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lee_jachter · 10-02-2002, 05:54 PM

I have a single axle 61 tradewind.
Weight over 5000 lbs loaded for travel. Tire rating 2540 lb per tire.
In the last year I have blown 2 properly inflated tires (225 st 15's I think) and really ripped up the aluminum around the wheelwells. I have a Reese load compensating hitch that increases the load beyond the trailer weight. I know the previous owner lost numerous tires as well.

Question- Can I keep doing this?
What would be a better tire?
Should I toss the load compensating hitch?
Any other help is appreciated

Thanks
Love my Airstream

Inland RV Center, In · 10-02-2002, 06:21 PM

Lee. Properly inflated is good. I would suggest that you do not have your tires, wheels hub and drums, balanced, as an assembly. If this is true, then that's the answer to the problem.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

lee_jachter · 10-02-2002, 07:53 PM

Tires were at 60 psi. I watch them religiously due to the problem, and use a calibrated gage. How can I get them balanced with the brake drums too?

Inland RV Center, In · 10-03-2002, 10:08 AM

Some truck tire centers can balance them for you.
You can see how we do it in our shop, by going to our web site, inlandrv.com
Click on "articles" and then go to "wheel balancing."

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

**Action** · 10-03-2002, 05:11 PM

If your tires are rated at 2540 at max inflation. And the load is 5000 pounds. You have an 80 pound cushion for capacity in the tires for load. That is a 1.5% reserve in load capability. Sounds like a car tire that you have.

If it were me, I would upgrade to a higher capacity (load range) tire. That would be a load range C or D as in 6 ply or 8 ply rated tire.

It is good you are checking pressures cause the max rating is only good at max pressure. With less than max pressure the rating goes down.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

lee_jachter · 10-03-2002, 10:01 PM

But, I think they are D rated..
I know it is too close. The load compensating hitch may be adding up to another 1000 lbs...

What to do?

Pahaska · 10-04-2002, 07:55 AM

Quote:

The load compensating hitch may be adding up to another 1000 lbs...

No way. Your total tongue weight shouldn't be over 1000#. A properly set up equalizing hitch will move about 1/3 of the tongue weight to the tow vehicle front wheels and about 1/3 of the tongue weight to the trailer wheels.

The trailer wheels will never carry more than the weight of the trailer and should be carrying about 2/3 of the hitch weight less..

Inland RV Center, In · 10-04-2002, 09:38 AM

A correct sized load equalizing hitch, proper installed, AND, properly adjusted will shift 2/3 of the tongue weight to the tow vehicle and 1/3 back to the trailer axle or axles, leaving zero weight, pushing "down" on the ball.
That being the case, 1/4 of the 2/3 weight transfered from the tongue, will be added to each tow vehicle tire.
Another way to show the proper numbers is as follows.
Assume a tongue weight of 900 pounds. 300 will go back to the trailer axle or axles. 600 pounds will go to the tow vehicle, and when properly done, 150 pounds will be added to each tow vehicle wheel.
These tests, weights and demonstrations were made in the early part of 1970 under the direction of Caravanner insurance, the original insurance division of Airstream.
That data was compiled by the undersigned, while employed by Caravanner insurance as their "special representative."
Since Caravanner insurance is gone, who knows where that data went.
However, the results of those tests are easy to duplicate, provided you have a good accurate truck scale at your disposal.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

**Action** · 10-04-2002, 10:42 AM

Based on what you have stated you need some help.

First weigh the trailer loaded at a truck scale as if you were going on a trip. Add full water and full propane tanks.

If you are indeed at max capacity then there are some choices after that:

1) Upgrade to higher load range tires - I have gotten load range E tires in the past & that's expensive and hard to find. Consult a good tire store for help.

2) Never travel with water in the tanks (black or clear) and move most of your heavy gear to the tow vehicle - cheap and a pain in the keester.

3) Always keep the trailer in top condition! Check and inflate tires before every trip with out fail. Cover tires when not moving from sun damage. Make sure shocks are good. And the tire/wheel assy has to be in a dynamic and static balance. Use the weight distributing hitch and properly hook it up every time with out fail when towing and maybe when parked camping. When not hitched use stablizer jack stands if the trailer is not so equipped. Get the weight off the trailer when camping.

4) Live with it the way it is - more possible damage - ain't pretty and may be dangerous

5) Park it - Well this is safe, and no fun. Kinda defeats the whole purpose of having a travel trailer. Cause it no longer travels.

Not a lot of easy solutions and yet there is still some things to be done.

>>>>>>>>>>Action

lee_jachter · 10-04-2002, 11:51 AM

OK,
I know how to weigh the trailer and tongue weight, but, how do you properly adjust the spring bars. I have only what the previous owner said, and now the truck has been replaced. Does anyone have a link to Reese for their procedures?