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Haleakala · 07-07-2014, 05:07 PM

Hello all,

My wife and I have a 2008 Airstream International Series M-23D Ocean Breeze. We’ve owned it since December 2012. The tires we have on there now are Goodyear Marathons ST215/75R14 and are 7 years old. We believe they are the original tires that came with the trailer.

On a recent trip at a gas stop, I noticed that one of the tires was showing some very unusual wear and I later learned that the tire was beginning to “separate from the inside”. Of course, I changed out the one tire at the gas stop before continuing home.

Needless to say, I’d like to replace all these old tires with new ones before our next trip. If we stay with our current 14 inch wheels, what is the preferred tire recommendation out there?

Additionally, on a recent trip to Ohio, we ran into some folks that had just been to Alumapalooza at the factory there. They said they were talking to Andy Thomson and that he recommended the Michelin P235/75R x 15XL tire for their trailer. Our trailer has 14inch rims, so this size wouldn’t work for us. But what do folks think about the Michelins? Is there a benefit to having 15” rims instead of 14” rims? Is this something we should consider for our Airstream? Can our Airstream model even accommodate 15” rims?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

TinTin · 07-07-2014, 05:21 PM

Many owners have switched out the 14 inch rims for 15 inch Sendel T02s (the one designed for five studs), and the Michelin LT tires that you reference. A highly recommended upgrade!

mrchinup1 · 07-07-2014, 09:12 PM

Is there a benefit with 15 inch rims? absolutely. It gives you more clearance, many times coming out of gas stations with dips the rear would scrape, one time the bottom of the sewer scraped a bit. Airstream should have known this!

I just ordered the Michelin LTX MS/2 P235/75r/15, I will never buy ST tires again, I think they're all crap. On my next trip I'll post what I think of the new tires. I have 225 ST's on there now, that are ready to go. I'll gain another half inch in height too.

**Action** · 07-08-2014, 12:23 PM

The advantage of a larger tire versus a smaller one is load capacity and reserve load capacity.

The larger tire can accept and disperse larger amounts of heat and has more rubber to absorb shock and stress. However in my opinion there is a Goldilocks scenario. One can go too large of a tire and at best it is just a waste of money, at worst the ride quality is not as good as a smaller tire loaded properly. Knowing the maximum possible load is the first step in making a running gear item selection. Add about 10% to 15% to tha maximum possible load and select tires, rims and other running gear items that will meet that need. Run the trailer across a scale in full camping mode.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

RamblinManGa · 07-08-2014, 12:29 PM

Hi from Scottsdale. . . Are you sure they're 14" ? I thought all late model AS trailers were delivered with 15". My '05 & '10 were. regards, Craig

**Action** · 07-08-2014, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamblinManGa

Hi from Scottsdale. . . Are you sure they're 14" ? I thought all late model AS trailers were delivered with 15". My '05 & '10 were. regards, Craig

I believe it is a function of trailer size. The smaller the trailer the smaller the load and the load capacity need is less.

The '05 and '10 you have are larger trailers (not by much on the '05) than Haleakala's trailer. A 16' Bambi isn't going to have the same wheel size as a 25" Safari. (Or a even larger trailer)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

RamblinManGa · 07-08-2014, 01:20 PM

Hi from AZ. . . as the kids say 'My Bad', I guess I've never seen a late model 16' up close. BUT, there is one at my storage place, I'll check it out. thanks, Cb

**Action** · 07-08-2014, 01:24 PM

The original poster (OP) has a 2008 23' International. I have no idea what wheels and tires are on that unit. However I am sure Airstream does not use the same rim diameter for all units.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

Phoenix · 07-08-2014, 01:52 PM

We looked at the 23' Airstream in 2005, when we bought our 19' Bambi. If my memory is correct, it had 215/75x14 GYMs on 14" wheels, one 12v battery and one 20-pound propane tank. Also, I think it had a narrower body than other Airstreams.

With the exception of the 16' and 23' models, I believe that (until recently) all other late-model Airstreams came from the factory with 225/75x15 GYM, load range D, ST tires on 15" wheels.

Haleakala · 07-08-2014, 06:20 PM

Hello all! Thank you for the replies - we very much appreciate it. And to answer the questions, we definitely have 14" rims on our Airstream

Haleakala · 07-08-2014, 06:25 PM

PS - Looks like several of the replies to this post were from folks in or around Phoenix, Arizona. Bonus question: Where do you all get your Airstreams serviced? We took it to Oasis RV in Tucson last year for it's yearly inspection and service. They came highly recommended and we were very happy with their service and work. That said, if there is a comparable recommended place closer to Phoenix, we'd likely go there in the future. Thanks again in advance!

Phoenix · 07-08-2014, 06:45 PM

In 2005, we purchased our Bambi from Oasis RV in Tucson, when they were still an Airstream dealer. I think Oasis still services Airstreams, but I am certain they are no longer a dealer.

Currently, I believe the only Airstream dealer in Tucson is Lazydays RV.

After original purchase, our Bambi was only serviced once at Oasis, primarily to fix a couple of minor warranty items.

Other than that, I perform all maintenance and repairs myself.

==========

It looks like Dillon (in Mesa) closed or sold out, and Desert Autoplex (Mesa) and Schumacher European (Scottsdale) are now dealers. However, we have never been to either of them.

Gene · 07-08-2014, 06:57 PM

We've had Michelins on almost all of our vehicles including our Airstream for decades. They are excellent tires, last forever and ride smoother than ST's and a lot of LT's.

If you want to go to 15" wheels, make sure they fit the cut out. You gain 1/2" on all sides. Make sure new wheels have a 0˚ offset.

Gene

Phoenix · 07-08-2014, 07:02 PM

Comment regarding switching to 15" wheels:

I think the 14" wheels on the 23' Airstream have only 5 lugs. The 15" and 16" wheels on other models have 6.

Hopefully, other owners of 23' Airstreams who have switched wheels can provide details.

RamblinManGa · 07-08-2014, 07:03 PM

Hi from Scottsdale. . . I too bought my 1st AS from Oasis (2010, flew in from ATL to see it) and had it serviced/repaired several times there. I bought the FC 28 from a local who had all warranty work done by Dillon RV in Apache Junction. I have since developed a relationship with them & have found them great. They are VERY knowledgeable about AS. And closer than Tucson (a little) The new AS dealer in Mesa is a real crazy place, but I think you may have to use them for warranty work. I'm very satisfied with Nick & Dillon RV. . . regards, Craig

Haleakala · 07-08-2014, 07:05 PM

Well, after hearing all of your answers and doing a lot of reading on the forums here, I think we will upgrade to the 15inch rims and the Michelin tires. One more question - might sound silly to you all: What about the spare? Should I buy a new spare rim ? Or can we keep the 14" spare that we have now? Thanks!

Gene · 07-08-2014, 07:12 PM

All tires and wheels should be the same. One 14" and one 15" on a one axle trailer will be lopsided. On 2 axles, the 14" will barely touch the ground and carry no weight. To save money you could get a steel spare, but then you waste the spare tire because you can't regularly rotate it to get even wear (unless you like a steel wheel on the axle part of the time). Using the spare regularly increases your miles by 20%.

Gene

TinTin · 07-08-2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haleakala

Well, after hearing all of your answers and doing a lot of reading on the forums here, I think we will upgrade to the 15inch rims and the Michelin tires. One more question - might sound silly to you all: What about the spare? Should I buy a new spare rim ? Or can we keep the 14" spare that we have now? Thanks!

Personally I would not bother upgrading the spare to a 15 inch wheel and tire. OOMV. Insure when you get your new tires that they are brand new stock. Trailer tires are more often changed for age (five years or so) than for wear.

**Action** · 07-08-2014, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haleakala

PS - Looks like several of the replies to this post were from folks in or around Phoenix, Arizona. Bonus question: Where do you all get your Airstreams serviced?

Thanks again in advance!

I have all my equipment serviced by the crew of three. Me, Myself and I.

>>>>>>>>Action

mrchinup1 · 07-09-2014, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action

I believe it is a function of trailer size. The smaller the trailer the smaller the load and the load capacity need is less.

The '05 and '10 you have are larger trailers (not by much on the '05) than Haleakala's trailer. A 16' Bambi isn't going to have the same wheel size asi a 25" Safari. (Or a even larger trailer)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

They should have had 15's regardless of size just for clearance alone. I have a 23 ft and the 14 inch wheels were too small, I hit quite a few times. And you think AS didn't know about all the bad ST tires? Of course they did, they just cut corners like all big companies do.