Community Forums

SyrenSkywolf · 06-09-2011, 02:01 PM

I've searched up and down for topics related to this, but most I found were for Fords.

I am going to want to convert the 16.5 x 6 rims on our '78 Dodge Tioga to something more common (front rims and dually's). I plan to check out salvage yards for decent rims, but not sure what exactly to check for (sizes, lug spacings, etc). What makes and years would convert over without requiring modification, and what is the easiest way to tell if they will clear the brakes? Would I be better off looking at 17's instead of 16's?

Anyone have any experience with doing this? I don't want to get rims that end up not working. Being in Montana, the gas cost to pick them up from some other area in the state could be big if they end up not working. From what I can tell, it will be easier (and cheaper) to find the rims and some good used tires than searching high and low for tires that will fit the current rims. I plan on getting new tires for it next year, but I just need something that will get me through fine until then (and yes, I will check the dates and condition before getting the tires).

Any help or advice would be much appreciated!

Big Bear Local · 06-09-2011, 02:21 PM

Being in Montana there should be plenty of old work trucks laying around that have the wheels you want. Or the rich ranchers that put Alcoas on and threw the old stock wheels in the barn.

SyrenSkywolf · 06-12-2011, 12:31 AM

Ok, a side question concerning this. I had a chance to glance over the tires that are on it while I was out working. I can't for the life of me find the dang date code :( I did find out, though, that all the tires on it are 16.5 x 8.00, not 6.00 as the tag on the drivers side door indicates the rims are.

Aside from that, every tire on the drivers side looks great. No cracking or checking. The inside tire on the rear passenger side looks excellent as well. The only bad ones are the outer passenger side tire and the front passenger side. I'm assuming they have been blasted by sun quite a bit, leaving the others protected.

Would it be plausible to take the inner tire on the passenger side, put it on the front passenger side, and get two new tires for the dually's on the passenger side? It would only be until next summer, so I'm trying to have as many options available to me as possible.

Thanks!

Senior Chief · 06-12-2011, 06:29 AM

RV tires die from old age. No matter how good they look, (and they often look excellent) after 8-10 years they become an accident just waiting to happen.

And a blow-out in an RV is not necessarily like any blow-out you've had before. Your RV is fiberglass, aluminum and wood, not sturdy steel like your car. The exploding tire can take out your walls, waste or water tanks, floors and cabinets, and so on. The damage can be much more extensive.

The date codes should be impressed into the tire, not raised like the other numbers, like this;

If you can only find a code with 3 digits, its from before the year 2000.

SyrenSkywolf · 06-12-2011, 09:17 AM

Yeah, I've seen them on previous ones before. It's just being a pain for some reason to find this time. I'll have to look a lot closer while I'm out there today again.

My question about switching tires around was all depending on the dates when I finally find them. I just know 2 tires for sure need to be replaced.