Greetings Lloyd!
Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dodgeman_197
going to pick up a 74 airstream its 3.5 hours away it has 2 flat tires. I know the tire size does anyone know what wheeels will fit on it ford\dodge. Chevy so I can take tires there with me. its in the country and not near a tire store.
Thanks in advance.
LLoyd
dodgeman_1973@yahoo.com
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The specifications for Airstream wheels was fairly consistent from the 1960s through at least the 1990s. The standard wheel rim was typically:
- 15"x6"
- zero offset
- 6 lug pattern
- 5.5" spacing
- center bore measuring 4.245 inches
- rated at 2,600 pounds
The wheel is a comparatively common trailer applications. My local Good Year tire dealer stocked new rims having the correct specifications as did a horse trailer dealer and an agricultural trailer dealer. New rims from either of the three sources that I tried were less than $15.00 per wheel more for a brand new known quality wheel compared to a salvage yard wheels that could be in less than optimum condition. The center bore diameter can also pose problems as many otherwise compatible wheels will have center bores that are too small and prove problematic when trying to mount the wheels/tires. The usual tire size recommended today is an ST or LT 225 75 R 15 in at least load range C or no more than load range D on a Vintage coach.
Something else that you might want to consider as you acquire the tools and supplies for your retrieval trip would be an air compresser. With Vintage Airstreams, it is not uncommon to find problems mounting a new wheel/tire combination with the tire inflated. When the Henschen axles fail or take a set, the arm will often not permit the hub/drum to swing low enough for the wheel/tire to clear the side of the coach for removal/reinstallation. This is something that varies from one trailer to the next, but it is a comparatively common issue with coaches that have original axles that are in need of replacement.
Good luck with your coach and retrieval trip!
Kevin