Re: [A/S] Wheels & trie question

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chuck,

All Airstreams except the very small units, Bambi and possibly others, have
used six lug 15" wheels.  In the early '60s they were equipped with the now
outdated "split wheels" which used a heavy steel ring snapped into the outer
wheel under tension.  They were very dangerous to install and remove and few
tire shops will even touch them today.

Good used wheels removed from later model Airstreams can be used, either
standard from the '80s, spoked from the '90s, or aluminum alloy from the
'70s through present.  You can also buy new steel wheels in the same size,
bolt pattern, and backset manufactured by Dexter, an OEM wheel manufacturer
for automobiles, trucks, trailers, RVs, etc.  You may have to find a
retailer for the wheels, as I don't think Dexter sells direct to the public.
New wheels are surprisingly cheap, $30 or so each.

'60s vintage trailers were equipped with 7.00 by 15" bias ply truck type
tires in six ply or eight ply depending on weight and axle configuration.
If you want to retain "the look", Goodyear still manufactures a Goodyear
Workhorse tire in that size.  They are available from Goodyear retailers,
SAM's Club, Wal-Mart, and other discounters.  Other known manufacturers may
also but most are now molded by "no name" companies.  They can be bought
from farm stores in agriculture areas.

Radials are of course more modern and more efficient for various reasons and
many use radial light truck "LT" or "ST" special trailer tires.  ST tires
are claimed to contain ozone resisting properties since most trailer tires
sit exposed to the sun more than they are towed.  Many, me included, are
skeptical about that claim because of experiences with Goodyear Marathon
tires, the brand and model installed by Airstream.  225/75R 15 ST are the
largest trailer tires available.  235/75R15 LT are closest in size to the
original 7.00 x 15" bias ply tires and are often used.  Make sure whatever
you buy will fit in the wheel well.

Harvey