1961 Bambi wheel rims

[jennings0566]

I recently purchased an axle from Inland RV and now I'm looking for rims. I'd like to use 15" or 14" rims but I believe in order to do so I need at least a 3" positive offset. Zero offset rims will not work as there is just not enough room from center to the outside to support a tire wider than 6". The rims that came with the rig, many years ago, were car rims, 14" with 8" wide tires. I would like to avoid using car rims if possible. I'll use the orginal 13" if necessary of course. Thank you.

[Melody Ranch]

Put your old tire and rim on (if it will fit) and see where you can go. Get a wheel that has the proper "backspace" to put the tire where you want it....using the original as a starting point to measure. Note...working with backspace and not offset will be easier on you....and....if all else fails...ask Andy. He would know.....and he has wheels.

[jennings0566]

Thank you for the reply. From the face of the hub to the fender is 3.5 inches. A tire width of 7" is the max and this usually ends up being a tire with a narrower tread width, say 6.5. I have not found a 14 or 15" trailer tire this narrow.

It is 5 inches from the hub to the wheel wheel on the inside before I run into the shock absorber.

The overall space could accomodate an 8" wide tire but it cannot be centered over the hub, consequently I think I need a rim with with a positive offset, similar to what front wheel drive cars have. In fact the four lug rim that came with the bambi was from a Saab.