Proper wheels--trailer vs. regular

[armycot]

I've searched the various fora trying to find info on this question, and haven't come up with anything, so I'm trying a new post.

I have a '66 Caravel. I'm trying to replace the wheels and tires. One wheel may or may not be original (it's rusty enough). It's a 15" with 5 lugs, 4.5" lug circle, 2 5/8" opening. I'm told by wheel dealers that it is a trailer wheel.

The other wheel is an ugly white "spoked" modern looking thing. I don't believe it is a trailer wheel. I say this because the tire on the other one clears the shock absorber by about an inch, and this one clears it by at least two inches. I' like to replace this one, and use it as the spare.

Hence my question. The dealers are saying I need a trailer wheel, primarily to insure clearance with all the stuff under the trailer. But, if the non-trailer wheel has adequate clearance, what's the difference?

I've seen only a few posts in which folks have said we should definitely use trailer wheels. But, perhaps because I'm in Appalachian Ohio, nobody seems to have them in the size I need.

So, my question is, is it necessary to use a trailer wheel? What have been the experiences of you folks?

Jack

[TomW]

Jack,

I have seen posts that indicate trailer wheels have a higher load rating than regular automobile wheels. Member Sneakinup posted a final result, but I can't find the thread.

From personal experience in another matter, I know that my '67 Airstream wheels have an offset to them. You can read about it here. Special thanks to markdoane for his insight.

Tom

[Inland RV Center, In]

armycot.

The correct wheel for your Caravel is 15 inch with 5 holes on a 4 1/2 bolt circle. It should also have a minimum weight rating of 1750 pounds.

In your case the wheel can be any where from a zero to 1/2 inch offset.

Andy

[axleman]

Armycot,



You may find some helpful hints in the:

Axle, Brakes, Wheel & Tire Forum



Several threads that have your topic covered are: “New Rims” & “Need help with wheel upgrade”



These are simply the first ones that I cam across, several more can be found if you dig.



Happy Hunting ,

Henry

[05ModPod]

Speaking of wheels - and changing them - where does the balancing come in?


Do you balance each tire and then how do you balance them on the trailer if there is such a thing? And who would best do that balancing?

thanks for any info

[joatmon]

Originally Posted by axleman

Armycot,



You may find some helpful hints in the:

Axle, Brakes, Wheel & Tire Forum



Several threads that have your topic covered are: “New Rims” & “Need help with wheel upgrade”



These are simply the first ones that I cam across, several more can be found if you dig.



Happy Hunting ,

Henry

Henry,

How do you get by with all that special text formatting?

I made one post by accident with more than ASCII characters, and the Font Police promptly sent me a PM asking me to refrain from special fonts & sizes.

Jedi mind trick?

[axleman]

Originally Posted by joatmon

Henry,

How do you get by with all that special text formatting?

I made one post by accident with more than ASCII characters, and the Font Police promptly sent me a PM asking me to refrain from special fonts & sizes.

Jedi mind trick?

Joatmon,


Do you want the truth? By accident man, I guess that I had the bold set! I hope the font police go easy on me as it was an accident.



Regards,

Henry



PS: What is this Jedi mind trick you speak of?

[markdoane]

GT6921,

There are at least four different methods:

1. Do nothing
2. Balance the wheel and tire
3. Balance the hub, and the wheel & tire
4. Use Centrimatics, or ceramic beads.

Here is the best thread on balancing: http://www.airforums.com/forum...ead.php?t=9153

[armycot]

Hey, guys, thanks for the responses.

So, after spending more time than I should have on Google, I've finally found somebody who sells OEM steel rims for trailers in the size I need (lowcosttrailersupplies.com).

Now I need to know if I should use a 15x5 or 15x6 rim. I suppose this ties into related questions about tires and fit into the wheel well. Perhaps Andy would be willing to weigh in on this, as well as others.

Thanks

Jack

[05ModPod]

Originally Posted by markdoane

GT6921,

There are at least four different methods:

1. Do nothing
2. Balance the wheel and tire
3. Balance the hub, and the wheel & tire
4. Use Centrimatics, or ceramic beads.

Here is the best thread on balancing: http://www.airforums.com/forum...ead.php?t=9153

Thanks Mark - I will print off some good info there for the Hubster.
For our up coming trips.

[Anon]

Originally Posted by axleman

Joatmon,


Do you want the truth? By accident man, I guess that I had the bold set! I hope the font police go easy on me as it was an accident.



Regards,

Henry



PS: What is this Jedi mind trick you speak of?

Just remember, I am the self-proclaimed Axle Jedi! Henry is not my father!

[Inland RV Center, In]

armycot

Use the 15 x 6 wheels.

They will allow the tire to contain more volume of air, a good thing, as that will give the trailer a softer ride.

Andy