Can You Add Spinner Wheels To Luggage?

Hauling heavy luggage can be challenging, especially if you travel frequently. Now you’re wondering if you can install spinner wheels on your suitcase. We researched this concern for your convenience and here’s the answer we found.

It’s possible to add spinner wheels to luggage. But the method to use for the installation typically differs for each suitcase.

So continue reading as we talk about these procedures in greater detail. We’ll also discuss other relevant yet important information, such as how to pick the best wheels for your luggage.

Suitcases in airport. Travel concept. Can You Add Spinner Wheels To Luggage

What Is A Spinner Wheel?

As a type of luggage wheel, the spinner often allows the suitcase to stand upright without requiring the user to bring it with significant effort. A set of spinner wheels also helps relieve a user’s stress by moving where the individual wants it to go.

Luggage Replacement Wheels for Suitcase. Repair Hand Spinner Caster Wheels Parts Trolley Replacement Rubber

Other possible benefits provided by spinner luggage wheels are:

  • Reduced traction when moving through flat and smooth surfaces.
  • Reduces the strain felt from the wrist when pulling heavy luggage.
  • Often offers excellent stability, reducing the risks of item breakage during rest.

Still, you should also consider the possible drawbacks of using luggage with a set of spinner wheels. For instance, some suitcases with these wheel assemblies might be more expensive than others.

Check out this luggage with spinner wheels on Amazon.

Can Spinner Wheels Be Added To Luggage?

Yes, you can add spinner wheels to a piece of luggage. It may also be possible to replace the wheels on your suitcase with a set of spinners. Also, some types of luggage may not offer users a chance to add wheels because of their designs.

Yellow wheeled bag, Travel suitcase, get ready for adventure travel.

How Do You Put Spinner Wheels On Luggage?

The method to add spinner wheels on a piece of luggage often depends on certain factors. One thing to think about is if the suitcase already has the brackets or mounts for the wheels. Otherwise, you may need to apply additional DIY techniques to add the wheels to the luggage.

Method #1: Change The Wheels

This particular technique assumes that your luggage has the design to accommodate a set of wheels. It’s also important to note that this method may not work for you because of your suitcase’s unique design.

Consult the product’s manufacturer or owner’s manual if you have questions regarding the possibility to replace the wheels on your luggage.

What You’ll Need

  • Spinner wheels
  • Philips screwdriver

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Lay the suitcase on a flat surface.
  2. Open its main compartment.
  3. Unzip the internal lining to expose the bag’s internals.
  4. Unscrew the wheels and pull them out of their mounts.
  5. Insert the spinner wheels and screw them into place.
  6. Zip the internals and close the bag.

Check out these suitcase spinner wheels on Amazon.

You can also watch this video to see a visual guide of the steps mentioned above:

At this point, you might be wondering if it’s possible to replace the wheels on an American Tourister luggage. If so, read our post on that topic to know the answer.

Method #2: Add Spinner Wheels

If your luggage’s design doesn’t have brackets or mounts for wheels, you can add a base to the suitcase for the wheels. However, this procedure could void the bag's warranty.

Read your owner's manual or contact the luggage manufacturer to verify your warranty's coverage and limitations before starting this DIY operation.

What You’ll Need

  • L-shaped brackets
  • Philips screwdriver
  • Bolts and washers
  • Plywood
  • Screws
  • Spinner wheels

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Drill holes into the L-shaped brackets if it doesn’t have them yet.
  2. Install and secure the spinner wheels to the brackets.
  3. Cut the piece of plywood to size. Ensure that it won’t be larger than your suitcase’s width.
  4. Drill holes into the piece of plywood.
  5. Secure the lumber into the brackets with screws.
  6. Lay the bag on a flat surface and open its main compartment.
  7. Unzip the internal lining and create holes for the brackets.
  8. Screw the brackets from the inside of the suitcase.
  9. Close the bag and test the spinner wheels’ maneuverability and mobility. Adjust the wheels if needed.

Check out these spinner wheels on Amazon.

Watch this video for a visual guide to this procedure. Take note that this clip shows a person that fashions wheels into a backpack instead of a suitcase. Nonetheless, the process should still be quite similar regardless of the bag used for this operation.

What Are The Best Wheels To Have On A Suitcase?

Bear in mind that there’s not a single set of suitcase wheels that provides every benefit to all users. However, you can find the best wheels for your luggage as you think about certain factors. Some of the things to ponder upon are:

Closeup Shot Of Two Plastic Suitcases Standing At Empty Airport Corridor

Type

Luggage wheels generally fall under two main types: spinners and in-line skates.

Spinner wheels, as the name implies, offer ease of use and typically don't take up significant space. However, spinners are often incapable of folding, which might become a storage problem.

As for in-line skate suitcase wheels, these models can usually handle rougher surfaces as compared to spinning variants. Some pieces of luggage with in-line skate wheels can also fold, making storage easier to manage than usual.

However, the area used to store the wheels also takes up space in the bag, reducing the dimensions for internal storage compartments.

Material

Quality suitcase wheels often have polyurethane plastic constructions. This particular material is reasonably durable yet flexible.

Aside from being used in manufacturing luggage wheels, this kind of plastic also has other applications, such as adhesives, cushions, and some traffic management solutions.

Aside from polyurethane plastic, some luggage manufacturers use rubber for their bags’ wheels. With this material, suitcases can move across rough terrain without a high risk of harming the wheel assemblies.

It’s also softer than polyurethane, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the bag’s cushioning capabilities.

Security

Perhaps one of the last events you want to encounter while pulling your baggage is for a wheel to pop out of its mount. So, inspect the durability of the wheels’ installations before finalizing your purchase.

If you can’t check the wheels first-hand, reading customer reviews may assist you in this regard.

Don’t forget to read our post on the advantages and shortcomings of the American Tourister and London Fog luggage brands. That way, you can make an informed purchasing decision, especially when you’re currently interested in buying a new suitcase.

Which Is Better 2-Wheel Or 4-Wheel Luggage?

Like choosing the best type of wheel, you might also need to think about the number of wheels for your suitcase. Bear in mind that you may experience certain benefits from 2- or 4-wheeled suitcases.

For instance, a 2-wheeled suitcase might be better at providing better durability and space utilization than a 4-wheeled bag. On the other hand, a 4-wheeled suitcase may be a better choice for interested buyers looking for a bag with enhanced mobility and stability.

Plus, you should also think about your budget. Many 2-wheeled suitcases are less expensive compared to 4-wheeled pieces of luggage. Nonetheless, many 4-wheeled selections can provide more advantages despite their higher price tags.

Final Words

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In conclusion, you can install spinner wheels on your luggage. Remember, you can either replace the current wheels on your suitcase or fashion a base-and-bracket system for those assemblies.

Either way, you’re going to enhance the convenience and comfort of your travels if you complete the installation job correctly.