New Tires for '73 31' Land Yacht

[Margesbarge]

Greetings,

I'm working my way through the beginnings of a modest renovation of a 73 31' AS International.

It's currently in getting its frame firmed up at the welder (rear end separation on the curbside and a couple of bad cross members are being replaced).

I have received a quote from Colin Hyde for new axles (complete with brakes etc.) and am planning on ordering them soon. From what I've heard Colin is a good source, please advise if you have direct experience with Colin and swapping out the axles.

After the new axles go on I will put new tires on so the running gear will all be new.

My question is: what kind of tires should I buy? Size on them currently are 7.00 x 15. I haven't read anything good about Goodyear Marathons. Would like to avoid buying new wheels.

Thanks for all your advice!

[Lance M]

Hello and welcome!
Colin is a great source for axles and anything else you may need.

I use Michelin LTX M/S2 P235/75/15XL tires on my '72 Ambassador. They have four years on them now and this summer I'll probably be replacing them with the newer Michelin Defender LTX M/S 235/75/15XL tires. Another good option for your Sovereign would be GoodYear Wrangler H/T LT235/75/15 Load Range C tires.

Make sure your original rims are in good condition with a detailed visual inspection.

[Wabbiteer]

Before you rule out replacing those wheels you'll need to inspect the bead area very closely on your OEM rims; with the age our trailers have there is a corrosion pattern that weakens the flange where the bead seats.

Moisture is trapped where the rubber and the flange meet and pitting occurs along 8, 12, 16-inch arcs, the length looks like it depends on how long the trailer sat in one place so gravity had its say in how long rust undercutting was active. If it is just minor surface pitting a good scouring and some tough paint, if it became deep canyons eroded out (like I saw on one of my '73's) then new $50 steel rims may be called for.

And note: this is in addition to the general rule not to increase load rating on our old steel rims, say from C to E, as the metal itself can suffer failure from new stress points relayed from heavier sidewall force(s) of the new tires.

[Bill M.]

Agree with the above tires suggested.

[Silver Hawk]

Sounds like good time to get new rims.
Two years ago when I redid my AS and got new axles (from Dexter), I got LXT's and new Aluminum rims. Less than $500 for five (spare). Peace of mind, and they look great.

[Margesbarge]

Thanks for the replies!

I just picked her up from the welder and it's looking like the rear end separation is fixed and she has 2 new cross members (2 most rear).

I will place the order for new axles from Colin this coming week and am making plans on new tires and, from what I've received from this thread, new wheels too.

Silver Hawk: any leads on where did you bought the aluminum wheels from? The look of aluminum wheels would sure look nice.

Webbiteer: nice to see another MN person. I'm in the process of planning a front dinette in place of the front gaucho bed.

Thanks for your advice! The more the merrier!

[Silver Hawk]

Got them from:

Airstream Supply
2651 South 600 West
Salt Lake City, Ut 84115

Telephone
801-972-2400

Good guy to deal with - also bought a bunch of other parts when I restored my AS from him. Especially good at finding used parts - put a used door on the Port side so could use storage under bed like Starboard side - best thing I ever did.