Did anyone keep their split rims?

[hertfordnc]

I have 65 Boles Aero with new tires on original split rims- PLEASE do not bother telling me why they are so horrible. The tires are on, i am keeping them.

I've researched it pretty well, all over the world people use splits on modern vehicles when they don't live in a place with a tire store on the corner.

My question is, am i the only one here?

[pbearsailor]

Yes, you are the only one.

[Lumatic]

I gave mine to my ex boss

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by hertfordnc

I have 65 Boles Aero with new tires on original split rims- PLEASE do not bother telling me why they are so horrible. The tires are on, i am keeping them.

I've researched it pretty well, all over the world people use splits on modern vehicles when they don't live in a place with a tire store on the corner.

My question is, am i the only one here?

The rim on split rim wheels, especially as they get older, have been known to simply fly off and kill someone, without the trailer even being in motion.

If you insist on keeping them, I would very strongly suggest that you make sure you carry several million dollars of liability insurance on the trailer.

Andy

[RickDavis]

Get new rims, keep the tires

[Emerson75]

I have what I believe are the original split rim wheels on my 1975 Tradewind. Can someone confirm that my wheels are indeed split rim? Sorry if that seems like a stupid question.

If my wheels are indeed split rim, then no herfordnc you are not the only one!

[overlander63]

No, they are not split rims.
As for why people in other countries continue to use split rims, first, they already have them, so they don't have to buy a safer wheel, and second, most countries do not have the top-heavy legal, sue-happy court system we have here, with all its attendant liability laws.
And be advised, if something happens to those rims, and someone gets hurt or their property is destroyed because you are using wheels you know are unsafe and illegal to use, they will sue you, and they will win.

[Emerson75]

Thanks overlander63! That makes me feel better, I was told previously that my AS would have had split rims from factory and I honestly didn't know exactly how to tell. Either I was misinformed or the originals were replaced.

Sorry didn't mean to side track the discussion.

[rumrunner]

Per your request I wont tell you how horrible split rims are but I will advise you to learn how to do your own tire changes and flat repairs safely because tire shops that will work on split rims are few and far between. Probably wont be around when you need one.
tim

[hhendrix]

One of my early jobs was changing tires. No one in the tire store (a big one) liked doing split rims. They were just too dangerous and unpredictable. I actually witnessed one come apart on the changer and broke the installers arm. Split rims for big rigs have been outlawed for years due to their record of accidents and damage. If anyone reading this thread thinks the should keep them for authenticity, they should seriously reconsider.

[Mark Wiltrakis]

Mine were replaced before I moved the trailer one block. Not a safety gamble I was willing to take.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Emerson75

Thanks overlander63! That makes me feel better, I was told previously that my AS would have had split rims from factory and I honestly didn't know exactly how to tell. Either I was misinformed or the originals were replaced.

Sorry didn't mean to side track the discussion.

You were misinformed.

Airstream last used split rims, as I recall, in the very late 50's.

A split rim has an outer ring that is removeable, so that the tire can easily be removed.

There is a definite split in that ring with about a 1/4 inch gap.

Check out your axles, since you have a 75.

Andy

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by hertfordnc

I have 65 Boles Aero with new tires on original split rims- PLEASE do not bother telling me why they are so horrible. The tires are on, i am keeping them.

47 year old split rims are an accident waiting to happen. Get rid of them.

I've researched it pretty well, all over the world people use splits on modern vehicles when they don't live in a place with a tire store on the corner.

There are many places in the world where life and limb are not held in as high esteem as they are in the United States. That doesn't make it OK. It is possible to mount and dismount tires on drop-center rims using only hand tools. I've done it.

My question is, am i the only one here?

I hope so.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Emerson75

I have what I believe are the original split rim wheels on my 1975 Tradewind. Can someone confirm that my wheels are indeed split rim? Sorry if that seems like a stupid question.

If my wheels are indeed split rim, then no herfordnc you are not the only one!

Attachment 193259

The rims shown in your photograph are not split rims.

[jdalrymple]

Originally Posted by hertfordnc

I have 65 Boles Aero with new tires on original split rims- PLEASE do not bother telling me why they are so horrible. The tires are on, i am keeping them.

I've researched it pretty well, all over the world people use splits on modern vehicles when they don't live in a place with a tire store on the corner.

My question is, am i the only one here?

I am not picking a fight.

But, if your choice is already made, why are you are still seeking vindication here?


Regards,

[RickDavis]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

You were misinformed.

Airstream last used split rims, as I recall, in the very late 50's.

A split rim has an outer ring that is removeable, so that the tire can easily be removed.

There is a definite split in that ring with about a 1/4 inch gap.

Check out your axles, since you have a 75.

Andy

Both my 61 and 64 had split rims. The 69 did not so my guess is they were abandoned in the mid 60's.

We had a family member seriously injured by a split rim. They belong in the scrap pile

[hertfordnc]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

I am not picking a fight.

But, if your choice is already made, why are you are still seeking vindication here?


Regards,

Not seeking vindication. I have found people online who kept them for the DIY aspect, or because modern rims do not exist (really old trucks). I was just curious if there were any fans among the Airstream community.

Airstreams are certainly more capable of going way off the beaten path where DIY tire repair might be a plus.

Thanks for indulging me.

[jdalrymple]

DIY tire repair can mostly be accomplished with a simple plug and some compressed air.


With out even dismounting the wheel from the axle.....

I carry both.

Not the best solution, but neither is a split rim.

I had a very good childhood friend permanently disabled by a split rim. He knows it is daylight, just not always sure which day.


Good luck with whatever is your choice.

Regards,


JD