'69 Globetrotter tires/wheels

[JoePfznik]

The tires that were on my recently acquired '69 Globetrotter bear the following information. CARLISLE USA TRAIL, ST225/75D15, Tread 4 plies nylon cord, Sidewall 4 plies nylon cord, max load 2150 @ 50 psi cold, load range “C” tubeless. The spare tire appears to be slightly newer and has the same information except for “max load 2440 at 65 psi cold. The spare also has the following: dot UU HH ACD0104. The other tires have similar info but it is becoming illegible. All tires are mounted on wheels shown below. My questions are:
Are these the specified tires for a '69 Globetrotter?
Are these the best tires for a '69 Globetrotter given what is available in 2010.
Is UU HH ACD0104 the age code that says the tire was made in the first week of 2004?
Is Marathon, which seems to get so much bad press on this site the tire brand that comes with new Airstreams?
Is the wheel shown original for airstream?
These wheels do not appear to have any means for attaching hubcaps. Does that mean I can't get those half moon hubcaps?
Most important is what are the names of some of the best brands of tire currently on the market?
I say “Most important ...” after reading about all the blowouts and subsequent body damage on this site. Since my trailer has only on axle, I want to do everything I can to avoid tire failure.


John

[silverleeper]

How to read a tire code. Tire Manufacture Date.

I have a set of Carlisle on my Safari and have had no problems. Got them at Les Schwab. http://www.carlisletire.com/

You will need to get different rims to get that baby moon look.

[Tom Nugler]

Judging from the info you’ve provided I would be considering a new set of tires. I don’t’ think the rims are factory OEM for that year. Closed face steel wheels with the baby moon clips were the norm.
I don’t recall seeing that style until the late ’80. They look like generic boat trailer wheels and may not have a sufficient weight rating.
Single axle trailers generally require Load Range D tires. My ’67 used them. The manual for my ‘72 indicates "D"s as well. Sound like the spare is a "D" range considering the higher inflation PSI and rating.
With an empty weight of around 3300#, plus added supplies, water and propane will easily add another 500#. Now you’re staring to push against the weight rating.
I put Marathons on my GT and didn’t have any issues. They are reported to be USA manufactured again. I need a set for the Tradewind this spring and wouldn’t have a problem buying another set.

Good luck,
Tom.

[Aerowood]

I'd check the rating on the wheels also. They should be in the 2900 Lb range. The tires should also be "D" rated also.

[RickDavis]

The wheels are aftermarket

The st 225D tire is a bias ply tire

You probably want ST 225/75 R/15 load range D tires rated at slightly over 2600 lbs each at 65 PSI. The R indicates radial
The load rang C tire has a max inflation of about 50 pounds

When you dismount your present tire you should find the load and max inflation pressure stamped inside the rim. I have seen rims of this style rated from 1600 lbs up and you want to be in the 2600 lb plus category.
Usually you won't find the info on the outside of the rim.

The trailer originally came with 7.00-15 Bias tires