Tire And Wheel Replacement; Choosing A Tire; Max Load Single Vs. Max Load Dual - Airstream Caravel 2023 Owner's Manual

away from major heat sources and extreme cold.
An enclosed storage area is best with no exposure
to electromagnetic sources such as generators or
transformers. If you must keep your trailer outside,
cover your tires from direct sunlight. Take your trailer
to your tire dealer for service to check or correct any of
these conditions.

Tire and Wheel Replacement

It is possible to replace your tires with a different size,
in some instances, to increase your load capacity with
a different inflation pressure. If there is a reason to
replace your tires with a different size, make sure the
following checks are made before the purchase:
• Does the replacement tire have the load capacity that
is needed for my trailer and will it fit properly inside
the wheel well?
• Will the overall diameter difference affect the braking
system?
• Is the increase in air pressure compatible with the
maximum rated pressure stamped on the rim?
Most trailers are towed at or near maximum loads
during hot weather and then are left idle for months. In
normal use, oils in the tire come to the surface during
flexing and protect the rubber from ultraviolet light. But
when the trailer tires sit idle too long, natural aging may
cause the rubber to crack prematurely, especially in
the sidewall area. Trailer tires over 5 years old should
be inspected by a tire expert for cracking and replaced
even if it has no apparent tread wear.

Choosing a Tire

Every tire sold in the United States has a tire rating
stamped on the sidewall that shows a tire's maximum
load at a defined pressure. Use the example above
to help locate the max load rating in pounds (lbs) and
tire pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) on your
original equipment tires. Choose a tire with equal load
ratings. For tire size, inflation and load specifications,
see Specifications on page 4-3
2023 Caravel

Max Load Single vs. Max Load Dual

Max Load Single refers to the tire rating for applications
with only one wheel on each end of a single axle. Max
Load Dual refers to the tire rating for dually wheels,
where there are two wheels on each end of an axle for
a total of 4 wheels on a single axle.
Don't confuse the terms Single and Dual with Tandem.
A tandem axle refers to trailers with two axles, one
behind the other.
For Airstream Travel Trailers, refer to the Max Load
Single rating�
Do not mismatch wheels and tires.
Axle systems are installed with hubs and drums
that are compatible with many wheels used in the
recreational vehicle industry that have matching
bolt patterns. If the original manufacturer-installed
equipment is in need of replacement, the wheel
manufacturer should be contacted for proof of
compatibility prior to replacement and use.
Customers replacing original equipment that has
not been tested for compatibility must ensure the
replacements are compatible to the hub and drum
assembly installed. Such elements of compatibility
include, but are not limited to:
• Diameter of the hub-mounting surface.
• Stud length and diameter.
• Location and number of studs.
• Center hole diameter for the wheel.
• Wheel-mounting offset from the rim center.
• Rated capacity of the wheel.
• Wheel fastener torque.
• Wheel nut size and shape.
• Impact of any added wheel accessories (such as
decorative center caps) that could affect proper
seating of the wheel to the hub surface.
Refer to the following table for wheel specifications.
Wheel Specifications
Size/Center Size Lug Pattern
In Inches
15 x 6 / 5.5
All wheels have zero offset.
Maintenance
WARNING
Model
6 All Models
8-7