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01-12-2025, 02:45 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Airstream 2003 Wheels Question
I have a used 2003 Airstream that I recently bought with those original Alcoa wheels that I think have a recall on them and may be prone to cracking from what I've heard. I want to replace them with the SenDel Towable S20T wheels, which I like much better anyway. Plus my old wheels were not taken care of and don't look like they'll ever shine again.
My question is on sizing. I measured the wheel across and it's 16 inches, but the tire is an R15. So, I wanted to check with the folks here to make sure I do indeed have a 15" wheel.
Also, would this be a good time to upgrade to 16" wheels for higher load ratings? I plan on going with Michelin tires, and do like to travel at slightly higher speeds.
I attached pics, would appreciate any help.
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01-12-2025, 09:17 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,632
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The 15" is where the bead sits on the rim those are 15" wheels, the 16" you are measuring includes the lip of the rim to hold the bead in place.
If you are going to switch to Michelin tires you absolutely must switch to 16" to get tires in a weight rating required for your trailer, Michelin does not make a 15" tire with a high enough weight rating for a 30' Classic.
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01-13-2025, 09:54 AM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Thank you Wazbro, much appreciated.
Sounds like 16" wheels might be better for my trailer's weight rating then?
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01-13-2025, 10:39 AM
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#4
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Moderator

2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,475
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I changed over to 16" wheels back in 2012 on my 2004 30' Classic Slide out. At the time we went with the Michelin MS/2 LT 225 75 R 16 inch tires. That set was replaced with the same size Michelin Defender LT tires that were the successor model for the MS/2 tires. I did this after 6 event free seasons. This spring will be the next series of replacements after 6 years of event free seasons. The replacements will be the successor model of Michelin tire which is the CrossClimate that is currently the tire Airstream uses on the current Classic series.
Here's the wheels new back in 2012 and the original invoice and spec sheet for the wheels. It has all the info you need from wheel specs and new lug nuts. It's the Sendel T03 model. There is a similar model without the black also. These were the wheels that Airstream was using on their Classics back in 2012. Here's a more current picture of the trailer today. Your 2003 should be able to use these specs. Hope this helps.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
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01-13-2025, 01:29 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,632
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckStream
Thank you Wazbro, much appreciated.
Sounds like 16" wheels might be better for my trailer's weight rating then?
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If you want Michelin tires, 16" is the only safe choice. Michelin only makes car tires in 15" that will at best cause thousands in damage to your trailer when they blow out.
With 15" you must stay with E-rated ST (trailer) tires such as Goodyear Endurance.
For a Classic I would probably switch to 16" and Michelin.
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01-14-2025, 08:33 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Jack, thanks so much for the info, very helpful for this newbie! Much appreciated!
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01-14-2025, 08:35 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Thanks for the follow-up Wazbro, much appreciated. 16" wheels and Michelins it is!
I'm excited for the upgrade after back to back blowouts last summer within 3 hours of each other, the 2nd one with the spare causing significant damage.
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01-18-2025, 07:09 AM
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#8
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Moderator dude

1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,585
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wazbro
If you want Michelin tires, 16" is the only safe choice. Michelin only makes car tires in 15" that will at best cause thousands in damage to your trailer when they blow out.
With 15" you must stay with E-rated ST (trailer) tires such as Goodyear Endurance.
For a Classic I would probably switch to 16" and Michelin.
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Just for clarity Michelin only makes P and LT tires. Passenger car and Light Truck tires.
They do not make trailer tires (ST) nor do they recommend their tires to be used on any trailer application. (However, it is done all the time)
Using a Michelin tire on a trailer may mean dialing back on the load rating of the tire to make adjustments for the use on a trailer. Because Michelin tires were not meant for trailer application.
Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Still Streamless. But have brand X TT.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
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01-18-2025, 07:33 AM
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#9
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,129
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Just us...
We did NOT 'upgrade', we have used ST tires since new. One self-induced curb rash 'failure'.
The OEM forged wheel has never been a concern and still looks pretty good.
Like most things AS proper care is important.
ie...keeping the mount flanges on the wheel and axle clean and rust-free, proper inflation, and regular inspections.
POI that wheel weight has no business being on the outside of the wheel. Stick-on on the backside is preferable.
CLEVELAND, November 2, 2000 — Alcoa Wheel Products is voluntarily recalling forged aluminum light truck wheels, size 16x7J, LTS style, 8 on 6.5″ bolt pattern (Alcoa part number 167011).
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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01-19-2025, 10:48 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Ravenna
, Ohio
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,361
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Action
Just for clarity Michelin only makes P and LT tires. Passenger car and Light Truck tires.
They do not make trailer tires (ST) nor do they recommend their tires to be used on any trailer application. (However, it is done all the time)
Using a Michelin tire on a trailer may mean dialing back on the load rating of the tire to make adjustments for the use on a trailer. Because Michelin tires were not meant for trailer application.
Action
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If a "P" type tire is used on anything other than Passenger car (Pickup, Trailer Stationwagon etc) the load capacity MUST be reduced by 10%. This is tire industry standard not just Michelin.
__________________
Retired tire engineer (50 years). Write a blog on RVTire Safety Net. Give seminars for FMCA across the US. Perry GA in Mar 2025 is next.
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01-19-2025, 07:08 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member 
2000 28' Excella
Godfrey
, Illinois
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 83
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Wheel Crack
Here's an example of why changing wheels may be a good idea.
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01-31-2025, 08:26 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Wow! That was my concern.
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01-31-2025, 08:28 PM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Thanks Robert. Your wheels look much better than mine!
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01-31-2025, 08:28 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Thanks Action for that point of clarity, much appreciated.
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01-31-2025, 08:36 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member 
2003 30' Classic S/O
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Jack, thank for the additional info. Good looking trailer too!
One more question: I thought I would be getting 225's but looking at the wheels online, the website tried to steer me towards 235 tires. They didn't have any Michelin tires anyway, so I'll get those locally, but was wondering why it tried to put 235s with the Sendel Towable S20T....? Thanks!
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02-07-2025, 10:08 PM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
Moreland
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 166
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wazbro
The 15" is where the bead sits on the rim those are 15" wheels, the 16" you are measuring includes the lip of the rim to hold the bead in place.
If you are going to switch to Michelin tires you absolutely must switch to 16" to get tires in a weight rating required for your trailer, Michelin does not make a 15" tire with a high enough weight rating for a 30' Classic.
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The China maypop the OP has in the pics is a 225/75R15 load range E. Goodyear Endurance in this size is a Load Range E which has a max load of 2830 lbs each.
I do agree, going to 16 inch is popular with Airstreamers and allows the use of properly load rated Light Truck tires, however its certainly not necessary.
According to this Airstream specification sheet, the 30 ft Classic with slide out has a gross weight of 9100 lbs and a non slide 30 ft has a GVWR of 8700 lbs. And I'm not even allowing for tongue weight subtracted from those numbers.
Charles
__________________
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9L HO PacBrake six speed std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 BigfootRV 21RB trailer.. Previously, 2008 Thor Freedom Spirit 180, SOLD! 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome, SOLD!
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02-07-2025, 10:25 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
Moreland
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 166
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jcanavera
I changed over to 16" wheels back in 2012 on my 2004 30' Classic Slide out. At the time we went with the Michelin MS/2 LT 225 75 R 16 inch tires. That set was replaced with the same size Michelin Defender LT tires that were the successor model for the MS/2 tires. I did this after 6 event free seasons. This spring will be the next series of replacements after 6 years of event free seasons. The replacements will be the successor model of Michelin tire which is the CrossClimate that is currently the tire Airstream uses on the current Classic series.
Here's the wheels new back in 2012 and the original invoice and spec sheet for the wheels. It has all the info you need from wheel specs and new lug nuts. It's the Sendel T03 model. There is a similar model without the black also. These were the wheels that Airstream was using on their Classics back in 2012. Here's a more current picture of the trailer today. Your 2003 should be able to use these specs. Hope this helps.
Jack
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Those same Sendel wheels now are $212 I have the T03, in aluminum finish, 15 inch, 6 on 5½ bolt circle and yes, nice looking wheel.
Nice looking trailer and wheels.
Charles
__________________
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9L HO PacBrake six speed std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 BigfootRV 21RB trailer.. Previously, 2008 Thor Freedom Spirit 180, SOLD! 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome, SOLD!
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02-07-2025, 10:33 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master 
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,632
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlesinGA
The China maypop the OP has in the pics is a 225/75R15 load range E. Goodyear Endurance in this size is a Load Range E which has a max load of 2830 lbs each.
I do agree, going to 16 inch is popular with Airstreamers and allows the use of properly load rated Light Truck tires, however its certainly not necessary.
According to this Airstream specification sheet, the 30 ft Classic with slide out has a gross weight of 9100 lbs and a non slide 30 ft has a GVWR of 8700 lbs. And I'm not even allowing for tongue weight subtracted from those numbers.
Charles
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He said he wanted Michelin tires. I said it was necessary to go to 16" IF he went to Michelin tires and if he stayed with 15" he had to use ST/trailer tires which Michelin does not make.
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