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03-12-2015, 09:47 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Ely
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 59
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Buying 16" wheels and LT tires.. right choice?
I have a 2005 Safari 28 '. I have spent a lot of time reading various threads and this is what I am coming up with.
Sendel Wheels T03 16 x6. #66655T
Michelin Tires. LTX M/S2. LT 225/75R16/115 E1 BSW
Metal valve stems
Tow Vehicle
2007 Silverado 2500 HD
Michelin LTX M/S2. LT245/75R16. 120R E1 BSW
How does this sound?
Am I missing anything?
Will this all fit my AS
Should I buy a 5th wheel and tire for a spare or can I use one of my 15" wheels and tire for a short distance?
Having trouble finding a place to buy center caps for the Sendel wheels.
Any recommendations on a source with the best price and service?
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Bert
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03-12-2015, 11:22 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,673
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I can't speak to your TV, but the trailer setup sounds right and exactly what I did to my 2001 Safari 25, except I went ahead and added a TPMS. Some have reported having to trim the sheet metal around the bottom of the wheel wells, but I didn't have to do that. It's not a big deal, loosen the setscrews holding the molding, bend it out of the way, trim the sheet metal and reattach the molding.
I went ahead and bought the 5th wheel and tire. I figured I'd rather not use a tire I didn't trust for full-time service as my emergency backup.
The center caps from my original wheels fit the Sendels. Yours probably will too.
I bought everything from Discount Tire for only slightly more than I could have got it online.
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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03-13-2015, 03:43 AM
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#3
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CapriRacer
I'm in the
, US
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 991
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I think everyone needs to weigh their trailer - fully loaded including water tanks and by individual wheel positions. Until such time that we have confidence in what the trailer manufacturers publish for GVW and GAWR's and they catch up on the current thinking on tire loading, we just can't make any assumptions.
So, Al, weigh your trailer, THEN ask the question.
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03-13-2015, 04:06 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2008 30' Classic S/O
Dearborn
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,403
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Fortunately, the center caps from the OEM 15" rims fit my Sendel 16" replacements, perfectly.
Metal stems definitely a good idea. I used very short type, since I'd be using a valve stem mounted TPMS system.
The new 16"/LT wheel fit no problem in the under-carriage.
No clearance problems in the wheel wells, either.
Weighing the rig is always good policy; but, my individual axles were always within the ST's load ratings on every blowout.
Good job and enjoy!
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03-13-2015, 07:00 AM
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#5
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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There are other wheel options besides Sendel's you could try.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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03-13-2015, 07:54 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,673
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CapriRacer
I think everyone needs to weigh their trailer - fully loaded including water tanks and by individual wheel positions. Until such time that we have confidence in what the trailer manufacturers publish for GVW and GAWR's and they catch up on the current thinking on tire loading, we just can't make any assumptions.
So, Al, weigh your trailer, THEN ask the question.
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What question?
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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03-13-2015, 08:15 AM
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#7
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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I did this same conversion on two 25FB's, a 2005 and a 2015.
The OEM center caps fit the new wheels. I added Centramatic Balancers both times. I towed the 2005 Safari over 60,000 miles with the Michelins. They showed virtually no tread wear. Both times I did went the five tire route.
My more recent conversion on the 2015 Flying Cloud was in December, 2014. I got the tires and wheels premounted and balanced. I got them on-line from Performance Plus Tire in Long Beach, California. The cost was $330 per tire/wheel delivered. I put them on myself along with the Centramatics.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-13-2015, 01:42 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Bert, looks fine. I got T02s, but that's a personal preference thing. As others have said, the standard AS center hub covers transfer over. I kept my 15" spare. I figure if AS says it's OK to run a short distance on 3 tires, then it's fine with one out of four with 1/2" less rolling radius. I wouldn't run any further than the next exit for the 16" replacement and re-installation.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-13-2015, 02:40 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2009 28' International
Pacific Palisades
, California
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 436
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Hi Bert-
Sounds just fine!
After two tread separations with ST Tires (Marathon D's and TowMark E's) we've had enough and replaced with Sendel S20-66655T's at Sendel's recommendation to match our existing 15" wheels on our 2009 28' International. After much reflection, we purchased the Michelin XPS ribs instead of the M&S. These are more expensive, and I wouldn't select them for our TV because they are specifically designed for (relatively) high speed and heat (at the expense of wet weather traction) rather than the more "four season" friendly M&S. But you should be fine with either.
We bought the fifth wheel and tire. Never know where you're going to be, and although we've towed a distance with three wheels, seems better to have the option. The Airstream guys thought there might be an issue with the storage device for the spare, but turned out not to be a problem. We didn't need to modify anything in the wheel wells, either.
We bought from Discount Tire (called American Tire in California), because we checked along our major travel routes and they are plentiful. This makes it easy to have them inspected by a pro instead of just by us on a regular basis, and to get a replacement if necessary without any potential hassle. We bought the wheels and tires from them and had them mount and balance them. We also invested in the pricey ($37/tire) road hazard warranty, and they discounted this to charging for 4 tires but issued coverage for 5. They provided plastic center caps that look nice. The price was extremely competitive, with the tires priced at 267 each (we had other quotes for up to 360 each), plus balancing and tire disposal fees and our ridiculously high state tax. We picked them up at a store about 10 minutes away from our Airstream Service guys where we were having some annual spring cleaning work done, and asked them to install them, along with the Centramatics that we also purchased (When you're spending $2000, an extra $200 to cover all bases seemed wise.) The wheels were priced at $104 each. Total bill for all five wheel and tire sets, balancing, mounting, disposal came to just over $2000 before sales tax. I imagine the M&S tires would have been a bit less--they seemed to be almost $100 less each at the first place we priced them. Please note that this included balancing and installation.
Unfortunately, our March trip to Texas from LA had to be cancelled, so our first trip will be in late May. We're expecting no tire issues!
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03-13-2015, 03:16 PM
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#10
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Are 16's the RIGHT choice?
Are they the RIGHT choice? Really only YOU can determine that for yourself. Do the tires fit your mission, goals and weight of your trailer. There are a lot of detailed facts on the tires on this forum, what makes it difficult to wade thru are the opinions.
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I posted my thread detailing my purchase and costs associated with it here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f465...ml#post1578267
If you don't include my Centramics I spent $1248.64 on tires and wheels. Kick back the $250 I made off the 15's and that's $998.64 to upgrade.
And if you do include the Centric balancers $1212.59
And now, and excuse to post more photos of my Airstream:
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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03-13-2015, 07:23 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
2008 27' Classic FB
Ontario
, Oregon
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 32
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Buying 16" wheels
So, what advantage do I get replacing my 15" wheels with 16" wheels?
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03-13-2015, 07:27 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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The change to light truck tires over ST trailer tires forces one to 16" wheels as there are no 15" LT tires available.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-13-2015, 10:19 PM
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#13
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Always learning
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g
The change to light truck tires over ST trailer tires forces one to 16" wheels as there are no 15" LT tires available.
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Sorry, but this is an untrue statement.
There are MANY 15" LT tires.
__________________
Lance
Work is never done, so take time to play!
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03-14-2015, 01:06 AM
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#14
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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But 15" LT tires might
Or might not
Be available in the needed Load Index Rating
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03-14-2015, 05:10 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2000 30' Excella
Toledo
, Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 493
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I searched for 15" LT tires and couldn't find any so I went with 16"
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03-14-2015, 05:33 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Top
Sorry, but this is an untrue statement.
There are MANY 15" LT tires.
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Really, I haven't seen a one. I have seen XL and euro commercial tires, but not LTs in 15"...at least in 2011 when I was shopping.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-14-2015, 06:12 AM
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#17
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CapriRacer
I'm in the
, US
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 991
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Al and Missy
What question?
Al
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Opps, I meant Bert, weigh your trailer, then ask your question.
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03-14-2015, 07:46 AM
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#18
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Always learning
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
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15" LT tires
Here are a few 15" LT tire choices.
235/75/15 LRE #2760
Nokian Rotiva AT-
225/70/15 LRD #2,470
GoodYear Cargo G26-
LT235/75/15 LRD #2,335
Pirelli Scorpion ATR-
LT215/75/15 LRD #2,094
GoodYear Wrangler HT-
GoodYear Wrangler AT/S-
7R15LT LRD #2040
Yokohama RY 215-
Now, if you have to have a Michelin LT tire, that is when you must move to 16"
__________________
Lance
Work is never done, so take time to play!
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03-14-2015, 07:59 AM
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#19
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3 Rivet Member
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
LaMarque
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 133
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Thanks so much for this info. I've been looking without much luck. Thanks again. Bill
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums silver bp
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03-14-2015, 08:08 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Top,
I do see a couple there that seem to fit the "traditional" American LT standard or criteria.
Here's what bothers me, and we'll need Capri or Tireman to register, but I am seeing LT used in the "Name" and not in the size stamping. My understanding is that is where the mandated stated capability classification occurs (among other stampings, like the DOT, etc.) as opposed to the "marketing" name stamping. Look at Nexen, for example. Their "LT" has less capacity (and no LT sizing labeling) than their "non-LT", which carries no P, XL, nor LT designation in the size stamping??????
I have a fear that there's some kind of loophole in naming criteria that is misleading.
None-the-less, I acquiesce to your rebuttal to my "no 15" LT" statement. However, let me rephrase. For the larger ASes (30' Classic, GVWR at 10,000, considering 10 - 15% TW) I now see only one 15" tire that would work for me, considering the 85% of stated capacity margin for trailer use. That being the Nokian.
I don't think that was available in 2011?????? At least I never found it...and I'm cheap. If I wouldn't have had to buy wheels, I wouldn't have.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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