New here :)

[Luvmy777]

Hello.. I'm Tracy and I'm trying to fix up an older 1972 dodge rv. Could really use some advice about switching the wheels from 16.5 to 16. Anyone pretty knowledgable in this area? Hoping someone would even know what vehicle the 16 inch wheels would come off of that would fit my rv. I'm pretty much starting from scratch here and need lots of friendly advice. Thanks t.

[adehaan86]

If you go with new tires then it won't be hard at all if bolt pattern lines up.

Are you going with new tires?

[clyon51]

No real world experiemce except I know some Ford and Chysler rims fit. This link should help a lot, if not get back to us.

http://vagabond101.com/upgrade-to-16-rims-asap.html

[John H...]

Not sure why you want to change the size, but welcome to the forum...

[Luvmy777]

Originally Posted by John H...

Not sure why you want to change the size, but welcome to the forum...

I'm wanting to change the size because I'm trying to get used tires for my rv and I just can't seem to find any in the 16.5 size. My money is so limited at this time in my life due to my husband falling from our roof and suffering a brain injury. He's recovering but it is clear that he will not be able to hold a job. We are loosing our home of 20 years soon and until I can figure out our next living situation our family might have to be in this rv for a period of time so our kidos can finish their school year. Soooo.. I just really have to figure out what is the least expensive way to get this rv drivable. Someone mentioned that changing the wheel size would be less expensive then finding or buying new ones size 16.5. Thought if I knew what wheels to get I might be able to find some at a salvage yard or somewhere. I Just really am hoping to not get the wrong thing and waist money I don't really have. Figured someone here might really know about this stuff and be a great help.

[Scarab0088]

So, you too have found that the 16.5" format rim is a dead breed. I have an older 4x4 and found that tires for my 16.5" rims are getting VERY rare - but, they were all the rage, "back in the day."

All older (prior to 1999) light duty trucks from Dodge, Chevy and Ford came with the same 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern (AKA: 8 on 165.1mm). That is not true anymore with oddballs like Ford's 8 on 170mm

You should be able to get 16" rims at a wrecking yard, craigslist, or e-bay.

And, a different idea is to upgrade to a "newer" size tire/wheel from a Dually Dodge 2500/3500...from the wrecker, craigslist or e-bay too. I understand that Dodge is still using 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern with newer wheels like the 17"
See the listing from Discount Tire: http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse...._Reference.cfm

Best of luck!

[Luvmy777]

Originally Posted by clyon51

No real world experiemce except I know some Ford and Chysler rims fit. This link should help a lot, if not get back to us.

http://vagabond101.com/upgrade-to-16-rims-asap.html

That link is very helpful...Thank you so much! I think I'll print it out and take it to our local tire guy and see if he can't help me find exactly what I need. That link just explained things so clearly where as I get all jumbled up trying to describe what I need.

[Luvmy777]

Originally Posted by adehaan86

If you go with new tires then it won't be hard at all if bolt pattern lines up.

Are you going with new tires?

I'm trying to find used tires that might still have some life in them.

[Luvmy777]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

So, you too have found that the 16.5" format rim is a dead breed. I have an older 4x4 and found that tires for my 16.5" rims are getting VERY rare - but, they were all the rage, "back in the day."

All older (prior to 1999) light duty trucks from Dodge, Chevy and Ford came with the same 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern (AKA: 8 on 165.1mm). That is not true anymore with oddballs like Ford's 8 on 170mm

You should be able to get 16" rims at a wrecking yard, craigslist, or e-bay.

And, a different idea is to upgrade to a "newer" size tire/wheel from a Dually Dodge 2500/3500...from the wrecker, craigslist or e-bay too. I understand that Dodge is still using 8 on 6.5" bolt pattern with newer wheels like the 17"
See the listing from Discount Tire: http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse...._Reference.cfm

Best of luck!

Okay I'm going to be honest here...you are talking tire talk that is just way over my head. But,I'm very appreciative and will print out what you are saying, study it until I really get it. Thank you so much!!!!!

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Luvmy777

Okay I'm going to be honest here...you are talking tire talk that is just way over my head. But,I'm very appreciative and will print out what you are saying, study it until I really get it. Thank you so much!!!!!

Sorry to be too technical. Probably - used tires are going to be out of the question...too old or too used.

The cheapest way to get you on the road for the next 20,000-30,000 miles would be to order the correct size for your current wheels.

Go to Sears (that's were I went) or you could order on-line or mail order like at Nextag:
Tire Truck 16.5 - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at Nextag#!

Expect to pay $100-$200 per tire. This way you only have to buy the tires you need. No swapping rims, no un-needed tire replacement for the ones that are OK.

If you really want to swap rims to 16", then you have to match your wheel bolt pattern. That is most probably 8 bolts on 6.5" diameter.



Even a set of used rims and tires from a wrecking yard will cost you much more than just ordering tires that fit.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Luvmy777

My money is so limited at this time in my life due to my husband falling from our roof and suffering a brain injury. He's recovering but it is clear that he will not be able to hold a job. We are loosing our home of 20 years soon and until I can figure out our next living situation our family might have to be in this rv for a period of time so our kidos can finish their school year. Soooo.. I just really have to figure out what is the least expensive way to get this rv drivable.

Tracy--welcome to the forum. I just want to say that I wish you and your family the best in this difficult time.

[Luvmy777]

Originally Posted by SarahW

Tracy--welcome to the forum. I just want to say that I wish you and your family the best in this difficult time.

Thank you so much...it's been one rocky ride but with every turn, the Lord has carried us. Even this little old rv was a wonderful gift from someone to our family and fixing it up, little by little, to make it livable inside has been great therapy for us.

[clyon51]

Originally Posted by Luvmy777

That link is very helpful...Thank you so much! I think I'll print it out and take it to our local tire guy and see if he can't help me find exactly what I need. That link just explained things so clearly where as I get all jumbled up trying to describe what I need.

You're welcome Tracy. You have all the basic info you need to get started and your local tire shop can certainly tell you the least expensive way to go. Many tire shops even keep old wheels and you may luck out, but you should have little problem finding wheels at a junk yard that will work. Good luck and keep us posted.