Re: [VAC] 59 22' Safari Tire and hitch question

[Agrijeep@xxxxxxx]

Don:

   Last November (1999) I retrieved a 22 foot long 1956 Aistream that was 
about 175 miles away near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on the other side of 
the Continental Divide from Denver.  It had old used tires on split rims, 
none of which matched.  But the old tires held air and looked serviceable.  
Not pretty,mind you, just serviceable.  Each split rim wheel was of a 
different design.  I inflated all 3 tires to the high pressure molded into 
the sidewall when I first arrived to prep the trailer.  If there had been a 
slow leak, it would have disclosed itself while I worked on other tasks.  No 
leaks appeared, slow or otherwise.  I hooked up the trailer lights and 
checked them; they all worked: brakes, right, left turn, taillights.  

I secured loose items inside, laying down on the floor anything that might 
fall over of off.  Hitched up the trailer and wired the hitch secure with a 
coat hanger in the closed position so it would not come undone on a bump.   
Filled up my portable air tank on last time.  Pulled the trailer forward 20 
feet and checked everything.  Nothing fell off, all was connected and tight.  
Drove 1/4 mile to the Interstate (I-70) entry ramp.  Checked everything 
again; all OK.   Drove slow at 45 MPH to the first exit stop 5 miles away and 
checked everything again.  Tires slightly warm but still hard, wheel bearings 
cool and tight.  Drove 50 MPH for another 20 miles and pulled over and 
checked everything again.  Tires slightly warm but fine, no bulges, no tears, 
no rips, no loose rubber.  Wheels bearings just warm but fine, nothing hot.  
Continued driving to Denver in the slow lane never exceeding 55 mph.  People 
passed me constantly on my left.  That was fine with me as I was in my Frank 
Sinatra trailering mode, "Nice and Easy."   Revenge was brief yet mine as I 
passed one tractor-trailer crawling up the west side of Vail Pass as I blew 
by him at 45 MPH.   I took my time going up to Eisenhower Tunnel and down the 
other side to Denver.  

I arrived home just fine, with an unused spare tire under full pressure at 
the ready.  I was alert the entire trip but not paranoid.  Now that the 
trailer is safely home, I will take my time to find just the right wheels and 
tires for it.   If the tires on the trailer you bought look OK on visual 
inspection, air them up and use them.  Check the tires frequently when first 
starting out.  Keep your portable air tank full.  Have your hydraulic bottle 
jack and wood blocks (or jack stands) at the ready.   Be alert and you should 
arrive home OK.  Just take you time.   Good luck!

Fred Coldwell
Denver, CO.  
WBCCI 1510, VAC.