Visit our Popular Forums

StevenD · 11-16-2016, 09:00 AM

Greetings, We are new owners of a '73 Safari and I need to replace the tires. We are considering the 16 inch Sendel wheels with Michelin 225/75 tires. Would appreciate feedback on fit and clearance issues. Will they fit? It looks like there is not a lot of room inboard between the tire sidewall and the frame and the 225 tires are a bit wider than the 7.00x15 tires that are presently installed. Also seems, that it may be a good time to replace the brake drums and convert to wheel studs vs bolts?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Steve

tjdonahoe · 11-16-2016, 10:26 AM

Our 23' 1973 avion we used 225/75/15 passenger tires and never had any problems, it came with g-78 jumbo passenger tires,lasted13 years, our 13' 31' classic is heavier and we went to the 16" . I went through grade school there in casa grande..

tjdonahoe · 11-16-2016, 10:28 AM

PS you can buy studs to install in your old hubs and use wheel nuts...if you go this way..

1973Argosy · 11-16-2016, 12:04 PM

Went with 225/75 15r on mine with no clearance issues. Studs are a sure thing but would inspect brakes before total replacement.

AldeanFan · 11-16-2016, 01:43 PM

Is your trailer single or double axle?

You'll get all sorts of advice about using ST or LT or PXL tires on this forum. Good luck sorting through all of it.

I have 235/75R15 Michelin LTX MS2 on my '77 Safari and have been very happy with them. not sure I'd be as happy with them on a single axle trailer and would likely upsize to 16".

StevenD · 11-16-2016, 09:32 PM

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like the 225 tires will fit just fine. Our unit is a tandem axle. Probably don't need the 16 inch wheels but it seems that if we are buying new wheels and tires, why not go ahead and convert to 16 inch at the same time? I just really like the look of the Sendel S20's.
Steve

AldeanFan · 11-17-2016, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenD

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like the 225 tires will fit just fine. Our unit is a tandem axle. Probably don't need the 16 inch wheels but it seems that if we are buying new wheels and tires, why not go ahead and convert to 16 inch at the same time? I just really like the look of the Sendel S20's.

Steve

Can't argue with your logic, good decision!

rwnash · 11-17-2016, 07:54 AM

Steven,

I stayed with 15 inch tires on my recent axle swap so I can't comment on clearance issues. However, I believe that your unit has torsion axles and if they are original they probably need replacement. If they have lost their "spring" then that is the first decision you have to make. Then there are choices of axle capacity, start angle, brake style (drum or disc), brake size, wheel size and finally tires. Lots of factors and trade offs. Also a great deal of information and various opinions on this site.

Good Luck,

Whit Nash

jimfa440 · 11-17-2016, 12:42 PM

Mine is a 2000 year model, I did go with 16" Sendel and Michelin. No clearance issues.

Elbo · 11-17-2016, 03:28 PM

You know what they say about opinions?

oxblood · 11-17-2016, 05:21 PM

GO WITH THE 16" wheels 225/75/ MICHELIN light tires. I have 3 axel 34' Classic AS. Had blowouts every trip before the change. None in the past 3 years!!

oxblood · 11-17-2016, 05:23 PM

Stay away from Goodyear trailer tires! The worst ever.

Airline · 11-17-2016, 06:37 PM

I have a '72 Airstream Ambassador 29' which came with 16" wheels when I got it.

They are too big for this year,era of airstream.Both visually and its a tight fit.

I bought a set of original 15" optional airstream slotted mags.

I would stick with 15" on yours.

But that's an opinion

StevenD · 11-17-2016, 09:05 PM

Airline, very good feedback. I like the 16 inch concept but I had heard that the shape of the wheel wells had changed over the years. Have not seen any pics of 16's on the early 70's models. I may have to reconsider. Also, rwnash, you're right, by the time I put new on brakes, bearings, and drums, I'm nearly halfway to new axles costwise.
Thanks again, Steve

rwnash · 11-18-2016, 06:44 AM

Steve,

While cost is always a consideration, your trailer may NEED new torsion axles. My previous unit was a 1975 Tradewind and I did some damage on a rough road with tired axles. Based on that experience I replaced axles on the current trailer before they lost all their spring. You should check to see what the proper test is, but I think that if the axle arms are horizontal then it is time for replacement. With my new axles I gained about 3 inches of ground clearance.

Do some searching and see what others have discovered.

Whit Nash

StevenD · 11-18-2016, 05:21 PM

Whit Nash
I think you are right. I have contacted Inland RV about replacement axles. At this point, I think I want to maintain original ride height. Also still researching the 15 vs 16 inch tire/wheel issue. It looks like the 225/75 15 tire is approx 3/4 inch smaller in diameter than the 7.00X15 presently installed and that the 16's are only about 1/4 larger. So maybe taking into consideration the greater sidewall flex of the radial, the 225/75 16 may have the same rolling radius as the original tires.

funkill · 09-22-2017, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenD

Whit Nash
I think you are right. I have contacted Inland RV about replacement axles. At this point, I think I want to maintain original ride height. Also still researching the 15 vs 16 inch tire/wheel issue. It looks like the 225/75 15 tire is approx 3/4 inch smaller in diameter than the 7.00X15 presently installed and that the 16's are only about 1/4 larger. So maybe taking into consideration the greater sidewall flex of the radial, the 225/75 16 may have the same rolling radius as the original tires.

Hey SteveD - or anyone else with a similar 70's era - did you ever switch to the 16" wheels? I am considering this upgrade and haven't found any definitive answer on whether this era can handle the size increase fro 15" or not. Yes, I have new (Henschen) axles - if that helps with opinions....

Cheers

tjdonahoe · 09-23-2017, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkill

Hey SteveD - or anyone else with a similar 70's era - did you ever switch to the 16" wheels? I am considering this upgrade and haven't found any definitive answer on whether this era can handle the size increase fro 15" or not. Yes, I have new (Henschen) axles - if that helps with opinions....

Cheers

15" to 16" michelins you gain 1/2 " in height.....if your trailer is light weight , 16"is overkill, 15" Michelin p rated probably will work, check your weight...

StevenD · 09-23-2017, 08:53 AM

Greetings Funkill
I heeded the advice of the forum and stayed with the 15 inch tires. First, our 23 foot Safari didn't need the additional load capacity of 16 inch. Also, on our trailer, there just wasn't that much clearance at the front edge of the tire/wheel well. Did replace the axles but ended up staying with original hubcaps.
Steve

funkill · 09-27-2017, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenD

Greetings Funkill
I heeded the advice of the forum and stayed with the 15 inch tires. First, our 23 foot Safari didn't need the additional load capacity of 16 inch. Also, on our trailer, there just wasn't that much clearance at the front edge of the tire/wheel well. Did replace the axles but ended up staying with original hubcaps.
Steve

Thanks Steve.
I wasn't really looking to increase my load capacity - just open the options for tires, which seemed more limited on 15" rather than 16". Plan to change the wheels out this year to improve the aestetics. The steel wheels look like crap and, after losing 2 of the original hubcaps while underway, I decided to leave the remaining 4 that I still have on a shelf (for safekeeping

).