Airstream GLOBETROTTER 2023, Owner'S Manual

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Maintenance
8-8
2023 Globetrotter
Axle systems are installed with hubs and drums
that are compatible with many wheels used in the
recreational vehicle industry that have matching
bolt patterns. If the original manufacturer-installed
equipment is in need of replacement, the wheel
manufacturer should be contacted for proof of
compatibility prior to replacement and use.
Customers replacing original with equipment that
has not been tested for compatibility must ensure the
replacements are compatible to the hub and drum
assembly installed. Such elements of compatibility
include, but are not limited to:
• Diameter of the hub-mounting surface.
• Stud length and diameter.
• Location and number of studs.
• Center hole diameter for the wheel.
• Wheel-mounting offset from the rim center.
• Rated capacity of the wheel�
• Wheel fastener torque�
• Wheel nut size and shape�
•
Impact of any added wheel accessories (such as
decorative center caps) that could affect proper
seating of the wheel to the hub surface�
Refer to the following table for wheel specifications.
Wheel Specifications
Size/Center Size
In Inches
Lug Pattern Model
15 x 6 / 5.5 6 All Models
All wheels have zero offset�
Lug Nut Torquing
Trailer wheels must carry much higher loads per wheel
than passenger car or truck wheels. Each wheel may
carry 1000 pounds and higher. Furthermore, wheels on
tandem axle trailers do not steer, and are subjected to
very high side load stress whenever the trailer makes
a tight turn� When going around corners, especially on
slow, tight turns, the wheels are subject to very strong
side loads. This tends to flex the wheel and gradually
loosen the wheel nuts. Although the materials and
manufacturing methods are maximized for this kind of
service, these extra loads can cause stress, which can
result in flexing and loosening of wheel nuts.
Before each trip and any time a wheel is replaced, be
sure to tighten the wheel nuts, following the lug-pattern
sequence shown below� If the wheel was replaced,
check the torque every 5, 25, and 50 miles.
1
2
3
4
6
5
If you notice wheel wobbling, or hear a rattling sound
coming from a wheel, especially at low speeds, a
wheel lug nut may have come loose. This problem is
usually caused by improper tightening, or by faulty or
damaged lug bolt threads.
If suspicious of a loose lug nut, safely stop vehicle as
soon as possible� Put up warning devices and check
the tightness of all the lug nuts� Tighten all lug nuts
to the specified torque, using a torque wrench. If stud
threads are damaged or faulty, get professional service
help�
NOTE
Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts.
Tightening by hand or with an impact wrench is not
recommended. Torque Aluminum Wheels to 110 ft.
lbs and Steel Wheels to 100 ft. lbs.
Spare Tire Carrier
The spare tire for Airstreams is stored under the front
of the trailer� The front handle of the tire carrier is a
1-in. tube protruding from under the front A-frame on
the curbside� It is secured by a bracket and bolt along
the inside of the A-frame rail. Removing the bolts
allows the front of the tire carrier to be lowered and the
spare tire to be removed.
WARNING
The spare tire carrier is designed to carry an
undamaged tire and rim assembly of the type and
size specified for the trailer. Never place a severely
damaged wheel assembly with a damaged partial
tire, or a rim only, in the carrier.
Tire Rotation
(10,000-mile intervals)
Radial Tires