Another wheel/tire post :-)

[whgthree]

So I have a 1984 27' Airstream that has 7.00x15 tires on what look to be the original rims. Looking to convert to 225/75/r15. My question is are these split rims or can I convert over to 225/75/r15 tires on these rims. Any way to tell from the photo?

Obviously they need a little cleaning but if I can avoid buying rims unecessarily, that would be great.

[featherbedder]

They are not split rims, but pic. is a little hard to tell but I don't think AS used split rims this era as my 76 doesn't have them unless some one changed to split rims, and yes you can put 225/75/15 tires on these rims. A split rim has locking ring and rim is 2 pieces.

[overlander63]

Split rims were "outlawed" long before 1984.
The wheel you have posted a photo of is a standard steel wheel.

[markdoane]

I would check the inside rim width. The largest rim width for a 7.00 15 LT tire is 6 inches, and the smallest rim width for a 225 75 R15 is 6 inches.

If your rim width is 5 or 5 1/2 inches, I would invest in new wheels. A good tire shop might be able to measure the rim width for you.

[whgthree]

Thanks for the quick reply everyone...thinking about just going with these all the way around plus the spare. https://www.etrailer.com/p-AM20514.html

The original hubcaps are in good shape and will look good polished up.

[markdoane]

Those wheels are fine for load range D tires. They are not OK for higher load range E tires at maximum load.
You should be OK with your two axle Sovereign.

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Split rims were "outlawed" long before 1984.
The wheel you have posted a photo of is a standard steel wheel.

They might be outlawed but there are still a tremendous amount still in use.

[whgthree]

markdoane-why won't those be fit for E rated tires such as the Goodyear Endurance? I would likely run them at 60-65 psi and the trailer as I tow it is under 5500 lb.

[harryk]

You might consider Michelin light truck tires, size 235/75/15. I am very happy with mine at two years old. They fit my 25 Excell Classic just fine. (Michelin does not make 225)

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by whgthree

markdoane-why won't those be fit for E rated tires such as the Goodyear Endurance? I would likely run them at 60-65 psi and the trailer as I tow it is under 5500 lb.

The wheels are rated for 2600 lbs maximum. If you only run them at 60-65 psi they should be OK.

But if you inflate them to 80 psi you will be over the rating of the wheel.

I had this same wheel on my single axle Tradewind. They were OK for several years at 65 psi with Goodyear Marathon tires.

When I upgraded to Maxxis Load Range E tires and increased the pressure to 80 psi they developed a slow leak at one of the joints where the spider is attached to the rim.

Fortunately my TPMS system alarmed before any damage was done.

[Phoenix]

Very old AirForums discussion threads on this subject say that increasing tire pressure to 80 psi on old steel wheels, previously inflated to 65 psi or less, will cause cracks along the wheel flange where it mates to the tire bead. Ultimately, the wheel will fail, with the flange separating from the rest of the wheel.

Just my opinion: Considering the relatively low cost of new steel trailer wheels, I would not risk mounting new load range E tires, if they will be inflated to 80 psi. However, with lower inflation pressures, you may be OK.

[harryk]

Max inflation on the Michelin LT is 44 lb. and they ride fine.