As it turned out, the assignment was canceled before it even started, so Love’s became our home base while we sorted out what was next.
After looking online, I wasn’t thrilled to find replacement hub caps selling for around $72 each. Since I like things to match, replacing both front hub caps would have cost well over $140.
Thankfully, there was a much cheaper solution.
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Ford F53 Hub Cap Replacement: A Tip That Saved Us Over $100
After telling my cousin Brian about the missing hub cap, he suggested I check the Love’s Travel Stop.
Since we were already staying at the Love’s RV Stop, I simply walked across the street to the travel center to see if they had anything that might work.
Sure enough, there they were.
Love’s stocked 8.5-inch chrome front hub caps for just $13.99 each.
At first glance, they looked almost identical to my original hub cap, although the retaining tabs were positioned a little differently.
I wasn’t completely convinced they’d fit, so before buying them, I asked the cashier if I could return them if they didn’t fit.
She smiled and said, “As long as you have your receipt.”
Good enough for me.
I bought two so both front wheels would match and headed back to the motorhome.
The Moment of Truth
Back at the RV, I lined up the retaining clips with the wheel opening.
The tabs weren’t positioned exactly like the original, so it took a minute to find the correct orientation.
Then… POP!
The hub cap snapped securely into place.
It fit perfectly.
To be honest, unless you knew exactly what you were looking for, you’d never notice it wasn’t the original.
For less than $30, both front wheels matched again, and we were back in business.
The Cost Comparison
Ford F53 Hub Cap Replacement: What We Bought
The replacement hub cap was:
- 8.5-inch chrome-plated front hub cap
- 1-inch lip
- Spring-clip (snap-on) design
If you’re driving a Ford F53 chassis with Alcoa wheels, it’s worth checking your local Love’s or truck stop before ordering an expensive OEM replacement.
As always, compare the size and clip style with your original hub cap before purchasing. Not every wheel uses the same style of hub cap, but if yours matches, you could save a lot of money.
A Few Things I Learned
- Always do a quick walkaround at fuel stops. That’s how I caught the missing hub cap before we reached our destination.
- Keep your receipt until you’ve confirmed the replacement fits.
- Buying two matching hub caps is an inexpensive way to keep both front wheels looking the same.
- Truck stops often carry RV-compatible parts that many RV owners don’t realize are available.
Products I Recommend
If you’re replacing a hub cap or doing a little wheel maintenance, these are a few items worth keeping in your RV:
The Hub Caps We Bought
If you’re looking for the same inexpensive replacement we used on our Ford F53 chassis with Alcoa wheels, these GG Grand General 10773 Stainless Steel Universal Front Hub Caps were a perfect fit. We paid just $13.99 each at Love’s, but they’re also available on Amazon if you can’t find them locally. They fit 20″, 22.5″, and 24.5″ aluminum wheels with a 1″ lip and six notches. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
GG Grand General 10773 Stainless Steel Universal Front Hub Cap
- ✅ Stainless Steel Construction
- ✅ 1″ Lip for Aluminum Wheels
- ✅ 6-Notch Universal Design
- ✅ Fits Most 20″, 22.5″, & 24.5″ Wheels
- Plastic trim removal tools
- Rubber mallet
- Microfiber towels
- Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish for cleaning aluminum wheels
Related Reading
If you’re interested in RV maintenance, you might also enjoy these articles:
- Best RV Accessories for Full-Time Living & Gate Guarding (Real-World RV Gear We Use)
- RV Surge Protection & Electrical Management Systems – Protect Your RV from Power Damage
- Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Review: Our 7+ Year Long-Term Review
- TST 507 Tire Pressure Monitoring System Review: A Must-Have for RV Safety
Final Thoughts
Losing a hub cap isn’t exactly a major RV emergency, but it can be frustrating—and replacing one through the manufacturer can be surprisingly expensive. Before you spend big money on an OEM replacement, check your local truck stop. In our case, a $13.99 chrome hub cap from Love’s fit perfectly and saved us well over $100.
Have you found an inexpensive RV repair or upgrade that saved you a bundle? Share it in the comments below! We’d love to hear your best money-saving tip, and it might help another RVer avoid an expensive repair.
If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with your fellow RVers on Facebook or Pinterest. You never know who might be searching for an affordable Ford F53 hub cap replacement.
