Tire Recommendations for a '69 Overlander

[Redleger]

I've read a lot of the forums about tires and there are some very smart people replying to the questions about tires.

We're very lucky that our family member has gifted their 69 Overlander to us. It's been sitting for quite awhile and I want to change the 7.00 15 LT C tires before I take it to our home. I've also learned that they have tubes as well.

So my question - will you please recommend replacement tires for our AS? The engineering behind your recommendation is nice to know but not necessary for me right now.

Thank you all in advance for your support

Tony and Renie
Sun Lakes, AZ

and of course Huck the mutt

[CapriRacer]

A 7.00-15LT Load Range C is 29.6" in diameter, 8.0" wide on a 5.5" rim, with an allowable rim width range of 5" to 6 1/2", with a load carrying capacity of 1710# at 45 psi.

An ST205/75R15 Load Range C is 27.1" in diameter, 8.0" wide on a 5.5" wide rim with an allowable rim width range of 5" to 6 1/2", with a load carrying capacity of 1820# at 50 psi.

So an ST205/75R15 is almost a direct replacement, except the diameter is 2 1/2" smaller. However, the ST has a speed limitation of 65 mph, where the LT may or may not have a speed rating.

Personally, I think it would be wise to upgrade to a larger tire (which also has more load carrying capacity!)

An ST225/75R15 Load Range C is 28.3" in diameter, 8.8" wide on a 6" wide rim, with an allowable rim width range of 6" to 7", with a load carrying capacity of 2150# at 50 psi. That means that 1) the width of the rim must be checked, and 2) the side clearance must be checked.

A 195/70R15C 104/102R is 25.8" in diameter, 7.9" wide on a 6" wide rim, with an allowable rim width range of 5" to 6", and a load carrying capacity of 1984# at 65 psi. This is much smaller in diameter, and requires more inflation pressure.

A P235/75R15 XL is 28.9" in diameter, 9.3" wide on a 6.5" rim with an allowable rim width range of 6" to 8", and a load carrying capacity of 1985# at 41 psi.

So you will need to 1) check the rim width, and 2) check the side clearance.

[slowmover]

Trailer weight is shown as 4500-lbs? So maybe, with options, propane and water plus gear and supplies, 5500?

With a 25% load margin an 1800-lb tire is right in the ballpark.

Even though this is the less accurate way of doing what CR did just above.

Actual scaled weight is best. And one doesn't really need 25% margin.

[nrgtrakr]

Our 75 also had 7.00x15s when we got it, one of which could have been original based on reading the DOT codes. There was some tire contact with the leading edge of the wheel wells so we went with 205s.
Next, in addition to changing to larger tires and wheels comes the conversations about radials vs LT vs ST.
My Father, a chemical engineer and avid RVer who worked for Gates Rubber product improvement as his last job before retirement, always used STs on his towables with never any problems, replacing them about every 4 years. So we went with STs, load range C.

[Jacob D]

I have run Good Year Marathon ST 225 75 R15 Load Range D tires on my '67 Overlander for 15 years now with zero problems.

[Bob Riffle]

I had to change back from ST205/75R1 to 7.00x15 because the ST's were to fat to take on and off. I had to grab on to the wheel well and wedge the tire into place. It was real hard to get the ST's on and off. I have no trouble with the 7.00's.