Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Been slowly gathering enough stuff to start a little camper.

I have an old 60's/70's vintage camper frame. The thin frame metal is badly rusted, but the old torsion axle is still in decent shape (surface rust outside, but the axle is strong and trailers well) It has 4 lug rims and 20.5x8-10 tires.

I'm gonna media blast the rims and axle and have them powder-coated at work. I'm looking for new tires. Anyone know where is the best place to order new tires. The old ones are 6 ply and are rated at 1300 lbs.

Also, does anyone sell baby moon type hub caps for these little wheels.
Thanks.

10" hummm. A farm supply maybe. You might want to upgrade to a bigger tire if you can...Maybe a 13" or 14" auto tire...

Those tires are still available. Most any tire dealer can order them from Carslile Tire. If you go the the Carlisle website, they show the load ranges availabel and ratings, specifications, etc. I like the higher load range, C or D. Bigger safety margin and they run at a higher PSI. Rides rougher though. As far as gong to a larger wheel, not sure you will find a proper fit. Might match the bolt pattern but ofsets. etc may cause a problem and transfer excessive loads to the bearings.

Sorry, I forgot to mention, I searched high and low for baby moons to fit mine. No luck. I did find a source for finned full wheel covers though. I have not decided what I am going to do. Possibly paint the wheel to compliment the trailer and cover most of the wheel with a fender skirt?

Thanks for the feedback.

I did blast and paint the rims today. One looked great, but it's mate was pitted on the bead area of the rim. That's where the tire seals. I may end up looking at some taller 4 lug wheels and chunk these old ones.

e-trailer has a deal on white powder-coated 13", 4 on 4" wheels. Even with shipping; less than anything local. WallyWorld wanted $45 each for a galvanized rim.

Had to get this from Mike S. Here are a list of auto bolts.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7094

My 94 Nissian has 13" wheels with 4 bolt. Same bolt pattern as a Geo Storm but the Storm has 14" wheels..

Thanks to the both of you for the extra links.

Miriam,

I have an old Sentra with those size rims. I may pull the donut spare and see if it fits, just for giggles.

I took the rims to a local tire guy and asked him about the pitted one. He told me that he has some goo-pucky called bead-seal that should seal it nicely against the new powder coating finish. He also could order some 8 ply tires and mount them for $49 each.

My old Sentra rims were that size with a 13" tire... Junk yards are wonderful things.

Here is an alternate if you can get a 14" rim gives that same old fashion look.

http://hubcapmike.com/bhc01-14.html

If the 4 bolt pattern is 4 inch; Vega/Monza or similar GM rims will work

Forgot about this thread....thanks guys for the other suggestions.

Anyhoo...that local tire guy had new 8 plies for both old rims. $130 mounted. I got the rims cleaned and powder coated. The "new" wheels look better than I would have thought. Plus these old rims look rough, but they are solidly built. Some new ones I found where less expensive, but flimsy looking.

Old axle even had electric brakes that looked like they were never used. Same with the bearings. Only other outlay of cash was new seals. So far I have a torsion axle, with brakes and sound wheels for less than $150. Luckily, I have access to industrial painting and machinist equipment.

On of my teardrop heroes, Eatatjoes, has the best budget I've seen so far. I've already blown past his budget, but trying to keep my project under a grand.

Soon as I get a chance I'll post some pics. [/img]

Old axle/wheels before:



Refurbed axle/wheels: