Tires & Wheels for a '66 Overlander

[66Overlander]

Hi to all the regular contributors. I've been reading existing message strings for a while, but now it's time to get involved, so here goes the first question . . .

My girlfreind and I bought our 1st airstream, a '66 Overlander late last year. We haven't even moved it yet, but are getting ready to in a few weeks. Before we move it, it's gonna need tires.

Based upon the many message strings I have seen, it appears that the choices are Goodyear Marathon Radials or no name bias ply tires (seems like none of the big names make 'em anymore). Other than for the vintage look, why would I want to consider bias plys?

If we go for the Marathons, it appears that the closest size to the original 7.00x15's are the ST225/15R75's. I think these are a bit smaller in diameter, but a bit wider than the 7x15's. Can ayone confirm that they will fit on a 1966 vintage trailer?

Also, I've seen posts about C & D load range tires. Is there any reason we should upgrade to D's? It seems that the C's still have a higher Load rating (2150 lbs.) that the 7x15's currently on the trailer (~ 1760 lbs. if I remember correctly), so I can't see why the upgrade would be required.

Next, given that I believe the trailer still has the original wheels, should I be planning on replacing the wheels at the same time as the tires? I've seen posts stating not to put higher load rated tires on old wheels, and come to think of it I think I remember seeing a post some time ago that suggested that radials shouldn't be put on old wheels, either.

Lastly, for this post, if we need new wheels, where can "original" type replacements be purchased? Or are we going be stuck looking at either newer style steel wheels or Aluminum wheels? Would there be any benefit to upgrading to aluminum? Are the Load ratings the same or higher than for steel wheels? I assume they are lighter, which might help ride a bit.

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[59toaster]

www.inlandrv.com has properly rated stock style steel wheels.

http://www.rjays.com/Wheels/hi-spec-wheels-01.htm for Aluminum simular to what Airstream is using today and proper weight rating.

[59toaster]

Ohh Yeah.
Welcome to the Forums!

[overlander64]

Greetings Joe!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream Overlander ownership!

If we go for the Marathons, it appears that the closest size to the original 7.00x15's are the ST225/15R75's. I think these are a bit smaller in diameter, but a bit wider than the 7x15's. Can ayone confirm that they will fit on a 1966 vintage trailer?

I am currently running the Good Year Marathons in the ST225/75 R15 Load Range D on my '64 Overlander, and have since 1995. When I purchased my first set (replace the every fifth season), my dealer also sourced a set of replacement trailer rated (2,600 pound) steel wheels. The wheel/tire combination has performed flawlessly on my coach with its gross weight of 6,100 pounds - - I generally inflate the tires to maximum sidewall rated pressure each morning before departing camp.

I have considered going to aluminum wheels on my coach to match those on my Cadillac that is used once in a great while to tow the Overlander. My regular Good Year tire dealer was able to source the aluminum wheels for the trailer that are a near match to those on my Cadillac and the set with the trailer rating have a load carrying capacity of 3,600 pounds - - it does take some shopping as many of the aluminum wheels that were listed in the catalog had a maximum load rating for trailering of less than 2,000 pounds.

Good luck with your tire decision!

Kevin

[minkus]

Hay 66, your question about " Other than for the vintage look, why would I want to consider bias plys?" is one I have been looking for an answere too.

Us trailer people are heading to where the car people, namely an "original" look. I restore old houses, and the details are what it is all about. One glance and you can tell a bias from a radial, and the look the bias gives is very distinctive.

So is it worth it? Who knows. I purchased a set of bias tires and old style rims to use for show. But for long drives, it sounds like the newer, the better.

Will be looking for more input. Thanks, Bruce

[66Overlander]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I'm going to opt for safety over looks and go for the GY Marathons. Now I need to decide on steel vs. aluminum wheels . . . decisions. decisions. Thanks again.

Joe

[Zed2]

For a discussion on radial vs bias, go to:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...threadid=10058

Regards,
Keith

[66Overlander]

Hi again, I had been thinking or going with aluminum wheels, but am now back reconsidering steel wheel so that the trailer keeps that vintage look. Does anyone make steel wheels with the "riveted on" clips to retain the hub caps? It appears that the steel wheels from Inland RV do not have the clips, byt I need them to retain the original hub caps on my '66. Were the clips partiular to a certain year range? Thanks.

Joe

[Paul Mayeux]

Joe, when I replaced the wheels on my Overlander I purchased as set of baby moon hubcaps for $8.00 apiece - they look darn close to original.
Here's what they look like.
Paul.

[Andrew Selking]

Where did you buy the Baby Moons for $8.00 a piece . I am looking for some for a friend that has a vintage unit and would like to find some for him. Any help would be great.

Andrew Selking
WBCCI #6062 VAC

[Zed2]

FYI, many of the baby moons are not the correct "cone" shaped, rather they are a "round" shape.
try Dexter Moon Hubcaps, pn 016-260-00.
Regards,
Keith

[Paul Mayeux]

Andrew - go to Quality trailer supply in Azle. They are on the right hand side of 199 as you are heading west. Take the FM730 exit. If you need the 2600 lb wheels they have those also. New for about 35.00 ea.

[Windspill]

Have you tried: www.lowcosttrailersupplies.com? They seem to have the rims and the baby moons (round and cone shaped) you are looking for at very reasonable prices.
Regards,
Tom

[66Overlander]

Tom, Thanks I checked out that site and they do seem to have the best prices I have seen.

Paul (62 Overlander), Your Overlander looks great. That has to be the coolest looking Airstream I have ever seen. I am guessing the double bunk windows must have been some type of custom order. And it looks awesome all polished up. The Baby moons look perfect on it too.

Joe

[Paul Mayeux]

Thanks Joe, yes the Overlander was custom ordered by a doctor from Amarillo, Tx. It has four beds in the center, two upper bunks and two lower. The curbside bed pulls out into a double.

Paul.

[loechli]

Joe,

Did you end up getting the hub caps for your wheels with the clips?

If so where did you get them and do you know the model number.

I am having an awful time finding them. The only place I can find is bob drake for $25.00 each.

Steve

[66Overlander]

Steve,

Sorry, no. When I had the tires changed, I was told the original wheels were still OK to use, so I had the new tires put on them (stayed with Load Range C based upon postings to this forum). I am currently using the "newer" wheel covers, which I was told were off a '68, that were on the trailer when we got it. We still have the original Baby Moons, but they are a bit rusty, with one of them pitted pretty bad. Some day we'll probably try to have them re-chromed, but for now the wheel covers will have to do.

I can say that I did see a set of original baby moons (not repro's), new old stock if I remember correctly, on eBay a couple of months ago. I think they sold for several hundred dollars (somewhere betweem $300 and $600?) for the set of four.

If you can get a set that works with the original "clipped" wheels for $100 for a set of four that sounds like a preatty good deal to me. Is this a single set that's available or a generally stocked item? Are the original or repros? I'd be interested in more information on them.

Good luck on your search.

Joe