Saaayy, Look what followed us home today!

[overlander64]

Greetings Dave and Brenda!

Originally Posted by Skellington

Hi Everyone, It has been a while since I have been back. I am trying to get this little guy on the road for the 13th and I need to get a set of Tires, these ones are old and cracking etc. Soooo, The ones on there are 165/70 HR 13's. Should I replace them with similar? Any suggestions on Make and Model?? Best place to buy? Pretty similar everywhere?

Thanks in advance! Dave and Brenda

Tires that you might consider:

• Eastern Marine.com
• E-Trailer.com
• Trailer-Wheels.com
• Trailer and Truck Parts.com
• Tire Rack.com

Finding ST tires in the 13-inch size can be a challenge. I know that in my area, ordering from the Internet is about the only way to get ST tires in anything other than 15-inch sizes.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

P.S.: The designation HR-13 makes me think that you probably have automotive tires on your coach at this point. This is not a good situation as the sidewall construction isn't substantial enough for trailer use . . . . I tried that once with my 1980 Nomad that used 13-inch ST tires from the factory and the result was not good . . . .

[Skellington]

Thanks very much for your input and information!! Very much appreciated! Please explain for me what exactly is needed for trailer vs. Automotive tires? What will I be looking for? I take it they will be labeled ST or Trailer on them? Is the size right? Meaning the 165/70? Or should I be looking for something else?

Thank you again!! Dave and Brenda

[overlander64]

Greetings Dave and Brenda!

Originally Posted by Skellington

Thanks very much for your input and information!! Very much appreciated! Please explain for me what exactly is needed for trailer vs. Automotive tires? What will I be looking for? I take it they will be labeled ST or Trailer on them? Is the size right? Meaning the 165/70? Or should I be looking for something else?

Thank you again!! Dave and Brenda

The following are a few of the differences between trailer tires and automotive tires:

• Sidewalls are heavier than passenger tires.
• Tread ply rating typically is either 6-ply or 8-ply rated rather than the 4-ply that is typical for a passenger tire.
• The rubber compounding is different on trailer tires to compensate for the long periods of inactivity typically experienced by trailer tires.
• Trailer tires are typically rated to carry significantly more weight than a similar sized automobile tire.

Due to variations in coach construction (wheel well size and axle placement relative to wheel well) it is difficult to give a precise size designation when the tires currently on the coach are not of the correct. It is usually best to select a tire with a carrying capacity that gives you at least a 20% margin of safety above the maximum gross vehicle weight rating of your coach. With a Vintage coach measuring is almost a requirement when purchasing new tires to be certain that they will fit within the wheel wells and have a rating to carry the coach's maximum weight.

I have friends who have switched their Vintage Bambis over to either 14" or 15" wheels to take advntage of tires that are easier to find or have a higher carrying capacity.


Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

P.S.: The sidewalls will be labeled ST and the load range should be labeled as B, C, D, or E. It is unusual to find greater than a C load rating for 13-inch ST tires.

[Bonnie Disch]

I love it, and the little door window as well..:-)

Bonnie

[Skellington]

Anybody know the tire size needed for our 61 Bambi? Or what will fit original rims? Or how wide a tire fits on the original rims? I know they are 13 inch, but what was the original width and height/series tire?

I have found a local company that has ST 175/80 13's and I was wondering if they will fit properly.

Thanks, Dave and Brenda

[overlander64]

Greetings Dave and Brenda!

Originally Posted by Skellington

Anybody know the tire size needed for our 61 Bambi? Or what will fit original rims? Or how wide a tire fits on the original rims? I know they are 13 inch, but what was the original width and height/series tire?

I have found a local company that has ST 175/80 13's and I was wondering if they will fit properly.

Thanks, Dave and Brenda

There isn't a definitive answer for your question as there was a tremendous variance of room in the wheel wells on Vintage Bambis. Typically, the safest method is to measure the availalbe room prior to purchasing your tires and/or rims. Vintage Bambis were basically hand-made so variances are common both in available height and width of the wheel well. If you don't feel comfortable making these measurements, make it a condition of the purchase that the tire dealer will perform the necessary measurements to verify that the new tires will fit . . . I did this with the first two sets of tires purchased for my Overlander.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin