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.

To help you imagine the situation - I’ve drawn a picture. I can’t be arsed defending my predicament to those that are thinking - why couldn’t you just drag it on two of the remaining three working wheels. Shame on you for not having faith.

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.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07T27YJ16?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

It did take a bit of effort. I had to hacksaw out the failed wheel and, because the replacements seemed much sturdier, I ended up replacing the other three as well.

The suitcase now glides. It’s got a second life and feels so much more youthful.

It became one of those deeply satisfying DIY wins that you quietly congratulate yourself for all day, while recognising nobody else will care quite as much.

I was 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.