Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-08-2008, 06:14 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
goransons's Avatar
 
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
Images: 10
Blog Entries: 1
Send a message via MSN to goransons
Question rims safe?

So we started this project in July knowing nothing about Airstreams other than how to spell the name. We towed it 400 miles home after checking bearings, brakes etc. Tires looked ok, held air and PO claimed they were only 2 years old. We've been really busy on the interior and other mechanicals (such as plumbing, electric, weatherstripping, leak stopping etc). We are planning on going places this summer am preparing to order axles and replace tires. I went outside to double check the size on the tires (I haven't really looked at them much) at was worried to see a "P" in front of 22575R15. They are goodyears, but passanger tires. We're replacing axles next, hopefully ordering those in about 3-4 weeks and want to replace tires and shocks at the same time. My worry is, after reading posts about people using the wrong ply tires (i.e. 8 instead of 6) are the original rims more than likely now unsafe for 6 ply tires? The trailer isn't going anywhere until new axles and tires are on, but we really wanted to paint and reuse the original rims that have all the clips and original baby moon caps intact.

Here's part of the thread I'm referencing (I hope Andy doesn't mind me cut and pasting his knowledge):

If the tire you have had on the trailer were 6 ply, you "cannot" change them to a higher rating.

To do so will split every wheel you use them on.

This is as per "every wheel manufacturer."

If you want to use 8 ply, that's fine, but you must change the wheels.

You must not ever use 10 ply wheels for an Airstream trailer.

Case in point. One of our customers was told not to put 8 ply tires on wheel that had 6 ply tires on them for years.

He said "BS." and left in a huff.

He went to a local dealer and in fact did install the 8 ply tires.

He called us from Phoenix, some 350 miles away, after a couple of days. He said "he should have listened, as he replace three of his wheels already, because they indeed split, just like he was told they would."

Andy
goransons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2008, 06:55 PM   #2
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
To make a long story even longer, the reason behind these statements were the higher inflation pressures normally associated with 8 ply (D rating) tires, rather than the lower 6 ply (C rating) tires.
The original wheels may only have been rated at the 6 ply pressure, which is 50psi. Since the wheels were built before any kind of labeling was put on the wheels, you have no way of really knowing what the original wheels rating (8 or 6 ply) was. 8 ply (D rating) has a pressure of 65psi. The higher pressure could cause internal stresses in the wheels, resulting in stress fractures.
Sooo, if your wheels have 8 ply tires on them, and have not failed, you can safely replace them in-kind. Since your wheels have passenger car tires on them (4 ply, or 32-35psi pressure), you should not put D rated tires on them. If for some reason you have to use D rated tires, inflate them to the lower (50psi) pressure. IIRC, the smaller coaches, such as Tradewinds and Safaris, and even some Overlanders, specified C load range tires anyway.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2008, 07:01 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
goransons's Avatar
 
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
Images: 10
Blog Entries: 1
Send a message via MSN to goransons
our only option locally for goodyear's is the sears tire center (only dealer in 100 miles). They don't stock but priced me 4 22575r15 C load marithons for 103 each plus mounting tax etc. Are passanger tires a higher number ply than trailer tires? no readable data on the tires themselves.
goransons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2008, 07:02 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
wkerfoot's Avatar
 
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange , California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,849
Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
To make a long story even longer, the reason behind these statements were the higher inflation pressures normally associated with 8 ply (D rating) tires, rather than the lower 6 ply (C rating) tires.
The original wheels may only have been rated at the 6 ply pressure, which is 50psi. Since the wheels were built before any kind of labeling was put on the wheels, you have no way of really knowing what the original wheels rating (8 or 6 ply) was. 8 ply (D rating) has a pressure of 65psi. The higher pressure could cause internal stresses in the wheels, resulting in stress fractures.
Sooo, if your wheels have 8 ply tires on them, and have not failed, you can safely replace them in-kind. Since your wheels have passenger car tires on them (4 ply, or 32-35psi pressure), you should not put D rated tires on them. If for some reason you have to use D rated tires, inflate them to the lower (50psi) pressure. IIRC, the smaller coaches, such as Tradewinds and Safaris, and even some Overlanders, specified C load range tires anyway.
Terry,

Thanks, your explanation makes sense. It is higher inflation pressure on the tires and not the tires which make the difference.

Bill
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA

https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
wkerfoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2008, 07:18 PM   #5
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by goransons
our only option locally for goodyear's is the sears tire center (only dealer in 100 miles). They don't stock but priced me 4 22575r15 C load marithons for 103 each plus mounting tax etc. Are passanger tires a higher number ply than trailer tires? no readable data on the tires themselves.
The radial trailer tires are ST tires, which means, suprrisingly, Special Trailer. They have different compounds which allow them to flex and, well, trail, better than P (passenger) or LT (light truck) tires. They also don't have the same traction characteristics as tires that would be placed on a motorized vehicle. Also, passenger car tires are typically load range B, or 4 ply rated.
Trailer tires are not required to display the UTQG (uniform tire quality grade) which consists of temperature ratings, straight line braking (traction) ratings, and treadwear ratings.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2008, 10:30 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
goransons's Avatar
 
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
Images: 10
Blog Entries: 1
Send a message via MSN to goransons
wow thanks Terry, thats a lot of great info. So the issue with trailers using a passenger tire (besides tread etc) is that they are likely under rated for my trailer if I understand correctly (B vs C or D). I appreciate the info and hopefully we're good to go with new rubber, axles/brakes/shocks here very soon.
goransons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2008, 11:35 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
ROBERTSUNRUS's Avatar

 
2005 25' Safari
Salem , Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,369
Images: 18
Blog Entries: 55
Hi, I want to add one more thing for you to think about; Someone else posted this. [not my experience] Buy your axles first, because you may have to buy different wheels to fit the new hubs. I believe they said that "Never Lube Bearings" need a larger center hole in the wheel and their original wheels would not fit.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
ROBERTSUNRUS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2008, 04:26 PM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
1959 22' Flying Cloud
Escondido , California
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 82
Images: 5
Tire pressure vs load rating sv speed.

Just wanted to put in my two cents.

If you are looking to get ST (trailer tires) then the most likely choices are Goodyear Marathons or Carlisle's. One thing to keep in mind is the speed at which you plan on traveling. ST tires are rated to go a maximum of 65 mph at their maximum psi rating at the max load.

What this means is that a load range C tire carrying 2150 lbs (its max load) at 50 psi (its max psi) can go a maximum of 65 mph. If you plan on going 66 - 75 mph you have to increase the tire psi by 10 lbs, which you cannot do because it's at it's max psi. ST225/75*15 as an example.

If it were a load range D tire you could do this because it's max load is 2540 lbs at 65 psi. Consult your load limit vs tire inflation chart to see what pressure your tire needs to be at for your load. If your load lets you run a lower psi then you can increase it.

Two things to note. Increasing the tire pressure 10 lbs reduces the load carrying capacity by 10% and it is not recommended to drive at elevated speeds constantly.

The maximum speed for a truck with trailer in California is 55 mph. Good luck doing that. I don't recommend speeding, but some times you have to do it.

Good luck
2bkidfree is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2008, 04:54 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
goransons's Avatar
 
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
Images: 10
Blog Entries: 1
Send a message via MSN to goransons
got it, yeah I've never had it over 60 mph, not sure I'd want to. We basically want the best quality tire we can afford. We're ordering our axles through Andy, just want a good smooth riding trailer that's safe and doesn't rip itself apart. Thanks for all the info.
goransons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2008, 05:00 PM   #10
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
Quote:
Originally Posted by goransons
got it, yeah I've never had it over 60 mph, not sure I'd want to. We basically want the best quality tire we can afford. We're ordering our axles through Andy, just want a good smooth riding trailer that's safe and doesn't rip itself apart. Thanks for all the info.
If you are getting your axles from Inland Andy, your wheels will fit the axles. Also, since you are buying your axles from him, he does sell OEM style steel wheels that will accept the load range D tires. MAYBE he would cut you a deal on a set. It never hurts to ask, and then you won't have to worry about the wheels maybe coming apart on you.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-09-2008, 06:39 PM   #11
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Overlander & Sea's Avatar
 
1955 22' Flying Cloud
2021 27' Globetrotter
Gulfport , Mississippi
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 824
Images: 35
Terry,

I want to thank you for your information. I have old rims with clips, but I do not have baby moons. The rims are not split rims, but they are old and rusty.
I also have new axles from Inland RV. My tires are rated for 65psi and I so far have not had any problems with my rims. But I will be buying new rims because I do not want to take the chance. Again, thank you
__________________
Rick--Foley RV Center www.airstreamofmississippi.com
WBCCI #9275 TAC #MS-5 AIR #11800
Overlander & Sea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2008, 07:28 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
goransons's Avatar
 
1963 22' Safari
2020 27' Globetrotter
State of , Washington
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,512
Images: 10
Blog Entries: 1
Send a message via MSN to goransons
placed an order at Inland for 2 3000 lb'ers loaded, know what I'm doing this Saturday? If there are any really cool tricks that the average back yard mechanic wouldn't know about the switchover (besides driving up on blocks) I'd love to hear it. Axles are supposed to be here Friday. Any help appreciated.

-Scott
goransons is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1966 Caravel: Best New Tires; Old Rims or New Rims??? divotvance Member Introductions 6 08-11-2016 07:43 AM
Is It Safe?? ROBERT CROSS Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 5 12-02-2007 07:25 PM
Hello and safe travels to all. MuddyPaws Member Introductions 5 08-12-2007 08:23 PM
Safe Question Angel73 Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 10 05-20-2006 10:07 PM
How Safe is 53flyingcloud Off Topic Forum 18 07-31-2003 03:11 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:59 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.