I have bought a 1965 Ambassador I am picking up next week.The owner is towing about 500 miles to meet me and I have another 300 home.
The trailer has split rims with new tires.I am no crazy about the split rims.
He said he had 5 Airstream wheels with tires for a good price(maybe use one as a spare)How do I tell if they are genuine Airstream wheels with the correct load rating(not car wheels)?
Also when was the baby moon used on new trailers?I think they really give a more vintage look with some I have seen with color painted rims.
I have bought a 1965 Ambassador I am picking up next week.The owner is towing about 500 miles to meet me and I have another 300 home.
The trailer has split rims with new tires.I am no crazy about the split rims.
He said he had 5 Airstream wheels with tires for a good price(maybe use one as a spare)How do I tell if they are genuine Airstream wheels with the correct load rating(not car wheels)?
Also when was the baby moon used on new trailers?I think they really give a more vintage look with some I have seen with color painted rims.
Usually, a wheel rating is stamped on the inside. Once a tire is mounted on it, you cannot see it.
Andy,
I assume I would be looking for 2600lb. rating ?
A wheel rating of at least 2600 pounds, is necessary, for several reasons, a couple of which are, the trailer loads that are impossed on them.
Another huge reason is sidewall strength. Making a tight turn with a tandem or tri-axle, puts huge loads on the wheels.
Most owners have never seen the twist that 2 or 3 tires on one side of their Airstream can have. They have enough force in them that if you dared to unhitch, with the tires in a twist, the tires will make the trailer swing sideways with tremendous force, enough that if the A-frame hits you, you could be severely injured.
If you look at wheels for use with baby moon hub caps there are two types to consider. There's the old style wheel with riveted spring clips and there's the newer Nub style. The hub caps for each style are not interchangeable.
My 73 Avion has the riveted spring clip wheels which are shown in the first photograph below. The other photo shows the nub style wheel.
Congratulations on your Ambassador.
Kevin
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
If you look at wheels for use with baby moon hub caps there are two types to consider. There's the old style wheel with riveted spring clips and there's the newer Nub style. The hub caps for each style are not interchangeable.
My 73 Avion has the riveted spring clip wheels which are shown in the first photograph below. The other photo shows the nub style wheel.
Congratulations on your Ambassador.
Kevin
Kevin, Do you know of a vendor that still sells the old style wheel with riveted spring clips? My 60 has the old style and I've been asked about them and I don't have a new source for them.
Kevin, Do you know of a vendor that still sells the old style wheel with riveted spring clips? My 60 has the old style and I've been asked about them and I don't have a new source for them.
To the best of my information, the old style wheels with hub caps clips on them are obsolete.
I don't know of a supplier either . I seem to recall some older threads where someone mentioned installing the clips themselves but I don't think that is something I would do.
Kevin
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.