1988 Sovereign Wheel Question?

[JoeW]

Just purchased 88 model Sovereign. I had a 79 Excella several years ago with really nice looking aluminum wheels. This A/S has steel wheels with hub caps. Would like to keep everything original for the year model. I'm sure aluminum wheels were offered in 88. If so where would I find some that are correct?

[DPeakMD]

I've recently been through this for my 1972. In spite of deligent searching, I was unable to locate a source for aluminum trailer wheels in the proper size--15x6 with 6 lugs on 5.5" centers.

I think that the aftermarket wheel world has left this size behind and everything has moved up to 16" diameters and/or larger widths.

Just try a Google search, and all you'll find are Asian vehicles and websites when you enter the wheel dimensions...or at least, that's what I found (for aluminum wheels).

I resorted to the easy route which was to order the wheels through an Airstream Dealer. They are actually shipped to you from the factory.

Airstream carries two types: The more traditional round hole type found on the current Bambi/Safari line, and the ones with triagular cut-outs which appear on the newer Internationals. Those wheels resemble Alcoa LTS style wheels---which are NOT available in the aftermarket from Alcoa in the correct size (I imagine they are OEM only). The ones you remember from your older Airstream may be the elliptical cutout style. I don't where you could get those new at this time.

The "round" cutout wheels are Airstream part# 410834-100
The "triagle" cuout wheels are Airstream Part# 400935-100

The round ones are suggested price of $200, the triangles are $300. I ordered the round style from Charlie Burke at American Way RV in Boise for $180.88 a piece plus $20 shipping.

My wheels were made in China! They are a clearcoated aluminum and are imported by HiSpec Wheel & Tire in Elkhart, IN. I've included a picture below.

Remember, lug nuts and caps are not included. I hope this helps you or someone else looking at new wheels!

[qqq]

Doc,
Thanks for the info, it will help me when I loose those tacky hubcaps & go for alu wheels

Hart

[uwe]

FYI:
Outlaw and Outlaw II types will fit in the size 15x7 There are no clearance problems on my 1971 Tradewind.
They resemble the alloy wheels on brand new CCD's and Safaris. The lager classic trailers have spoke type alloys, which look totally different from the ones I got.
I paid around $ 100.00 each. This included the center cap and lug nuts.
The manufacturer is American Racing. The wheels are made in the USA.
They have a machined finish that is clear coated. Maintenance is super easy, they clean up very quickly, and won't break your back when doing brake or bearing service. I also imagine that a reduction of unsprung weight will have a positive efect on trailer handling and overall longevity.

[JoeW]

I bought the Outlaw II wheels prior to you guys posts. A friend saw them at a local tire dealer and I took one of my existing wheels just to make sure. Gave $115.00 apiece with caps. Thanks again to all for reccomendations. ---------Joe

[DPeakMD]

Thanks all for the follow-ups on the AR wheels in 15x7. I was afraid anything wider wouldn't work, but I'm glad to find out there's no problem. The 15x7's are more readily available in the aftermarket. I would rather have had wheels made in the USA, but that's what Airstream is putting on the new Safaris and Bambis.

Can you post the specs on the AR Outlaws? I'd like to know if they are in the ballpark of 2400-2600# capacity.

Thanks!

[uwe]

Dallas,
The sample wheel at my tire dealer's showroom had 2 weight ratings:
2000lbs for car/truck
2500lbs for trailer use
The wheels that i received after placingmy order did not have a weight rating stamped inside at all. They were, however, identical to the sample wheel.
Try this site - they have nice 6-lug 15x6 trailer wheels for a reasonable cost.

http://www.trailer-parts-forless.com...l_assembly.htm

[DPeakMD]

Uwe--Thanks for the link. The second choice is exactly like the wheels I bought through Airstream. I can't believe their prices. I just paid about twice that! Today I bought Goodyear Marathon ST radials in 225/75R15 for about $100 a piece. That makes my total outlay per wheel about $280. This site is much cheaper.

[uwe]

Dallas,

Not to rub it in, but at www.tirerack.com they have the Marathons on sale for under 80 Dollars per. Their shipping is much less than local sales tax.
Because of past problems with careless ( or brainless) tire installers, I now do all my own installing and balancing. So mail order tires are perfect for me.
Might not be everybody's best solution, but the tire rack has saved me lots of money over the years. With 5 vehicles ( AS included) this makes a big difference.

[DPeakMD]

Uwe-

Yep, I feel like a fool paying Airstream prices. I thought I had scoured the net and could not find anything, and here it is right under my nose practically. I live in Indiana and TireRack's here in the same state! I've purchased wheels and tires there before and they are great. I was mislead by their website, they actually don't list any "trailer" tires, you have to look them up as if they're for a light truck! I didn't find them because of that.

I've found their prices were the best. The local Goodyear dealer wants around $100 per tire mounted as well as the local Walmart (which does carry the Marathon, BTW, not the wheels).

I wish I could do my own mounting and balancing. As much as we do, it would pay for itself and I'd know that the job was done right!

Anyone used the Hunter GSP9000 style "road force" balancing for their tire/wheel combinations?

-Dallas