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Post by Teachndad on Sept 28, 2014 8:46:35 GMT -8
Hi,
I know some one who is selling a set of three rims with tires mounted for $80. They are size ST 175/80R 13. Load Range C.
Is this is a common tire size for vintage trailers? I am wondering if I should invest in them to keep around for a trailer that I might buy that has bad tires. That way I could move it if the tires are old and cracked. The tires are supposed to be relatively new with no cracks of any kind. The guy had them on his trailer, but swapped out the axle and now is using a larger rim tire combo.
what would you suggest?
Thanks,
Rod
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Post by vikx on Sept 28, 2014 8:59:00 GMT -8
I would not buy rims and tires until you know what trailer you will get. They do not all have the same bolt pattern and most have 14 or 15 inch wheels rather than 13.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 28, 2014 12:12:27 GMT -8
I agree with Vikx. But if you come across a trailer and they fit, that's a darn good deal if the tires and rims are good.
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Post by bigbill on Sept 28, 2014 15:01:16 GMT -8
Check the age code on the tires they may look new but they may be twenty years old. If no code they are OLD.
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Post by schweetcruisers on Sept 28, 2014 18:32:03 GMT -8
To ride BigBills coat tails, 90% of trailer tire failure is not due to wear, but due to age. Trailer tires deteriorate from the inside, once the outer sidewall cracks it's too late.
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Post by Teachndad on Sept 28, 2014 20:16:41 GMT -8
I agree with Vikx. But if you come across a trailer and they fit, that's a darn good deal if the tires and rims are good. The guy who has them says they are almost new. this could be verified with a date stamp, of course. I also recognize you can verify speeds that the tire has been driven at. I have not seen them in person. They are off an Airstream and they even have the red painted rims. I had originally hoped that the bolt patterns would be universal, but then Vikx pointed out that bolt patterns aren't. I thought that if it's a smaller size rim of 13", and the bolt pattern fit, then a smaller tire/rim set up just to get it home might be worth it to have around the house if I find a trailer - with bad tires. Then, if I don't need them in a year(assuming I find a trailer to restore within a year - at my budget...), I could put them up on Craigslist and at that price hopefully break even. That was my original basis for the post. Cheers Rod |
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Post by Teachndad on Sept 28, 2014 20:41:30 GMT -8
Below is a quote from John Palmer from a completely different thread that I was reading. So, maybe here is my answer to saving the tires to get a trailer home I didn't consider rim back spacing.
"Wheels have many different dimensions. You have the bolt circle diameter, the number of lug holes, the rim back spacing, the tire diameter, the tire width (cross section), that ALL have to be correct. If one is incorrect for your trailer the spare wheel/tire will not fit."
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Post by vintagebruce on Oct 3, 2014 7:12:19 GMT -8
All above comments are very informative and worth noting. I am surprised that a 13 inch rim if that is what the 13 designation is came off of an Airstream. I would have thought Airstreams would have 14's or 15's from the factory. Any Airstream owners with original 13's out there? One comment I have heard from the only tire shop within 50 miles of me that would still work on vintage camper (early 50's Silver Streak Clipper 15")split rims is that it is better to buy trailer tires, X-ply tires than car/truck radials. Something to do with trailer tires taking the weight downwards for the most part and radials are geared for the turning motion stresses cars place on them...don't know for sure if I explained that correctly, or if it is even true.
One other comment...seems like when I was reading some spec sheets about the Shasta Compact canned ham era, that Shasta used the standard 13" rim found on Ford Falcons of the same years. Maybe I just think little campers use 13" and their bigger sisters/cousins (all vintage campers except Hamlet are girls by the way) use 14's and 15's.
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Post by Teachndad on Oct 3, 2014 15:02:23 GMT -8
I can't find the ad anymore.
The rims were a faded red like you see on some older airstreams. But, I think they were only 4 hole rims - possibly adding to the mystery.
As an option, I might have been interested in just the tires themselves, if a trailer I came across had 13" inch rims. The local tire chain down my street charges $20 to uninstall and reinstall tires. Still a bargain to swap the old meats for something newer, but not brand new. I will wait to find the trailer and then search for some newer tires to just get the "new" baby home. Seems like there are people out there trying to sell their spares.
Cheers
Rod
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Oct 3, 2014 15:06:20 GMT -8
Don't buy "a" spare. Get a matched set.
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Post by bigbill on Oct 3, 2014 19:41:47 GMT -8
I answer to your question about radials carrying weight most new semis run radial tires. They run cooler,last longer, and get better fuel mileage.
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