How Do I Find My Correct Tire For My Shasta Starflyte Camper

Question:

Its a 1967 Shasta starflyte camper that weighs 2500 lbs. It currently has Carlisle St 215 - 75 D14 tires on it. I was going to order the same tires but wondering if those are really even the right size.

asked by: Jackie G

Expert Reply:

The fact that you have "ST Tires" means you definitely have a trailer tire. Those tires will be labeled ST before the tire size to designate a special trailer tire. This will mean the tire is designed with stronger sidewalls to handle the extra loads that a trailer/camper will put on the tire. As a result you may have the correct sized tires.

In regards to tire clearance, the minimum distance between the inside of a tire and the frame rail depends a lot on the setup of the trailer. But as long as the tire and the frame don't touch you would be fine. You should have at least 2 inches from the sidewall to the trailer and at least 3 or 4 inches from the tread to the underside of the fender. If you have that clearance than the tire size you have is fine.
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If ST215/75D14 is your correct tire size, # AM1ST90 is a suitable replacement. This bias trailer tire has been rigorously tested to ensure that it exceeds Department of Transportation standards. This tire fits 14" wheels; its maximum load is 1,870 lbs at 50 psi. In order for you to measure for clearance the section width is 8.4" and the outer diameter is 26.3".

Another option is the Karrier ST215/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10229. A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. A radial tire will normally run cooler than a bias ply tire, especially when the tire is under a load. A tire that runs cooler will last longer.The section width is 8.5" and the outer diameter (when inflated) is 26.8" if measuring for clearance.

If there isn't enough clearance, let me know so I can make a different recommendation.

expert reply by: Timothy G