The best/safest approach to the tire/ rim situation is to replace the rims. Most Airstreams, except the smallest are equipped with 6 bolt rims with a 5.5 inch bolt circle. Others have 5 bolts. Any wheel shop should be able to supply these rims or try to locate a Dexter distributor.. I am using the
Dexter rims sold through camping world at about $28 each. They look decent and it eliminates hubcaps, which I don't like to run for safety reason. (can't easily check bolts or hub temp) These rims should be available from any place selling wheels although the price may be a bit higher. Similiar
5 bolt rims should also be available from Dexter. Dexter incidentally supplies the axles for most travel trailers. See the 98 camping world catalog, page 201, part # 10167 for the 6 bolt wheel. There is a 5 bolt listed also but I don't know if this is the correct bolt circle.

In addition the 6 bolt rims used in some 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive chev. product will fit but there may be a slight interference problem with the center hole as some hubs have small projections. I have heated the center at these point and reformed the center hole using a torch and hammer. Do this at your own risk. I am told certain Dodge wheels will fit but haven't done this.

Most older Airstreams were equipped with 700-15 bias tires. These tires are still made. I buy them through the local farmers co-op for about $75.00 each. These are truck, not trailer rated tires. I have had really bad luck with the trailer rated tires so changed to truck tires in this size years ago. It is possible to replace with newer radials bur make sure that you can get them into the wheel wells. Airstreams are really tight in this area. The split rims are dangerous and many tire shops will not even work on them any longer. Also if the rims are old, regardless of type, they may not be in the best of shape. I recently encountered a 69 Airstream on the road with a flat. The conventional (not split) rim had broken in half at the center line.

I will try to research thisfurther, particularly the 5 bolt wheels as the question comes up frequently.

As far as I know there is not a split rim tire as such, although they would have to be tube type. If you already have the tire size mentioned above there should be no problem putting the in a conventional wheel.

The change from Split to conventional rims took place sometime after 64 but before 69

I am just heading out the door for the south and will be Unsubscibed for the next few weeks and will miss any comments on the subject. If its something you would like me to see please carbon me direct

Rick Davis 1602
54 Safari
69 Ambassador
70 Globetrotter
Amateur Radio K8DOC
NSS 14876