6.9-9" tires

[Steven D]

I've got a 1969 trailer that has 6.9-9" tires in need of replacement. None of the local stores I've called have a clue, I've found a couple of on-line sources but am afraid that none of these guys have a clue about mounting. The rims bolt together, I've removed the bolts from one of the rims but the halves seem reluctant to separate and I don't want to mess anything up...

What are the options? Is the replacement something a local shop should be able and willing to do? Can I replace with something a bit more up to date and easier to source? The rims have 5 lugs on 5 1/2" centers with a 4" center hole.

Thanks,

Steven

 

[64osby]

Re: 6.9-9" tires

I have the same tires, I needed two on a Sat. afternoon when they both blew at the same time That's another story.

Ended up getting them locally, on Monday, at a tire wholesaler and they put them on. Quick and easy.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 6.9-9" tires

How much clearance do you have to go taller. 5 x 5.5 is pretty standard rim ( almost all older fords). Here are some 9" http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200330179_200330179

but 9's and 10's are pretty hard to come by. I'd try to go up to a 12" if you can fit it. Even if you find them they be hard to get if you blew out in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Steven D]

Re: 6.9-9" tires

Has anyone had any luck with replacing the hubs to accept a more readily available rim? This thing has 5 on 5.5 spacing and a 4" center hole...

Thanks,

Steven

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 6.9-9" tires

I dont think you'll need to replace hubs. 5 x 5.5 is pretty common. New white spoke rims run about $40. Biggest issue will be height clearance. If you have that I'd go as tall as possible (up to a 14' or 15")

 

[Steven D]

Re: 6.9-9" tires

What I've been able to find in 5 on 5.5 rims are all 15" and I don't have the clearance to run that big of a tire (plus I'd have to back the truck all the way into the lake to get the boat floating). Even then the center hole is 3 1/4", not the 4" on these antiques... I've found a couple of mail order sources for the stock tires, but hate to invest any further in such antiquated equipment. Seems updating the hubs or coming up with an adapter plate is a better investment if possible...

Thanks,

Steven

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 6.9-9" tires

If you want a newer looking rim you may be stuck with changing hubs. Not a big deal and northen tool has them fairly cheap. You may also peruse the junk yards and look at older passenger cars (Pinto, Escort ect.) and see what they ran.