surge brakes are funny, ive never personally felt them work.... then again they could be working seamlessly in the background. only stuff ive ever towed with surge brakes is uhaul's boat anchor trailers, and the company trailer we use for the man lifts.

the trailer pictured has surge brakes (company trailer) its a 4x8 deck, it used to jerk when unloaded behind my ford rangers while braking, likely cause the trailer would be braking itself like it should but with no load on the deck it would brake faster than the tow vehicle and release the brakes causing all the slack in the hitches and pins to cause a jerking sensation.

ive noticed lately it don't do that....not sure if the brakes need adjustment or im driving more aggressively

now loaded with the lift on there i am still not sure if they are working properly, but all the vehicles that tow it have enough heft and stopping power to handle the 2k lb lift and maybe 1k lb trailer.

 

With the surge brakes dialed in, time to think about new tires for this beast. After all that work, why not take the Ford trailer with me to the midwest; I'll have some time to explore the western states as I mosey across our fine country.

The old ones were likely great in '92, but the rubber has since 'moved on'. They might not make the 2000 mile trek east.

Knowing 16.5 tires are getting rare and pricey, I thought about just switching over to 16''ers and getting 'dime a dozen' 265's. (well not quite that cheap) . I like the 'outie' rims and hub caps.

Figured I'd call the 3 tires stores in town and see if they knew much about 9.5R 16.5's.

-First store gave up after it wasn't on their computer system.
-Second store got further and promised to call back.
-Third store had an inquisitive young man. After the obligatory vehicle info, and details on engine - which V8 do you have on your 1965 F250? 4wd or 2wd? With A/C?

I totally got him mixed up by mentioning it's only 1/2 a pickup. 'It doesn't have an engine?" Nope i said, it's a trailer. Poor guy was having trouble imagining such a scenario, finally, with a detailed description, he got his head around it.

Ok, there's a set in Bakersfield, the last ever set of 4 Firestone Transforce HT!!

"Shall I set up an appt?"

"How much are they?"

"$129 each"

"Send 'em over to Camarillo store," I said.

oh, just a sec.... Wait they're gone!


... to be continued...

 

He called me back, now they're $161 each!

Very fishy .

He said since they're on a trailer, no need to balance, but they do offer 'bags' for balancing. I think he means beads and I'm not a fan of those for an extra $30.

I ask if they offer 'old Skool' weights?

He reiterates the need for Trailers and Semis to have 'bag' weights, or no balance at all.

I asked him to check on my idea, after all, it's worked well since 1903.

The stars aligned and wheel weight balance is available on my '65!! .

Still waiting for a call back on store #2.

 

Kathy called back from store #2 to say I have an incomplete tire size. 9.5R16.5. I was transferred to another guy who said he'd call back.


From da web, so it must be tru: The 9.5R16.5 Firestone Transforce HT has a diameter of 30.6", a width of 9.5", mounts on a 16.5" rim and has 682 revolutions per mile. It weighs 40 lbs, has a max load of 3195 lbs, a maximum air pressure of 80 psi, a tread depth of 15/32" and should be used on a rim width of 6.75-8.5".


All the stores here have a low price guarantee, just need some competitive estimates. I wonder if theyre all bidding on that last set of 4 in Bakersfield?

The Excursion first came from KY with Firestone 'law suit' tires, good thing I don't hold a grudge.

I know, my wife agrees, I'm a pain in the butt.

 

Would the 37" military mud tires be too large and throw the trailer level off kilter too much? Those can be had used cheep, usually.

maybe see if you can dig up some ecnoline wheels from a junkyard for cheep? Those are a standard 8 lug pattern.

 

Here is a little thread that I put together a couple years ago that may be helpful or not?

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...formation.html


The obvious problem that I see with 16.5s. If you are traveling and pick up something on the road, then you will be doing your internet searching from a motel in the middle of nowhere and will have to pay whatever they offer you. You will need at least a spare tire and always a possible rim.

Here is an option that may be viable?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...302883796.html

You would have replacements sitting in the garage for a few years

 

Thx Jon, you make good points and great info in the link. I have a spare 16" rim/tire from a Ford van.

Those in Whittier are worth a phone call.

 

Have used Transforce HTs on the F350 for years, now. Price quoted isn't out of line for these.

They hold up well on the truck, and may wear FOREVER on a single-axle trailer.

I'd branch out a bit, geographically, in your quest for them, as you need to talk to a real tire man. These Bozos, asking about your engine, etc., aren't tire people.

But you already knew that......

Pop

 

I like the way you think Justin. I hadn't considered those. Likely they're aged rubber also after being retired from the military?

Yep, van rims would work well, but I like my 'outies' so the hub caps clip on.

You know me too well; it is fun complaining.

 

not sure, might be waaayyyyy newer than whatcha got!

wonder if these would work for ya?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/an...304185912.html

 

Yeah, maybe a decade or 2 younger.

May have to think on that, Rodan style.


Those are dandy hub caps. I'd like to have the truck that went with those.

 

Finally got the 'stones. Good for another decade (if I keep them covered?).

 

Be sure to keep gear oil maintained in that differential, as I believe it's a full-floater axle, and that's also the lubrication for your wheel bearings.

Pop

 

Thanks Pop, that's been easier now the cover and pinion seal no longer leak. I'll keep an eye on the Dana 60 oil level.

 

Thx again, it was a pint low.

Reminds me to check the Ex too.