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Wexus · 04-09-2006, 02:49 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...QQcmdZViewItem

I need some wheels to get the new Airstream, 71' overlander dual axel home.
It's about a 30 mile drive after which the airstream will take some 10 mile jonts here and there but no touring. I would have to drive out and look at the wheels which I'm sure are 15" but not sure about the bolt pattern. Is this just a bad idea?
I'm in Portland so does antone know if Les Schawb carries the outlaw wheels and tires I would need, in stock? It's Sunday and I think they are closed today and I need to get the tire situation sorted out by next weekend.

Thanks all....

Bob Thompson · 04-09-2006, 03:06 PM

My experience with Ford Ranger Wheels is that they are hub-centric, meaning the wheel load is supported primarily by the axle hub and the lug nuts just hold the wheel tight to the hub. You would want to check the trailer to see if it has wheels that are hub-centric or lug-centric. In either case, the hub of the Ford Ranger wheels may still not fit over any protrusions from the hub. You would also want to verify that the bolt patterns match and the lug bolts are long enough to fit the Ranger Rims. My first thought is the Ranger wheels are likely strong enough, but they are not likely to be compatible with the axle hubs. I know, it's not a lot to go on, but it is a place to start your investigation. IF I were you and was uncomfortable making the evaluation, then I'd go to a trailer supply store and buy the trailer wheels they recommend.

ticki2 · 04-09-2006, 05:36 PM

Those Ford Ranger wheels are 5 lug , the AS is 6 lug , they won't fit , sorry

overlander63 · 04-09-2006, 05:39 PM

Your Overlander has 6 lug wheels, and those wheels are 5 lug.
Your bolt pattern should be 6x5 1/2", and should be zero offset.
OEM wheels can be had from Airstream and Inland RV, and aftermarket whels in the corrrect weight rating are available from Redneck Trailers.

**Action** · 04-10-2006, 02:18 PM

If they did fit, (and they don't) Ford Ranger wheels would not have the capacity to do the job.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

markdoane · 04-10-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action

If they did fit, (and they don't) Ford Ranger wheels would not have the capacity to do the job.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

The wheels are plenty good for the tires, but the tires are only good for 1400#.

**Action** · 04-10-2006, 02:42 PM

The Overlander will be about 5000 + pounds. Tires rated for a 1400 rating are a little light in my opinion. I would opt for tires rated in the 1800 pound or higher catagory.

And the Ranger wheels are not rated for the type of use nor stress put out by a travel trailer of this size.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

Bob Thompson · 04-10-2006, 05:03 PM

Based on the dry weight for an Overlander found here: http://www.airstream.com/airstream/p.../weights-1.pdf The dry weight is around 4500 lbs. then add 500 for "stuff". The axles carry about 4600 lbs. or about 1150 lbs per wheel. Because tires loose about 30% of their load carrying capacity over their first 3 years, it doesn't look like a save way to transport the trailer. Other factors include the back spacing of the wheels, the tire width and the available clearance inside the wheel wells. Even if for some strange reason the bolt patterns were the same (PO shadetree engineering), it still doesn't look like the way to go. Better to be safe!

scottanlily · 04-10-2006, 06:06 PM

Hello Wexus,
Hope your trip with the overlander getting it home will be a safe one.Always abit nervous brining these babies home for the first time. Anyway I would get the wheels and tires you have been wanting when you find the outlaw ll s .In the meantime pickup the steel 6 lug trailer wheels with tires new of course and get er done! You probably can list them for sale to another buyer of an airstream here on the forums .That takes the stress off some and might be easier before the weekend gets here.

Goodluck !

scottanlily

3Ms75Argosy · 04-10-2006, 06:19 PM

should have the outlaw II's (that's where I bought mine in Seattle). I think Discount Tires may have a different name in Portland - see "tires.com" for a local dealer and different rims in your size. I bought my Goodyears from Goodyear and had them mounted at Discount tires FYI.
Marc

Wexus · 04-10-2006, 09:46 PM

Well I got a quote from Les Schwab today for the Outlaw II's at $83 each. The tires rims mounting stems etc. is going to run about $750. I think in the the end this is the better way to go. Am I 100% assurd that a 15x7 6 bolt 5 1/2" 0 offset will work? Should I double check the rims first? What about the tire size?
Thanks again...

ticki2 · 04-11-2006, 05:31 AM

My '76 Caravanner is listed with the same dry weight , The GVWR is 5800# . You should base the tires on the GVWR as you will be close to that when you're ready to roll . Also , I believe the original wheels were 15x6 , you'll need to determine if there is enough fender clearance . Others on here may know that answer . Good luck

3Ms75Argosy · 04-11-2006, 07:26 AM

I've got the same wheels (15x7) with 225/75/15's. No problems - look great on our Argosy (26ft) dual axle. Basically the same trailer.
What kind of tires does Les Schwab sell? I hope they're ST or LT rated.

Marc

Wexus · 04-11-2006, 07:47 PM

I just drove an hour to pick up a set of 4 of the wheels pictured. The tires are 235 75 r15s . I paid $120 for the set of 4. I've seen a couple people who've said that they are using 235's but even if I have to get new tires, I'll still be ahead by a bit. I won't be doing any touring in this Airstream so these are just to get me around town. Now to get polishing!

http://portland.craigslist.org/pts/150015870.html