TIRE   REPLACEMENTS   IDEAS
FOR  A  SERRO  SCOTTY  OR
A  VINTAGE  CAMPER
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The original Scotty tires, General 640/15, are no longer available. You can still get that size in Firestone or B.F. Goodrich(also, I have found out that places that carry farm implement and specialized tires usually can get you this size), however many owners are choosing to go to a modern tire/size. Modern replacement size is F78-15ST (special trailer). Metric size is 205/75D15. Whatever you choose, go with a bias (either 4 or 6) trailer specific tire and not a car radial. This helps prevent trailer sway. This can also apply to alot of vintage campers.

Later Scottys (1979 LITE models, at least) used A78x13" tires.

* The diameter for a 6.50 x 15 tire is +/- 28.5",  the cross section(width across the widest part) is +/- 7", with the tread being about 4.45" wide.  So, those are the parameters of 'suggested' tire.

This is a Tire Size Calculator page from Grizz.... LINK

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This is some good tire information from Oldforester
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"I came across some information about tires.  It concerns the age of a tire.  Even if a tire is not run on the ground, it still ages.  Tires in excess of 6 years are not recommended.  A tire's week and year of manufacture can be found in the series of numbers on the tire. The last four digits in the series are the ones about when manufactured.  For example, the number 4107 means that the tire was made the 41st week of 2007.  Tires made before the year 2000 have three digits, so they are definitely too old to use.  It is also good to check these numbers when buying new tires.  Cases have been reported that tires have been sold as "new" because they had not been on a vehicle, but in checking the date of manufacture were found to be older than evident by appearance."

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Tire Suggestions and Resources
 Trailer vs. Passenger Tire, an opinion...

From KEN :  They do make radial tires for trailers. Any tire you decide on make sure it is rated and designed for trailers. Since trailer tires do not drive or steer they have to have different properties than an automobile tire. They just follow. You don't want the trailer to wag the dog so the sidewalks are made stiffer to prevent sway. Sway in an emergency situation will surely make it worse and contribute to disaster. 205/75/15 seems to be the popular tire for these Scottys. I have 4-ply but 6 ply would be better in my opinion. Changing the tires is a chore no matter what the tire you have on it. I own a 59 and the wheel cutout is not all that 'roomy'. I have to get the rear of the trailer two and a half feet off the ground and I still have to struggle to get them out. That's because of the torsion axle that sits under it. Forces on one wheel is distributed to the other giving it a very nice ride and these things tow like a dream. You don't even know its back there. Just remember to buy a tire rated for trailer use.

This is a good article on trailer TIRES with prices.
This is a good technical article on TIRES and is worth reading.

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Web page created by Larry Bush:  Sept.17.2007 --- Edited:  5.28.2009
Serro Scotty ~ Vintage Campers ©
All Rights Reserved

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