Tripp luggage failure
One of the wheels on our large Tripp suitcase finally gave up while I was dragging it around Japan.
It was a long walk from the station to the hotel, trying to keep the suitcase balanced on it’s remaining three wheels.
Anyway.
When I got home I contacted Tripp thinking I could just buy a replacement for the failed wheel. It’s an older suitcase and has had a good long life. It’s survived airports, train stations, cobbled streets, and more flights than I can count, so didn’t expect or ask for a warranty repair.
Tripp confirmed that it was indeed an aged suitcase, and as such that replacement wheels were no longer stocked.
To their credit, they suggested a third-party replacement on Amazon that had apparently worked well for other customers.
That's my affiliate link - that I'm playing around with at the moment - it earns me a few pennies if you click through to buy.
For the large suitcase - we went for the 50mm wheel size - which I felt was the correct size. The axle that goes through the wheel, fits tightly - but does feel a little longer than it needs to be.
It did take a bit of effort to make the change. I had to hacksaw out the failed wheel and, because the replacement wheel seemed much sturdier, I ended up replacing the other three as well. Perhaps an electric saw would make the swap over easier.
The suitcase now glides.
It really does.
It's got a second life and feels so much more youthful.
It became one of those satisfying DIY wins that I've quietly congratulated myself on each time I use the suitcase. Course no one else cares and given how simple it was wouldn't be that impressed either.
I continue to be very proud of my handy work.
So much so I then ordered the same new wheels for its twin, and performed the same wheel surgery.
One day, though, I know the suitcases will eventually die.
For the price of a replacement set of wheels and an hour with a hacksaw, these well travelled suitcases have earned themselves a few more years of travel.
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