Tire sizing question

[casarodante]

My wife and I got this Airstream from my parents after my father could not travel anymore. As I grew up I always travelled with my parents exclusively in an Airstream but I didn't always pay too much attention as a child. Anyway, here is the question:

'92 25' Excella. The owners manual has about 3-4 different tire sizes listed (don't have it here at work). From a 700x15 to ST225/75R16. I know that I have to get an ST class, I had standard car tires on a previous trailer and it was real mushy. However, the tires that are on the A/S are two Goodyear Marathons and two Nanking tires. They are both ST225/75R15 tires. I would guess the safest thing to do is make sure any replacements match what is on there right now. Safe assumption?

Thanks!

[uwe]

Hi,

I think the current size tire on your trailer is too small. I believe you should have 225/75/16 on it, to get the proper ride height and hitch height.
the 15's are almost 2" lower.
I just purchased 7.00x15 Carlisle tires for my 1971 tradewind, and they work very well, although they look very old fashioned. But after a trip to Mexico and around Souhern Cal, they work very very well and give good ground clearance. They are 6-ply bias ply. I suggest if you are going to get new tires, just get the right size. If you get the Marathons, then you need 16" Rims, as far as i know.
Good luck in your search. I bought mine from a local tire store, they had to order them. I believe they com ein 8 ply also, for heavier trailers.
Uwe

[83Excella]

Safe assumption? Yes, you should always replace with the same size tire and its a good idea (I think) to have the same brand but thats a personal choice. Also, NEVER mix the load ranges on tires. Goodyear Marathon trailer tires are a good tire to use, there are others as well, only use trailer tires & wheels, truck and/or car tires/wheels can cause an accident as they are not made to be put on trailers and cannot handle the loads & stress' of a trailer.

How does the Excursion pull your Excella?

John

[casarodante]

I will try to respond to both of these replies.

I have attached a photo of the wheels that are on there. As far as I know these are the wheels that came with the A/S. It might be nice to have a little higher ride. I have heard of the Carlisle's. I will check locally.

I know that the load range is C on the existing Marathons and that they do sell a load range D. I haven't been able to tell what are on the Nankings.

The Excursion does very well. I can usually do 50-60 up a 6% grade. Other than weight it is hard to tell that the A/S is behind us. I get an average of 10MPG with the A/S.

[davidz71]

I have the Carlisle ST225-75R-15 load range D radial tires and have been pleased with them. I've put 2000 miles on them with no trouble. Yes, I'd like a taller heigth but that was the replacement available at the time.

[uwe]

I heard the Radial tires handle nicely. Mine are bias ply, and this is the first trailer for me, so i have no comparison. I guess the Radials have shorter sidewalls, which would make them inherently less prone to sway. But amazingly the bias ply tires have very little if any sway at all, and for me the ride height is more important as of yet. I can recommend them for a trailer in the 4000-4500 lbs range. My load rating is C, I think. ( 6-ply)
Happy 4th of July to all!!!
Uwe