1993 Excella-15" to 16" questions-tires and rims

[Airstreamfan]

I just dragged home my first Airstream. It's a 1993 29' Excella Classic in nice shape (pic below).

It currently has 15" rims, with Goodyear Marathon's, ST225/75R15. They are "Made in Canada", which means they are pretty old. They are also dry rotted and splitting, and are coming off before they hit the road. I would never again take a trailer on the road with Marathon's, as I had major blowout issues on one of my fishing rigs, losing 3 tires in 1 year (new). Seeing your bass boat in the rear view mirror going sideways behind you is a scary event.

I am giving strong consideration to upgrading to 16" rims, with Michelin LT tires, and I know this is discussed ad nauseam here, but I was wondering if anyone knows if these will fit on my 1993 Excella?

I'd also like to upgrade the rims to all aluminum, and have read about a couple different brands. Recommendations please?

Sendel vs. HWT HiSpec......which specific wheels fit on an Airstream?

I'll stop here.

[Airstreamfan]

Nobody here knows if 16" tires will fit on a 1993 Excella???

[Lumatic]

Cant tell you 100% but I think it is a common switch

[waninae39]

we did the 15 -> 16 on our sport 22fb.

it was easy to do.

make sure you do the spare also

[Bill M.]

I do not know for sure but think they will fit.

I expect the 16" rims are a good upgrade. But my choice would be to stick with the 15" wheels and get the new Goodyear Endurance tires.

[Airstreamfan]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

I do not know for sure but think they will fit.

I expect the 16" rims are a good upgrade. But my choice would be to stick with the 15" wheels and get the new Goodyear Endurance tires.

Bill, If you'd experienced the major problems I've had with several trailers, and 1 truck, with Goodyear tires, you'd maybe feel the same way I do. I own a construction company, and have had several premature failures on large, heavy duty Goodyear truck tires with low mileage. I've also had 3 different Goodyear Marathon blowouts, and 2 of them were within 6 months of purchasing new. I've also had the 4 Goodyear LT tires that came with my last Dodge Ram wear out 20,000 prematurely, will all sorts of internal issues, and in every instance, except for the 2 brand new blowouts, Goodyear did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for me. I have drawn the line in the sand, and they are not getting my patronage any more.

Besides, the Michelin's are better quality tires, with a LOT of people saying great things about switching to them, and that's the direction I'm going in. My wife and I are getting ready to go on some long trips with our new Airstream, and I don't want problems. Nobody does.

Thanks for your input.

[Foiled Again]

16" rubbing against the wheel wells might be a problem. Lift kit? I DO NOT know the answers, but think the questions deserve answers from those who have had experience.

[Airstreamfan]

Well, I've decided that I'm buying them, so I placed the order for 5 new Sendel rims and 5 Michelin's. Hoping it'll fit in the spare tire compartment, because I've heard that can be a problem. If not, I'll fabricate a new one, or alter mine. If they rub, I'll install a lift kit, which was a consideration for me when buying, anyways. I'm a little surprised, with all the Excella's out there, that nobody replied.

I'm just not giving any more of my money to Goodyear. They don't deserve it.

[GCinSC2]

Might want to research identifying if axles are worn out, rubber cords. I can’t quote criteria but a search might get you that info.

[Airstreamfan]

Thanks. Axles are good. I checked them out thoroughly, and they have 3" of lift before the tires start coming off the ground. From what I've read, that's "pretty darned good".

[Dano73]

How did you make out with the new tires and rims? Any clearance problems? I agree with your goddyear assessment. They screwed a lot of people over the years with a bad product, I don’t care where it was made. Now they put out an E rated tire, well of course it’s better!, it’s a different load range! I went with maxxis tires on mine, seem to be fine so far. Goodyear won’t be getting any of my money either.

[Noggin]

Originally Posted by Airstreamfan

Nobody here knows if 16" tires will fit on a 1993 Excella???

Yes, they will fit fine. I had them on my 1990 Excella 29 and 1999 34. Just make sure you get the 0 offset rims.
Enjoy your Airstream

Joe