Hi to all the regular contributors. I've been reading existing message strings for a while, but now it's time to get involved, so here goes the first question . . .
My girlfreind and I bought our 1st airstream, a '66 Overlander late last year. We haven't even moved it yet, but are getting ready to in a few weeks. Before we move it, it's gonna need tires.
Based upon the many message strings I have seen, it appears that the choices are Goodyear Marathon Radials or no name bias ply tires (seems like none of the big names make 'em anymore). Other than for the vintage look, why would I want to consider bias plys?
If we go for the Marathons, it appears that the closest size to the original 7.00x15's are the ST225/15R75's. I think these are a bit smaller in diameter, but a bit wider than the 7x15's. Can ayone confirm that they will fit on a 1966 vintage trailer?
Also, I've seen posts about C & D load range tires. Is there any reason we should upgrade to D's? It seems that the C's still have a higher Load rating (2150 lbs.) that the 7x15's currently on the trailer (~ 1760 lbs. if I remember correctly), so I can't see why the upgrade would be required.
Next, given that I believe the trailer still has the original wheels, should I be planning on replacing the wheels at the same time as the tires? I've seen posts stating not to put higher load rated tires on old wheels, and come to think of it I think I remember seeing a post some time ago that suggested that radials shouldn't be put on old wheels, either.
Lastly, for this post, if we need new wheels, where can "original" type replacements be purchased? Or are we going be stuck looking at either newer style steel wheels or Aluminum wheels? Would there be any benefit to upgrading to aluminum? Are the Load ratings the same or higher than for steel wheels? I assume they are lighter, which might help ride a bit.
Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream Overlander ownership!
Quote:
If we go for the Marathons, it appears that the closest size to the original 7.00x15's are the ST225/15R75's. I think these are a bit smaller in diameter, but a bit wider than the 7x15's. Can ayone confirm that they will fit on a 1966 vintage trailer?
I am currently running the Good Year Marathons in the ST225/75 R15 Load Range D on my '64 Overlander, and have since 1995. When I purchased my first set (replace the every fifth season), my dealer also sourced a set of replacement trailer rated (2,600 pound) steel wheels. The wheel/tire combination has performed flawlessly on my coach with its gross weight of 6,100 pounds - - I generally inflate the tires to maximum sidewall rated pressure each morning before departing camp.
I have considered going to aluminum wheels on my coach to match those on my Cadillac that is used once in a great while to tow the Overlander. My regular Good Year tire dealer was able to source the aluminum wheels for the trailer that are a near match to those on my Cadillac and the set with the trailer rating have a load carrying capacity of 3,600 pounds - - it does take some shopping as many of the aluminum wheels that were listed in the catalog had a maximum load rating for trailering of less than 2,000 pounds.
Good luck with your tire decision!
Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
Hay 66, your question about " Other than for the vintage look, why would I want to consider bias plys?" is one I have been looking for an answere too.
Us trailer people are heading to where the car people, namely an "original" look. I restore old houses, and the details are what it is all about. One glance and you can tell a bias from a radial, and the look the bias gives is very distinctive.
So is it worth it? Who knows. I purchased a set of bias tires and old style rims to use for show. But for long drives, it sounds like the newer, the better.
Thanks to all who responded. I think I'm going to opt for safety over looks and go for the GY Marathons. Now I need to decide on steel vs. aluminum wheels . . . decisions. decisions. Thanks again.
Hi again, I had been thinking or going with aluminum wheels, but am now back reconsidering steel wheel so that the trailer keeps that vintage look. Does anyone make steel wheels with the "riveted on" clips to retain the hub caps? It appears that the steel wheels from Inland RV do not have the clips, byt I need them to retain the original hub caps on my '66. Were the clips partiular to a certain year range? Thanks.
Joe, when I replaced the wheels on my Overlander I purchased as set of baby moon hubcaps for $8.00 apiece - they look darn close to original.
Here's what they look like.
Paul.
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Paul & Annie
"No matter where you go, there you are..."
WBCCI #7162
Charter Member - Heart of Texas Camping Unit
AIR #1565
Where did you buy the Baby Moons for $8.00 a piece . I am looking for some for a friend that has a vintage unit and would like to find some for him. Any help would be great.
Andrew - go to Quality trailer supply in Azle. They are on the right hand side of 199 as you are heading west. Take the FM730 exit. If you need the 2600 lb wheels they have those also. New for about 35.00 ea.
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Paul & Annie
"No matter where you go, there you are..."
WBCCI #7162
Charter Member - Heart of Texas Camping Unit
AIR #1565
Have you tried: www.lowcosttrailersupplies.com? They seem to have the rims and the baby moons (round and cone shaped) you are looking for at very reasonable prices.
Regards,
Tom
Tom, Thanks I checked out that site and they do seem to have the best prices I have seen.
Paul (62 Overlander), Your Overlander looks great. That has to be the coolest looking Airstream I have ever seen. I am guessing the double bunk windows must have been some type of custom order. And it looks awesome all polished up. The Baby moons look perfect on it too.
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