New to Forum, need tire help

[DFlores]

OK..... I have a 1968 Safari 22', I purchased 225 75 15 trailer tires and mounted on 6 lug GM steel wheels......tires are too wide to fit between brake drum and outer fender well. Is my problem the GM truck wheels or too large a tire?
Thanks for helping the newbie.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

Tires will fit, but you need wheels with "zero offset".

[DFlores]

I can't even get belly of the tire into the wheel well not enough clearance between brake drum and outer skin of trailer.......could it be that the torque arm of axle is not dropping?

[ALUMINUMINUM]

I had a heck of a time getting my 235/15 michelin ms2 ltx tires to squeeze between the body and brake drum. You'll probably have to deform the body a little more than you want, but you can do it. It might take two people. If your axle is frozen and not dropping, then you're totally screwed, and need a new axle. The 235s fit nicely in the wheelhouses of my GT, but like I said "heck of a time". Definitely check the offset on the wheels, cause there isn't much room to deviate from Zero offset.

[Phoenix]

The tires that came on new on your Airstream were probably much narrower. We even had difficulty changing the OEM tires on our 2005 Bambi. Try deflating the tire (competely flat) before installing it, then pump it back up after you get it in the wheel well.

However, as two people above noted, the wheels should be "zero offset". There are lots of replacement wheels available, if you aren't trying to stay with original style wheels.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Map_man

OK..... I have a 1968 Safari 22', I purchased 225 75 15 trailer tires and mounted on 6 lug GM steel wheels......tires are too wide to fit between brake drum and outer fender well. Is my problem the GM truck wheels or too large a tire?
Thanks for helping the newbie.

That tire is correct.

The tires should have dropped 3 inches.

If not, then more than likely, the rubber rods in the axle have given up.

The following article will help you to check out the axle.

The Dura-Torque Axle

Andy

[DFlores]

I searched the forum and find that I need to go to an Airsteam dealer to puchase a new axle. Does anyone have a less expensive alternative for a replacement axle?

[87MH]

Originally Posted by Map_man

OK..... I have a 1968 Safari 22', I purchased 225 75 15 trailer tires and mounted on 6 lug GM steel wheels......tires are too wide to fit between brake drum and outer fender well. Is my problem the GM truck wheels or too large a tire?
Thanks for helping the newbie.

I'm pretty sure GM steel wheels will not work - as far as I recall the diameter of the center circle is a fraction of an inch too small.

You really need the trailer specific rims (check the rated weight of the rims) for an AS install.

Lots and lots of info here in the Forums - best to do LOTS of research - and ask questions - before making any purchases.

Hope to see you at Blanco.

[DFlores]

Would love to go to Blanco but my AS is only a project, would have to come in a regular RV.