Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply

Teachndad
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'55 Rod and Reel & '57 Westerner

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Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply Sept 5, 2016 7:40:13 GMT -8

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Post by Teachndad on Sept 5, 2016 7:40:13 GMT -8

Hi,

I noticed that there are now two different rims available at VTS. I am looking at the 6 hole rims.

They offer a narrower (older style)version and what I call a modern version.

Narrow (older style) 5" wide version www.vintagetrailersupply.com/15-Trailer-Wheel-p/vts-089.htm description discusses offset???

modern version 6" wide www.vintagetrailersupply.com/15-Trailer-Wheel-15x6-6-Bolt-on-5-5-p/vts-545.htm now offset??

Translation please as to what this all means.

Anyone know how the narrower rims ride?

Will the 1/2 offset on the old style rim create any rubbing issues when using new modern width tires?

Do we need to get narrower tires?

How much will it effect the cross section of today's modern tires. I assume the narrow rim will reduce the width of the tire, but it may effect stability??.

I can't afford tires from vintage tire manufacturers like Coker. I have to buy like everyone else and buy from the typical tires stores. I figured companies like Coker would have sizes that more duplicate the original sizes, but I dunno.

Thanks,

Rod

Last Edit: Sept 5, 2016 21:57:56 GMT -8 by Teachndad

"You’ll get the camper done, eventually." - nccamper

My in progress restorations
vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/3598/andy-57-westerner-restoration-thread?page=1
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vikx
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Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply Sept 7, 2016 22:19:33 GMT -8

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Post by vikx on Sept 7, 2016 22:19:33 GMT -8

The narrower rims are for older canned hams, which the Westerner is. Many times, the wider rims w/tires mounted will not clear the hub and siding.

You need to build the trailer and measure to see what will fit. There is the option of narrower bias ply tires along with the narrower rims.

I've never had a stability issue with narrow vs wide rims. Buy what fits the trailer when complete.

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Teachndad
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Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply Sept 9, 2016 15:36:16 GMT -8

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Post by Teachndad on Sept 9, 2016 15:36:16 GMT -8

Vikx,

What brand of bias ply tires are you using? Ebay has all sorts of different brands at different prices. Are you using a brand name? I do have radials currently on the Westerner, and they do fit, but are a snug fit to mount. When I towed it back from it's original owner a few years ago with new tires, I had no issues with the tire width once mounted.

My question was generated by my interest in another trailer that I was pursuing, but eventually decided not to buy.

My question is now more based on curiosity and building a knowledge base rather than a current application.

Thanks,

Rod

Last Edit: Sept 9, 2016 15:39:10 GMT -8 by Teachndad

"You’ll get the camper done, eventually." - nccamper

My in progress restorations
vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/3598/andy-57-westerner-restoration-thread?page=1
scottw818.wixsite.com/vintage-rod-and-reel

vikx
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Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply Sept 10, 2016 19:44:11 GMT -8

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Post by vikx on Sept 10, 2016 19:44:11 GMT -8

Some of my trailers have Cokers, but others are from Les Schwab and brand depends on what size the trailer will take. In other words, not all sizes are available in all brands. The guy I deal with there is a hot rod specialist, and gets me the best available. Unfortunately, not all are made in the USA.

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Teachndad
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Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply Sept 13, 2016 11:22:21 GMT -8

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Post by Teachndad on Sept 13, 2016 11:22:21 GMT -8

Hi Friends,

Just sharing more details on the subject. VTS shows the 5" rims with the maximum weight as 1680 lbs and at only 50 psi. That tells me this rim wouldn't work for the larger trailers in the 17' foot range which I believe usually run at @2400 lbs. This rim IMHO barely allows for added propane, supplies and goods. Margin might be too short to be safe.

cheers,

Rod

Last Edit: Sept 13, 2016 11:23:03 GMT -8 by Teachndad

"You’ll get the camper done, eventually." - nccamper

My in progress restorations
vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/3598/andy-57-westerner-restoration-thread?page=1
scottw818.wixsite.com/vintage-rod-and-reel

Teachndad
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'55 Rod and Reel & '57 Westerner

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Narrow rims vs. wider rims at Vintage Trailer Supply Oct 18, 2016 14:52:25 GMT -8

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Post by Teachndad on Oct 18, 2016 14:52:25 GMT -8

Hi Friends,

For anyone researching and coming across this thread some day.

I share the following:

The Dexstar rim that I posted in my first post is also available through etrailer.com www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Dexstar/AM20514.html It's the same size including the pilot hole. If you buy three of them, as I did, then you cross over the minimum for free shipping.

VTS can't offer the free shipping and the rims are bit more expensive. If you want to help out the smaller business, then you can go through VTS. If you want to save some cash, then you can go through etrailer.com

BTW, the rims fit just fine on a 1955 Rod and Reel 19' travel trailer. No clearance issues with the original axle. This trailer was estimated at @2,400 lbs. with 12" x 2" brakes.

Dexstar rims are a product of the USA company of Dexter Axle and built here.

Rims where shiny with a nice gloss black coat on them.

Features:

Sturdy steel construction

Excellent corrosion resistance

Black powder coat finish over e-coat primer

Conventional design does not have spokes

High-quality wheel meets DOT specifications

Made in the USA

Specs:

Rim dimensions: 15" diameter x 6" wide

Bolt pattern: 6 on 5-1/2"

Wheel bolt size: 1/2"-20

Pilot diameter: 3.65"

Offset: 0

Capacity: 2,600 lbs

Limited 2-year warranty

Cheers,

Rod

Last Edit: Oct 18, 2016 14:58:35 GMT -8 by Teachndad

"You’ll get the camper done, eventually." - nccamper

My in progress restorations
vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/3598/andy-57-westerner-restoration-thread?page=1
scottw818.wixsite.com/vintage-rod-and-reel