Airstream wheel question- need info and advise

[LAWFISH]

Hey gang, I am going to be picking up this Airstream in June. I need some advise because the Airstream has been sitting for over 20 years in this very spot and the owner does not believe that the tires will make it out of the parkinglot due to their age.

My plan is to eventually put new axles under the trailer with new brakes. But I will have to buy new tires now. I was gong to just go get new tires and nicer or better rims for it all at once, thus eleminating the need to jack it up, remove the rims and have tires mounted on the old rims, ect.

So I see nicer looking rims on many of these trailers and some even look like dish style or more of a hotrod look.

first, I didnt check the last time I was there but what came stock on this, its a 1968 30 ft Sovereign?

second, what rating do i need for new rims and if I buy new rims, will they fit on the new axles I buy for it? I plan on getting new axles from Andy, but have not decided if I am getting disc brakes or regular and dont know if that makes a difference. I just dont want to spend money on new tires and rims and that not be able to use them on the new axles.

any suggestions?

Thanks Dave

[53flyingcloud]

I would say:
Since you are getting the new axles from Andy..Ask him what he would recommend.
As you know by now, Andy is a straight shooter and, will give you the right info.
You might be able to get a package deal from him..
good luck~!
53FC

[LAWFISH]

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

I would say:
Since you are getting the new axles from Andy..Ask him what he would recommend.
As you know by now, Andy is a straight shooter and, will give you the right info.
You might be able to get a package deal from him..
good luck~!
53FC

I will shoot him a call then. But I will need the wheels way before I will need the axles. I just need to get it home first and start an evaluation.

Dave

[LAWFISH]

whats the standard bolt pattern on airstream standard wheel/rims?
Dave

[53flyingcloud]

I don't have any experiences with a 68...I don't want to say that they stay the same for every single year..Somehow, I feel that could get someone in trouble..lol
When you call Andy abt the tires.ask him, if anyone should know..Andy would.
ciao
53FC

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by LAWFISH

whats the standard bolt pattern on airstream standard wheel/rims?
Dave

Dave.

The bolt pattern is 6 lugs on a 5 1/2 bolt circle, zero offset.

The wheel must be rated at least for 2600 pounds each, and they are 15 inches.


Andy

[mnboy1960]

I'm in a similar boat.. I'm picking up a 77 sovereign tomorrow evening (320 miles from home) and would like to try to take a spare wheel/tire with.. Would the 77 have the same bolt pattern?
Greg

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mnboy1960

I'm in a similar boat.. I'm picking up a 77 sovereign tomorrow evening (320 miles from home) and would like to try to take a spare wheel/tire with.. Would the 77 have the same bolt pattern?
Greg

Yes.

Andy

[jdarr69]

Hello!

I was wondering if all airstreams have this same 5.5 bolt pattern. My husband and I purchased a 1973 ambassador and are trying to figure out the bolt pattern for it. Can you help us out?

Thanks,
Darlene and Donnie

P.S. Just ordered lots of items from Inland. Pleased so far.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jdarr69

Hello!

I was wondering if all airstreams have this same 5.5 bolt pattern. My husband and I purchased a 1973 ambassador and are trying to figure out the bolt pattern for it. Can you help us out?

Thanks,
Darlene and Donnie

P.S. Just ordered lots of items from Inland. Pleased so far.

Darlene.

American made made are made to american standards.

If the wheel has 5 lugs, it has a 4 1/2 inch bolt circle.

If the wheel has 6 lugs, it has a 5 1/2 inch bolt circle.

Two other things you should know about a wheel for an Airstream.

1. They must have a weight rating of 2600 pounds, minimum.

2. They must have a "zero" offset.

A few dealers stock the correrct wheel.

Andy

[nmbosa]

If your looking for a simple wheel that will accept a hubcap like a baby moon, I bought 15 x 6 inch Dexstar conventional wheels (6 on 5.5, zero offset, with a 2600 pound trailer rating). Dexstar's item number is 017-118-25. I got them for $26.29 each on sale (regular price is about $45.00 each) from Reneck Trailer supplies. Their item number is WH156-60E. Good luck. I had problems with the initial tire install because one of the 225 75R15s was rubbing a home made shock mount. Some field "modifications" solved the problem and the trailer made a safe 1,200 mile journey home on the new wheels and tires.