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sigv · 02-11-2006, 06:26 PM

Just purchased 63 tradewind (first trailer). Where did AIrstreams originally have the spare tire? I have seen some trailers on eBay with the tire mounted on he back - is that a customization or did they come from the factory like that?

Any suggestions / information appreciated!

Thanks,

-Sig

Pick · 02-11-2006, 06:45 PM

I keep mine in the bed of the tow vehicle. Not a good idea to keep spare on the back of the coach, due to rear frame seperation issues.

RUSSELL · 02-11-2006, 06:51 PM

Hi Sig,
On my 1985 Sovereigh I gave up trying to mount the spare tire. All I do now is trow it in the back of the pickup which has a camper shell on it. I feel that AS felt that with 4 tires we may not need a spare and could limp in to repair station. Good luck about the repair station when you are heading to Alaska or far west. The repair stations are far and few.
I used my spare 3 times so far for one reason or other. Mostly becouse one my axels was bent. We blamed the brake locking up.
So if you have a pick up tow whecle just trow it in the back.
Regards Russell In Sunny Tucson Az.

bill benton · 02-11-2006, 07:00 PM

Airstream makes a spare tire carrier for its newer trailers that fits under the tongue,behind the propane bottles. I believe it was made for its newer trailers. There might be a way to adapt it to your tradewind

Larry71 · 02-11-2006, 07:30 PM

Hi Sig,

I have a 1971 Safari and my spare tire is mounted under the frame of the trailer in the front end of the trailer. I had assumed that this was standard on older AS's. Fortunately I have never had to use it and I hope it stays right where it is. Good luck with your new rig.

Larry

2airishuman · 02-11-2006, 07:40 PM

isn't the '63 tradewind on smaller wheels or with less ground clearance than the newer trailers?...seems this would be an issue with the front/under tire carrier?

cheers
2air'

gotair · 02-11-2006, 10:23 PM

I found that there is room on mine in front between the trailer and gas tanks
here is a picture

gotair · 02-11-2006, 10:30 PM

by the way those propane bottles were stollen and the new replacements are on and the tire still fits fine. there is not alot of room under my trailer to mount a spare but that sounds like another location to look at maybe yours has more ground clearance than mine... my brother has another brand and his spare is in front...between the frame rails like a spare on a pickup..? what ever you chose good luck and I would try to have a spare with me somewhere

C Johnson · 02-11-2006, 10:39 PM

My spare is right behind the propane tanks just like gotairs'. It is outta the way there and I can lock it and the propane tanks up all at once. Plus I don't have to remember to throw it in when packing for a trip.

Chris

overlander63 · 02-12-2006, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Johnson

My spare is right behind the propane tanks just like gotairs'. It is outta the way there and I can lock it and the propane tanks up all at once. Plus I don't have to remember to throw it in when packing for a trip.

Chris

That is where the spares were located for a long time. There are brackets for this, so the tire won't rub the shell.

till · 02-12-2006, 06:43 AM

Here is the factory option under the floor spair carrier. I like this because it is out of the way.

sigv · 02-12-2006, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry71

Hi Sig,

I have a 1971 Safari and my spare tire is mounted under the frame of the trailer in the front end of the trailer. I had assumed that this was standard on older AS's. Fortunately I have never had to use it and I hope it stays right where it is. Good luck with your new rig.

Larry

I like the idea of having it on the trailer. My 63 does sit low however but we are going to have GSM replace the axle and (from my understanding, the trailer will sit consirerably higher with a new one). I will contact CSM and see what they can do. Will follow up with the forum and let you know what we decided to do.

ticki2 · 02-23-2006, 07:30 PM

I installed mine as per AS instructions in Service Manual , with a few modifications. I didn't want to loose all the floor insulation so I sandwiched a piece if 1" urethane between the plywood floor and the alum shielding(cut from belly pan). I also covered the exposed A frame with alum., then caulked all seams to make water tight . Some angle iron and bolts will make a fine carrier , don't really need AS parts . When wife returns (Florida) I'll try to get some pics , she has the camera. Took about a day , most of it plannig , you know how these one-off's are.

eubank · 02-23-2006, 07:35 PM

What? Carry a spare tire? Where's your spirit of adventure? (Nope, we don't carry a spare.)

Lynn

lewster · 02-23-2006, 08:38 PM

NO spare.......NO Problem!

I have mentioned this product before. It's called Ride-On. It's a water based tire sealant that also keeps your tires in perfect balance as you drive. I have nothing to do with the company, nor do I sell this product, but when I went to change my rear motorcycle tire and found a nail and screw in it with no air loss (I never even knew they were there!) I bought a bunch and added it to every rolling tire that I own: TV, wife's car, the CCD, motorcycle trailer and both motorcycles. www.ride-on.com

wahoonc · 02-24-2006, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eubank

What? Carry a spare tire? Where's your spirit of adventure? (Nope, we don't carry a spare.)

Lynn

Don't need no stink'n spare you have an Airstream and it will tow on 3 wheels...now what you do if 3 tires go flat is another story

I have a spare but only throw it in the truck if we are going more than a couple of hours from home. PO used to put it inside the unit...not my choice.

Aaron

lewster · 02-24-2006, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Don't need no stink'n spare you have an Airstream and it will tow on 3 wheels...now what you do if 3 tires go flat is another story

I have a spare but only throw it in the truck if we are going more than a couple of hours from home. PO used to put it inside the unit...not my choice.

Aaron

Sounds great! But I don't think they will work as well on the single axles with only 1 tire

.

InsideOut · 02-24-2006, 07:32 AM

Here are a few older threads discussing different options for spare tire carriers. One of them has diagrams I drew for the carrier on our '64 GT if you want to build your own.

And yes Lew, it might be difficult to limp to a tire store with a single axle trailer!

Shari