Visit our Popular Forums

Kamiak · 12-08-2011, 09:56 PM

Actually, I'm convinced the paranoids are out to get me.

Bob Thompson · 12-08-2011, 10:31 PM

Kamiak, relax, I've had the 16's and BF GOODRICH Commercial T/A's on my own 1997 25' Excella for years and thousands and thousands of miles and not a single issue. You can read my posts here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1067516 It is the post that started the switch to 16's and it's one of the very best things I've done for my trailer.

Kamiak · 12-09-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Thompson

Kamiak, relax, I've had the 16's and BF GOODRICH Commercial T/A's on my own 1997 25' Excella for years and thousands and thousands of miles and not a single issue. You can read my posts here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...ml#post1067516 It is the post that started the switch to 16's and it's one of the very best things I've done for my trailer.

Bob, thanks for the additional information.

No doubt owing to production variability, with my wheel wells that 1/2" increase in radius puts the tire to within a 1/4" of the wheel well trim...which seems kinda close to me. I'm going to take a close look at the 15" Continentals before I make a bold move up to 16's.

kd7trx · 12-09-2011, 07:09 PM

ole-red: Marathon blow-out reports always pique my interest, since I had two of my own on our '05 16' CCD, so happened to be scanning this thread and saw your reference to a David Winick Custom.
We bought a David Winick early last year, and didn't want to take any trips until replacing the 15" Marathons, so bought the correct 16" steel rims with Michelin XPS Rib tires. I did not want to change the style of wheel on the David Winick Custom, so stayed with steel wheels.
If you're interested in 16" steel wheels with baby moons, or anyone else for that matter, look for the Dexstar "Conventional", model # 017-235-25. It's the correct width, bolt pattern, and zero offset, 3040 pound rated, and they offer the baby moon hub caps as well. The wheels only come in gray, so I had mine satin black powder-coated.
Dexstar Wheel Company Trailer Rims and Wheels

Steamy1 · 12-09-2011, 08:25 PM

Here is a picture of my wheel clearance. These are 16" wheels and tires. No problems after thousands of miles.

Phoenix · 12-09-2011, 09:10 PM

Steamy1,

The tires in the photo are 215/85x16 and look a little tight. According to Michelin, the diameter is approximately 30.7 inches. The 225/75x16 outside diameter is 29.4 inches, which would give you a little more clearance in a tire with the same maximum load rating (2680 pounds at 80 psi).

Is there a reason that you selected the 215/85x16 over the 225/75x16?

Steamy1 · 12-10-2011, 09:03 AM

Phoenix,
I followed the lead of others that used the 215/85x16E, and reported that they did not have any issues. Also, I wanted the slightly extra height.

I did trim the metal lip a little, as has been suggested.

You are correct that that the 225/75x16 would offer a little more clearance, and is a good option.

The next time, I may go with the XPS Rib. Good reports on this tire as well.

ole-red · 12-10-2011, 10:28 AM

I really appreciate the advice and place to get the 16'' rims for the David Winick trailer...I have it stored as of now inside, but will have these changed before removing it this spring....Infact, being this close to X-mas, I was wondering what to get my wife for Christmas.....Thanks for the idea.....

ole-red · 12-10-2011, 10:33 AM

Since you owe, one of these little treasures, I don't know if someone else on the forum as seen the ad. But there is someone in Colorado offering one of these, for the best offer over $52,000. She says it is #2.....Is there a current list of who owes these, and if not, do you know who owes #2 ???

ole-red · 12-10-2011, 11:09 AM

I sent an e-mail in requesting a quote for two of the rims you suggested, what size Michelin tire did you end up with.....I know you said it was a xps....Did you purchase these tires locally ?

kd7trx · 12-10-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ole-red

Since you owe, one of these little treasures, I don't know if someone else on the forum as seen the ad. But there is someone in Colorado offering one of these, for the best offer over $52,000. She says it is #2.....Is there a current list of who owes these, and if not, do you know who owes #2 ???

I don't want to hijack this Goodyear thread, but will respond to your question here in case anyone else following is interested.
You've probably seen the 2007 Bambi section on this forum that has a registry thread, along with several others specific to 75th Customs. One member has set up a 75th David Winick Custom registry web site as well - http://campadk.com/40winker/75thregistry.htm
I looked at the registry, and #2 has never been registered. We own #6, and think this is the best floor plan possible in a 19' trailer. We can't imaging parting with "Wanda".
Please introduce yourself on the Forum's registry thread, if you haven't already. Campadk monitors that thread, and adds new Custom numbers to his own registry web site when he sees them on this Forum's thread.

kd7trx · 12-10-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ole-red

I sent an e-mail in requesting a quote for two of the rims you suggested, what size Michelin tire did you end up with.....I know you said it was a xps....Did you purchase these tires locally ?

I bought my Dexstar rims from Redneck Trailer Supply. Three wheels at $60.30 each with freight came to $236. I didn't do enough research, and thought the 15" baby moons would fit, but they didn't, so had to place another order for the correct size.
I bought the XPS Rib, 225/75-16, E rated. A good friend works as parts manager at a local auto dealer, and is always able to get me a good discount, so took advantage of that arrangement. I doubt there's a tougher 16" tire available.
I'm going down to our storage facility to wash and winterize "Wanda" this morning, so will take a photo. Contrary to what you might have read elsewhere on this forum, I was able to put the wheels on without deflating the tires. It's tight, but they do fit between the hub and wheel well. I did not have to do any wheel well trimming, and have good clearance.

ole-red · 12-11-2011, 10:53 AM

Kd7trx, I appreciate the info on the wheels and tires, that will be my next purchase....I have already e-mail Dave in regards to #16 being put on the registry, I did that the day I bought it....I will be looking forward to your pictures...By the way, I thought the name "Wanda" was interesting...Just happens to be my wife's name !!!!

Thanks again for your help...I should be getting my other Bambi out from North Dallas Rv, by Christmas.....The lugs broke on the curb side causing the loose wheel to create havoc under the wheel well....Then by the time the insurance company had their cheap-o transporter deliver it to them, they caused another $4,000 dollars worth of damage.....It's a 2002 special order, with a gaungo in the front, and (3) canopies....Was going to keep it until I ran into the Winick trailer.....I guess the grandson will have an antique when he gets old enough....

kd7trx · 12-11-2011, 02:36 PM

Here are a couple photos of the 225/75-16s on our 19' Bambi, mounted on the Dexstar "Conventional" steel wheel. Just took these yesterday afternoon, after washing her in 34* weather, then winterizing. Burr!

ole-red · 12-12-2011, 06:47 AM

Thanks, for the pictures...Looks like a good fit....Will place my order right after Christmas....Good looking trailer you have there !!!

eleighj · 12-12-2011, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kd7trx

Here are a couple photos of the 225/75-16s on our 19' Bambi, mounted on the Dexstar "Conventional" steel wheel. Just took these yesterday afternoon, after washing her in 34* weather, then winterizing. Burr!

Looks good!

Any issue with the spare? Also; why the conventional wheel rather than aluminum? Just wondering.

Ed

kd7trx · 12-13-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleighj

Looks good!

Any issue with the spare? Also; why the conventional wheel rather than aluminum? Just wondering.

Ed

Ed - The spare is certainly heavier than the 15" that it replaced, so more challenging to lift up into position. The spare also has to be placed more accurately on the frame so it clears everything when raised. Doing the spare wasn't essential, but with the wide open spaces we travel, I decided I wanted the extra insurance should I need to change it on a trip.
Our Airstream is a 75th Anniversary Custom, and everything David Winick designed into these 75 units was done to pay tribute to the heritage of Airstream, and he didn't ignore the exterior during the design process.
The entry and bath doors have porthole windows, and the exterior window combination is unique to these, as well. The steel wheels with baby moons tie in beautifully. A side benefit of the steel wheels is the freedom of corrosion found on the aluminum wheels. We previously had an '05 Bambi, and the aluminum wheels developed some corrosion within a few short years.
Ed (also)

Steve & Mary · 02-02-2012, 11:43 AM

Update on the original subject. Goodyear is going to cover tire damage to our trailer. I really had no issues in dealing with them. We supplied them with the failed tire, damage photos and repair estimates. Trailer will be going to Griffith RV Center in OK City next month for full repairs.

SilverRanger · 02-02-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve & Mary

Update on the original subject. Goodyear is going to cover tire damage to our trailer. I really had no issues in dealing with them. We supplied them with the failed tire, damage photos and repair estimates. Trailer will be going to Griffith RV Center in OK City next month for full repairs.

Wow! Great news that Goodyear will cover the damage. I've been using GYM tires (2 sets-one Canadian made, the other US made) since we bought the Bambi, and have had good luck... so far. I keep a close eye on them when traveling, inflate them to the recommended pressure, use a PressurePro Tire Monitor. But, as others here have demonstrated, anything can happen, even if you do all the right things.

**blmitch5** · 02-02-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve & Mary

Update on the original subject. Goodyear is going to cover tire damage to our trailer. I really had no issues in dealing with them. We supplied them with the failed tire, damage photos and repair estimates. Trailer will be going to Griffith RV Center in OK City next month for full repairs.

Great news! Your going to like Griffith RV! I am leaving in the morning to pick up the Bambi. She is dent free now!