suitcase frustration

[jp1]

I've had the perfect rolling suitcase now for about 15 years. I've traveled a lot during that time and it's held up beautifully and still looks like it's in good shape. However, the wheels are literally coming off of it. It has wheels that look like rollerblade wheels (but it's now quite apparent that they're not). I had the bright idea of taking two rollerblade wheels and replacing the ones on the suitcase, since I haven't been rollerblading in probably 10 years. But when I tried to take the wheels off the suitcase it turns out that I would have to take the whole wheel unit off the suitcase. And I can't do that without cutting through the liner inside. So now I guess it's time for a new suitcase. :-( Arrrrgh.

[razz]

Sometimes one does need to be grateful for how long something has lasted and bite the bullet when the time comes to replace it. Sounds as though that was a good suitcase and I hope that you get another that works as well.

[JaneV2.0]

Some years ago, I needed to repair my Featherweight case and I located an actual luggage repair shop in downtown Seattle. They did an excellent job and were very reasonable. Maybe there's something similar near you. Me, I'd take the opportunity to buy a new set, as I seem to find ones I like every few months or so.

[redfox]

I bought 2 rolling suitcases from a Craigslist ad last fall. They are the kind with 4 spinning wheels. I love them! I last bought luggage in 1985, a duffel bag. It was time, and the price was right - $100 for the two. They retailed for $300 each, and were one year old in pristine condition. I had 7 business trips this year, and each time I was very grateful that I chose to get good, solid, easy to manuever luggage.

[jp1]

I'll probably get a new one. I don't really want to spend money to get it fixed. If I do that, it's guaranteed that one of the zippers will quit holding it closed a week later and my clothes will all come up the chute at baggage claim individually, followed by a wide open, empty suitcase with great wheels!

If I get new I think I'll go up one notch in size. This one can fit in the overhead but I always check it. It's always seemed like it was an inch or two smaller than ideal. Slightly bigger would be perfect.

I'm just frustrated that what should be an easy fix isn't. If the lining were removable this would've been a 20 minute task. And then if the zippers died next week it'd be no big deal, but at least then I'd know that it really had fully lived it's useful life.

[shadowmoss]

So, slit the liner and then put velcro to hold it back together or whip stitch it. The new suitcases come with zippered linings to things can't be hid behind it. Seems like that would be a simple step to give you a warmer fuzzy when you then go get a new one. :)

[Amaranth]

For people getting new suitcases, a very versatile one is an Eagle Creek one which has wheels, can be worn as a backpack if needed and also has a zip off daypack.