Fiber Stream Wheel, Bearing Sizes

[Michele B]

Hi there...going to look at a promising '84 Fiberstream, and I was wondering if any of the experienced Fiber Stream owners could advise me on the complexity of bearing maintenance on these trailers. I believe the brakes operate on the rear wheels? (double axle). I've read that it's pretty tough deal with the bearings on the wheels that have brakes...

Also, with the info I have gathered on this item, the wheels/axles are probably original. What would be the specs on the wheels/tires?

[Tom U]

Originally Posted by Michele B

Also, with the info I have gathered on this item, the wheels/axles are probably original. What would be the specs on the wheels/tires?

Michele,

The original wheels would be 4 lug 12 inch steel wheels. The original tires were 480x12. We are using 530x12 on our '79 with the original wheels.

We had the bearings done when we bought the trailer last year - just had them repacked as a precaution. No wear on any wheels. haven't heard anything about uneven bearing wear caused by the brakes.

Maybe Frederick Simpson or Victor could help there...

[Michele B]

Originally Posted by Tom U

Michele,

The original wheels would be 4 lug 12 inch steel wheels. The original tires were 480x12. We are using 530x12 on our '79 with the original wheels.

We had the bearings done when we bought the trailer last year - just had them repacked as a precaution. No wear on any wheels. haven't heard anything about uneven bearing wear caused by the brakes.

Maybe Frederick Simpson or Victor could help there...

Thanks Tom!

Another member PM'd me with some good info. Brake drums are on the leading axle, for example.

Tom, any modifications required for the larger tire?

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Michele B

any modifications required for the larger tire?

I also run 5.30 x 12" tires on mine. No modifications needed as they fit on the original wheels. they're just a little "Beefier"

[Frederick L. Simson]

Chris Hull has changed out his 12" wheels for 13" wheels. He did not modify his wheel wells or axle, but the 13's leave little clearance. I cannot remember if his axle is spring under mount (factory install) or spring over mount (raised clearance). I would definitely recommend changing to spring over if you want to go with 13's so you don't crowd the wheel wells. That also puts the tire treads closer together, leaving only an inch or so between them. My Bal tire chocks (shown in the picture below) wouldn't fit on Chris's trailer.