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**moosetags** · 10-11-2013, 04:07 PM

We are considering downsizing to a 23FB. We found a really nice 2012 that has hardily been used. We have already decided that the 23FB will work for us from a camping standpoint. We are a little concerned about the 14" ST Marathons.

What's the consensus on the 14" ST tires and the possible replacements?

Brian

Wayne&Sam · 10-11-2013, 04:59 PM

That's what put me off a 23'. I can't imagine there are many good tire options in a 14". Why the heck did they did that? Just to save a few buck because it's the lightest dual axel?

Ridgerunner3 · 10-11-2013, 05:06 PM

I think I read a post on the Airforum where someone switched to a 15" wheel on one of these 23 foot trailers. That would give you the Michelin 15" option.

I need to search to see if I can find that post.

field & stream · 10-11-2013, 05:08 PM

We have a 2008 23' Safari SE and are in the process of upgrading the wheels and tires to SenDel T02's with Michelin 235/75/15 LTX M/S 2 tires. This was after much reading on these forums.

Because of the relatively light weight of the trailer combined with twin axles (the lowest weight per axle of any current airstream), in my opinion it is plenty of tire and gets you away from all of the 14" tire issues.

Here's a link to one source: Custom Tires, Custom Wheels, Wheel and Tire Packages, Chrome Rims for your Car, Truck, or SUV from Performance Plus Wheel and Tire

**moosetags** · 10-11-2013, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by field & stream

We have a 2008 23' Safari SE and are in the process of upgrading the wheels and tires to SenDel T02's with Michelin 235/75/15 LTX M/S 2 tires. This was after much reading on these forums.

Because of the relatively light weight of the trailer combined with twin axles (the lowest weight per axle of any current airstream), in my opinion it is plenty of tire and gets you away from all of the 14" tire issues.

Here's a link to one source: Custom Tires, Custom Wheels, Wheel and Tire Packages, Chrome Rims for your Car, Truck, or SUV from Performance Plus Wheel and Tire

Thank you. I appreciate this tire information very much. This issue is my main concern about going to a 23.

Brian

scotttho · 10-11-2013, 08:43 PM

Hi Brian:

We camped near you two weeks ago in Moab; I had a chance to talk with SueEllyn. We have a 2009 23FB and just replaced the factory Goodyears last month after approx 20,000 miles including this years 6 month trip to and all over Alaska including many unpaved roads. I went with the exact same tires as I have complete confidence in them and have never had a problem with them. I know others have different opinions but I'm simply sharing my experience. Hope this helps.

Scott

**moosetags** · 10-11-2013, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotttho

Hi Brian:

We camped near you two weeks ago in Moab; I had a chance to talk with SueEllyn. We have a 2009 23FB and just replaced the factory Goodyears last month after approx 20,000 miles including this years 6 month trip to and all over Alaska including many unpaved roads. I went with the exact same tires as I have complete confidence in them and have never had a problem with them. I know others have different opinions but I'm simply sharing my experience. Hope this helps.

Scott

Thanks for the input, Scott. That makes me feel a little better about the 14" Marathons. You will have to excuse me for being a little gun shy. We had horrible experience (3 separate blowouts) with the 15" marathons on our 25FB when it was new.

SuEllyn enjoyed talking to you in Moab also. I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet you.

Brian

GinMame · 10-12-2013, 02:27 AM

Hi Brian,

Nobuko and I are still debating the 23FB vs 25FB issue, every time we get close, one of us comes up with something else to consider and the 14" tires is one of my main dislikes. Like you, after reading these forums, I wasn't a big fan of the GMTs. So, I went out and got some quotes on ordering a 25 FB with the 16 inch tires from the factory. I wonder if it is possible to order a 23FB with the 15 inch tires and rims from the factory? One thing that our dealer did mention to us is that the 25FBs have never adjust brakes and never lube axles, while the 23FB only has the never adjust brakes and that the 23FB's axels need to be lubed every 10,000 miles or so. Just food for thought as I know that you take extremely good care of Fred and the girls on your trips from your emails. Which Nobuko and I enjoy greatly by the way.

All the best to you and SuEllyn and we hope to meet you when you manage to make it to SoCal on one of your trips.

Cheers,
Rion

Kosm1o · 10-12-2013, 03:47 AM

Hi Brian,
We kept the 15" wheels on our 28' Safari and went with the Michelins. There are hundreds of Airstreams using them without issue and we have at least 10k on ours. Personally I wouldn't have any more confidence in a 14" GYM than a 15" one. I have read of your troubles with them as well as the Maxxis. BTW, does Lucy know about this?

xrvr · 10-12-2013, 05:01 AM

The 23 footer sounds great. The lighter weight may give you more options on tires. How is the truck camper working out? We found an unopened package of moose tags which will come in handy in the Avion and truck. They were a gift from you at TOG years ago. Good luck with the choice of trailers. Jim

Wayne&Sam · 10-12-2013, 05:03 AM

Even if you put 15" wheels on it, you're still going to have 10" rather than 12" brakes. Anyone see that as an issue?

murreywalker · 10-12-2013, 06:12 AM

After two years with the 23FB, we moved up to the 25. Needed more space for longer trips.

Had no issues with the tires.

BUT, you should consider the 2014 23FB. The dinette is vastly improved with a seating configuration that should actually seat four!

field & stream · 10-12-2013, 08:18 AM

Here's a link to a Forums thread on the subject:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f465...els-89913.html

**moosetags** · 10-12-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GinMame

Hi Brian,

Nobuko and I are still debating the 23FB vs 25FB issue, every time we get close, one of us comes up with something else to consider and the 14" tires is one of my main dislikes. Like you, after reading these forums, I wasn't a big fan of the GMTs. So, I went out and got some quotes on ordering a 25 FB with the 16 inch tires from the factory. I wonder if it is possible to order a 23FB with the 15 inch tires and rims from the factory? One thing that our dealer did mention to us is that the 25FBs have never adjust brakes and never lube axles, while the 23FB only has the never adjust brakes and that the 23FB's axels need to be lubed every 10,000 miles or so. Just food for thought as I know that you take extremely good care of Fred and the girls on your trips from your emails. Which Nobuko and I enjoy greatly by the way.

All the best to you and SuEllyn and we hope to meet you when you manage to make it to SoCal on one of your trips.

Cheers,
Rion

Hi Rion and Nobuko, it's great to hear from you. I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying our trip emails. We are considering going to the 23FB to reduce our length by 26", our width by 6", and our weight by 1,000# or more. We have spent some time sitting in a 23FB and feel that it will suit our camping style. I have already priced going to 15" wheels and Michelin LT's. It's going to cost around $1,300 plus mounting, which is about what it cost to put the 16's on Lucy. By the way, Lucy's 16's now have 50,000 miles and 3 years on them with no problems and no discernible wear.

Lucy has been very good to us. We have now had her for eight years, towed her 116,000 miles, and have spent almost 1,400 nights in her. We are considering this change to get a fresh start.

Brian

**moosetags** · 10-12-2013, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

The 23 footer sounds great. The lighter weight may give you more options on tires. How is the truck camper working out? We found an unopened package of moose tags which will come in handy in the Avion and truck. They were a gift from you at TOG years ago. Good luck with the choice of trailers. Jim

Hi Jim. The truck camper has worked out very well for us. It has given us the option of spending the night in the back country without Lucy. It also gives us a an additional 7.5 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer. This makes the 5 cubic foot refer in the 23FB doable. Glad you can use the Moose Tags.

Brian

**moosetags** · 10-12-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kosm1o

Hi Brian,
We kept the 15" wheels on our 28' Safari and went with the Michelins. There are hundreds of Airstreams using them without issue and we have at least 10k on ours. Personally I wouldn't have any more confidence in a 14" GYM than a 15" one. I have read of your troubles with them as well as the Maxxis. BTW, does Lucy know about this?

Yes, Lucy knows. She was with us when we stopped to look at the 23FB's in Gulfport.

Brian

**moosetags** · 10-12-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murreywalker

After two years with the 23FB, we moved up to the 25. Needed more space for longer trips.

Had no issues with the tires.

BUT, you should consider the 2014 23FB. The dinette is vastly improved with a seating configuration that should actually seat four!

Thanks for the tip on the dinette. We did notice that while we were looking at the dealer.

Brian

**moosetags** · 10-12-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by field & stream

Here's a link to a Forums thread on the subject:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f465...els-89913.html

Great thread. Thanks for the link.

Brian

**moosetags** · 10-12-2013, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

Even if you put 15" wheels on it, you're still going to have 10" rather than 12" brakes. Anyone see that as an issue?

I would definitely rather have the 12" brakes. The 23FB is quite a bit lighter and we are towing with a one ton truck. I think that we can deal with the smaller brakes.

Brian