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SilverEagle6 · 10-27-2014, 06:04 AM

I know there is much discussion about converting to 16" Michelins. The package from Airstream has wheels made in China and I have been told that some of the Sendels are made in China. Before I take the leap to 16" tires, are there any wheel issues I need to know about?

**moosetags** · 10-27-2014, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

I know there is much discussion about converting to 16" Michelins. The package from Airstream has wheels made in China and I have been told that some of the Sendels are made in China. Before I take the leap to 16" tires, are there any wheel issues I need to know about?

I had a set of 16" wheels and Michelin tires on my 2005 Safari 25FB that I got from the Airstream Service Center in Jackson Center in 2010. I am not sure of the country of origin of those wheels. After I got these wheels and tires form Airstream, I towed that trailer over 60,000 miles without any issues whatsoever with the tires or wheels.

Acouple of weeks ago, we took delivery of a new 2015 Flying Cloud 25FB. I have already ordered a set of five Sendel 16" wheels (T03-66655T) and Michelin LT Tires (LTX M/S2 LT225/75R16 E/10) from Performance Plus Tire in Long Beach, California. I shopped around quite a bit and got the tire/wheel packages for $330 each, mounted, balanced, and shipped ready to mount on the Airstream. The quote that I got from Airstream was $425 each.

Based upon your inquiry, I sent an email to Sendel asking for the country of origin of these wheels. Sendel responded almost immediately that these wheels are cast and machined in China.

Brian

SilverEagle6 · 10-27-2014, 09:51 AM

Thanks, that is what my research is showing and no issues regarding wheels has popped up.

**jcanavera** · 10-27-2014, 09:58 AM

No issues with our Sendels. Didn't know where they were manufactured. I've finished my third season with them and they seem to be holding up well. I bought my wheels from Tredit and my Michelin tires from discountiredirect.com. Discount tire was a good source for tires and I just bought a set for my TV from them this spring.

Jack

Phoenix · 10-27-2014, 11:52 AM

A year or two ago, I recall reading one or two isolated comments about small patches of clear coat peeling off of a Sendel wheel. However, after a couple of posts, there were no further reports. Also, that member's concern seemed to be mostly about the cosmetic appearance; and I don't recall any specific complaints about poor workmanship or wheel failures.

Perhaps that member could post an update (here), regarding the final outcome for the complaint...

Mr. O · 10-28-2014, 12:01 PM

Just curious why folks seem so inclined to switch to 16" wheels and tires??? I have a 2012 FC @ 20 ', single axel and I assume 15" set up. No problems so far...should I expect some?

dkottum · 10-28-2014, 12:21 PM

Mr. O, it's about reliability of the original Good Year Marathons, and the damage they cause when they blow out. Your 20' FC is carrying as much or more weight per tire than any current Airstream, and 23' and up have tandem axles which they can move slowly to a safer place to change a flat tire.

Research reliability of the original tires and if you are comfortable with them if you do extensive travel.

kscherzi · 10-28-2014, 12:23 PM

I think there was a spate of bad (Chinese made?) Goodyear tires installed on new Airstreams in the mid 2000's. When they blew they cause a lot of damage to the aluminum trailer. I heard the manufacturing problems are resolved, but only in the past few years, so time will tell. BTW - My trailer has the Goodyear Marathons so I'm a little on edge too. So far so good, but only 3,500 miles on them.

TinTin · 10-28-2014, 12:23 PM

Many are switching to LT (light truck) tires from ST (trailer) tires, largely for safety reasons. The 16 LT tire offers several advantages over 15 inch ST tire: higher load and speed rating, and more choices in suitable tires at this size. Michelin LTX tires have become a favourite choice among forum posters.

Mr. O · 10-29-2014, 06:15 AM

Thanks for the informative replies.......there almost appears to be "too much information" about this topic. I may have to plunge into the 16" switch cuz ya'll have me running a bit scared. One more question....do I assume correctly that I'll also have to pony up for a new spare tire and rim???? Sounds pricey.

polarlyse · 10-29-2014, 07:41 AM

Regarding the spare tire, some do and some don't. I'm among the "don'ts". On the occasion that I might find myself installing a spare I figure it will only be for a short time and the difference in overall diameter is insignificant in the scheme of things so I have chosen to keep the old 15" spare. Down the road aways I will consider obtaining a 16" steel rim but I'm in no rush.

SilverEagle6 · 10-30-2014, 02:17 PM

Decided to switch to 16" Michelins. Just finished a long trip and we were at Jackson Center for repairs and they had a decent package deal, so I bought 5 sets and they adjusted the spare tire carrier to accomodate a 16" spare.

So now I have 4 sets of 15" Sendel wheels with still decent Marathons, and a brand new spare. If interested, send me a PM.

COUNTRYSONG · 10-30-2014, 02:48 PM

I went through 6 Goodyear Marathons -- One Blowout and the rest had belt separation..... That was enough for me ... 16 inch Sendel Wheels and Michelin XPS Ribs... I do run in FLA twice a year round trip from NYS ... I don't think Goodyears like HOT highways --- Countrysong.

**moosetags** · 10-30-2014, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverEagle6

Decided to switch to 16" Michelins. Just finished a long trip and we were at Jackson Center for repairs and they had a decent package deal, so I bought 5 sets and they adjusted the spare tire carrier to accomodate a 16" spare.

So now I have 4 sets of 15" Sendel wheels with still decent Marathons, and a brand new spare. If interested, send me a PM.

You're going the like the Michelins. I put 60,000 miles on Old Lucy's set without a single issue. I would love to see a picture. I am curious about what style wheel JC is now using.

I am expecting New Lucy's 16's today. I will also have a set of 15's to sell.

You need to put your tire/wheel set in the Forums Classifieds where everyone can see them. That's what I plan to do with Lucy's.

Brian

switz · 10-30-2014, 03:01 PM

Switched to 15" LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL Michelins on the 15" factory rims for our 2013 25FB International as soon as I got it home. The Classic was immediately upgraded to the 16" SenDel T03-66655T wheels and the 16" LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 Michelins. The Classic's spare was mounted on a SenDel S62-66655SG galvanized steel wheel. I have a spare SenDel aluminum wheel in storage.

There was no need to alter the spare tire storage rack arms on the Classic.

dkottum · 10-30-2014, 03:21 PM

The reliability of the 16" Michelins is so good you most probably will never use the spare. Only real chance is picking up a nail somewhere. Even then the original spare is more than adequate to move you down the road until you can get the flat fixed or replaced.

And there is no particular rush for that. Your Airstream Owners Manual for tandem axle trailers allows you to take off a flat tire and proceed at reduced speed for a limited distance on the three remaining wheels to have it repaired.

We kept the original spare and replaced four wheels/tires.

dznf0g · 10-30-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

The reliability of the 16" Michelins is so good you most probably will never use the spare. Only real chance is picking up a nail somewhere. Even then the original spare is more than adequate to move you down the road until you can get the flat fixed or replaced.

And there is no particular rush for that. Your Airstream Owners Manual for tandem axle trailers allows you to take off a flat tire and proceed at reduced speed for a limited distance on the three remaining wheels to have it repaired.

We kept the original spare and replaced four wheels/tires.

Yeah, except for the crappy rubber/metal high pressure stems that DT put in while mounting and balancing my Michelins. 3 of 4 failed out west summer of 13. Used spare on two of the failures. 3rd happened at an exit and just happened to be a tire store at the bottom.

Have all steel stems now.

dkottum · 10-30-2014, 03:42 PM

Agree, steel valve stems must be part of the package.

**moosetags** · 10-30-2014, 04:06 PM

Just got Lucy's tire and wheel package a few minutes ago via FedEx. I have already unpacked them for inspection. They look great.

SuEllyn accused me of being mentally ill because I wanted to take some pictures of Lucy's new tires to post on the Forums. So, guess what, here they are.

Now I'm waiting for the Centramatics to arrive.

Brian

dznf0g · 10-30-2014, 06:58 PM

Chuckle, chuckle. We're all a bit mentally ill to find a certain beauty and pleasure in something as benign as tires and wheels, but....."that's all I got to say 'bout that..."