Help re wheels and tires.

[RickBooth]

Hello all you aluminum addicts.
Hope you can give me some advise.
In August while travelling north near Mansfield OH we lost a tire on our 2004 31' Classic. (Goodyear Marathons-originals). Since I wasn't carrying a spare we called a local service for R&R. Didn't have to wait long for them to arrive and the mechanic went right to work replacing the tire with one of the correct size and load rating. However he did not have an air compressor big enough to expand the tire and pop it to the bead. what happened next took me by surprise when he sprayed Ether (didn't know this at the time) around the rim and ignited the fumes with a cigarette lighter. This explosion forced the sidewall to seat and he was able to inflate the tire. I'm sure this is not a new trick but I'm not comfortable running with this wheel and tire (anybody familiar with "Loadstar" tires?) and want to replace both tires on that side, as well as the rim.
I called the AS factory and was advised that this Alcoa aluminum rim is no longer available.
Does anyone know a source for these rims?
I keep hearing negative stories about the Goodyear Marathons.
What replacements are other 'streamers using?
I don't want to mix tires - so I either stay with the Goodyears or replace all 4

Any suggestions will be appreciated

[azflycaster]

The exploding thing has been around for a very long time. I suppose you could damage the tire with this method (over flex the side wall), but why do you want to replace the wheel?

As far as Marathon failures, yes they happen, but other tires fail also. If you read enough about tiires you will soon find out that there is no perfect tire.

[Condoluminum]

Rick-

Welcome to the Forums as a new member...

You now have the exciting opportunity to use the search tab in blue bar above, and read hundreds of messages about tire failures, brand preferences, load ratings, emergency road service providers etc...

Just click on search, type in words like marathon and goodyear and failure and watch the list of message threads expand!

I'm with Az by the way.. The wheel is probably fine, tire probably not damaged by etherwhump, and many of the ST trailer tires are going to be less reliable than you might be used to with car tires... Having 4 is better than 2, since you can continue to drive on 3 very slowly and carefully to get out of trouble if tow folks won't or can't take care of you...

[RickBooth]

Thanks for the feedback.
I want to replace the rim because the mechanic did some cosmetic damage.
I'll have it inspected with the tire removed and use it for a spare if it's OK.
Next time out I'll be sure to have a spare on board.
I've been using the spare tire carrier for my Blue tank.
As far as tires go I'm not against any brand - just looking for considered opinions

[clancy_boy]

There was two on these rims on Ebay just two days ago - I'll have to check.

I don't think these were Airstream specific - plenty of other brands used the same rims - they should still be available aftermarket.

[silverleeper]

Hi Rick, Your tire should be fine. Here is a short vid with some guys seating a tire with a little too much ether. LOL!!!

[Beginner]

RickBooth
The tire and wheel are probally ok(90% certainty).
Read this thread

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...res-16506.html

if you haven't already. It covers about everything.
If you are going to replace all the rims and there is room, consider going to a 16 inch rim and Light Truck tires. All who have have not nearly the tire problems they had before switching.

Beginner

[2airishuman]

hi rick and welcome to the forums!

the alcoa wheels that came on your unit have been out of production awhile...

actually alcoa stopped making that wheel for everyone except a/s (about 3 years ago) and now they've completely stopped making them.

i may have purchased the last 2 at the factory/parts store in june...

but give the parts store a call the gals running it will know for sure.

they do come up on ebay from time to time...

who bad is the cosmetic damage?

these are uncoated alloy and can be polished up...

i'm doing 8 of them now...

and on my 2nd set of marathons with good results, after wearing the first 6 out!

regards

2air'

[AlbertF]

I bought my trailer with new Duro ST radials (D load range). The PO installed them. I was doubtful, but I keep an eye on pressures and after 7,000 miles, no problems. They seem to be wearing very well also.

I'd be curious to hear about other experiences with Duro tires.

[RickBooth]

Hey Lee;
I'm still laughing.
Is that a hound dog lying to the right of the tire?
Hilarious!
LBAY