Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Jul 23, 2015 5:58:49 GMT -8
When I bought this trailer 2 weeks ago, the guy told me that he put a different set of tires on so that he could tow it from NY to NJ (about 50 miles). They are in really rough shape and I want to change them. Here's the deal... I have an appointment to get the trailer checked out by an RV mechanic this Saturday and I was planning on just towing it there (on the current tires, about 25 miles) and having him replace them. After talking to the guy he told me that I could probably buy tires for a lot cheaper than his supplier would charge him. So I want to get tires tonight so that I can put them on. I am planning on getting new tires and wheels (maybe from Tractor Supply?) I am not sure if the guy I bought the trailer from has the correct size on there already. I took some pictures in hopes that you guys could help me. The current tires are P185/60R15. It looks like they are Goodyear tires. Is this a common size for a trailer tire? Or should I be getting 205's or something. Please impart your wisdom on me.    Other side is really rough...  |
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Jul 23, 2015 6:32:29 GMT -8
and am I looking for "bias ply" or "radial"?
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Jul 23, 2015 7:08:35 GMT -8
Okay, so doing my own research I've learned that the tires that are on my trailer now (P185/60R15) are "low profile" tires and I shouldn't be using them. Here are the ones I am planning on buying to replace... Tractor Supply - Carry On Tire <----- Link  |
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azshastanut
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1957 Kenskill 16T
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Post by azshastanut on Jul 23, 2015 8:35:01 GMT -8
The correct size is probably ST205/75D15. That is a bias ply and is recommended. A bias ply tire does not exhibit as much side sway/rocking, however the advantage of a radial is that they will usually last longer. I don't think I would get rid of your wheels. They are original Ford rims from the 50's and are very hard to find and pricey. They can be bead blasted and painted or powder coated to look new.
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Jul 23, 2015 8:48:30 GMT -8
The correct size is probably ST205/75D15. That is a bias ply and is recommended. A bias ply tire does not exhibit as much side sway/rocking, however the advantage of a radial is that they will usually last longer. I don't think I would get rid of your wheels. They are original Ford rims from the 50's and are very hard to find and pricey. They can be bead blasted and painted or powder coated to look new. Excellent, thanks for your input. Knowing that, I will definitely hold on to these rims. I'm still going to buy the replacements for now, but I'll keep these old Ford rims and use them down the road (see what I did there, lol) |
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Jul 23, 2015 12:17:53 GMT -8
Make sure you are looking for ST tires for trailer use. Although...the debate has gone on and on over the correct tires, but ST tires graded for trailer use are different than the "P" graded tires for passenger car use. Passenger cars have much different suspensions than the old campers do, and "P's" can cause a lot of sway. The best advice I have read yet was to spend spend spend up and get the 8-ply sidewall ST tires. (You won't find them at Tractor Supply however...might be a great option for putting on your original rims later on...)
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Jul 23, 2015 16:47:59 GMT -8
Make sure you are looking for ST tires for trailer use. Although...the debate has gone on and on over the correct tires, but ST tires graded for trailer use are different than the "P" graded tires for passenger car use. Passenger cars have much different suspensions than the old campers do, and "P's" can cause a lot of sway. The best advice I have read yet was to spend spend spend up and get the 8-ply sidewall ST tires. (You won't find them at Tractor Supply however...might be a great option for putting on your original rims later on...) Thanks. I bought them on the way home tonight. They are ST, so I'm good to go! These will become my spares once i refurbish the original rims and then I'll take your advice and go for the 8ply. |
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Aug 26, 2015 4:15:35 GMT -8
Hey guys. Quick tire question, but I didn't want to start a new thread just for this. I found these on craigslist and was wondering if these look like 50's rims to you. I want to get them, but I don't know much about rims and I only want them if they're from the 50's or 60's. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!  |
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Aug 26, 2015 6:14:16 GMT -8
They look from the photo to be a lot like the ones that were on my '64 Airflyte, and not all that different from the ones that were on the '70 SC. Difficult to tell from photos when they may actually be from, but they appear to have the nubs for the baby moon caps.
If those are the right size and bolt pattern, they can be repainted or powdercoated to give them a new-looking finish no matter when they were actually made.
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Aug 26, 2015 6:16:28 GMT -8
They look from the photo to be a lot like the ones that were on my '64 Airflyte, and not all that different from the ones that were on the '70 SC. Difficult to tell from photos when they may actually be from, but they appear to have the nubs for the baby moon caps.Thats really what I'm looking for. Thanks Ten. Now to find the moon caps, thats a whole 'nother challenge |
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Aug 26, 2015 6:24:06 GMT -8
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Dave K
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1958 Franklin Travel Trailer
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Post by Dave K on Aug 26, 2015 6:29:09 GMT -8
Awesome, I appreciate the help
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