New to the Forum need some rims
 

Hello to All. My son and I have a new father and son project a 41 Ford 1 1/2 Ton truck, currently the truck has the stock 20" split rims in very rough shape, we are looking for replacements, preferably 22.5" tubeless. Anyone have any for sale, or any sage advice on the 19.5 RV rims I also hear about.

Re: New to the Forum need some rims
 

Your 1941 1.5 ton could have been fitted with either a 20" x 4.33" (6" old standard) or 20" x 5.00" (7" old standard) tube type wheels. Tubeless truck wheels having your 5 lug x 8" pattern were first available in 1956. They were made in 22.5" x 5.25", 6.00", and 6.75" widths, and 19.5" x 5.25" and 6.00" widths. The 22.5" is the equal of the 20" tube type wheel, while the 19.5" is the equal of the 17" tube type. So the 22.5" x 5.25" or 6.00" is your perfect replacement. Except. The tires that would be equal to your 6.50"/7.00"/or 7.50" are no longer made (or at least imported into the USA). The narrowest tire today available is a 9R22.5" which is the equal of an 8.25" x 20" tube type. That 9" tire is approved for the 6.00" or 6.75" x 22.5", but not the 5.25". Guys do use them, but it isn't recommended by the manufacturers. The 9R22.5" tire is 38" tall or greater, same as the 8.25" x 20" tube type.

The 19.5" wheels will fit your truck, and are best fitted with 8R19.5" tires that are 33.5" or 34" tall. These might be closer to the diameter of a 6.50" or 7.00" x 20" tire. The 7.50" x 20" is about 36" - 37" tall. Good used 19.5" wheels are more readily available, and therefore much less costly than the 22.5" wheels. Same cost advantage would naturally apply to tires.

I have a set of 19.5s available, or can refer you to a source for a set of the 22.5s. Stu

Re: New to the Forum need some rims
 

Welcome to the forum. When you get a chance post some pictures of your project. As you have already seen there is usually someone on the forum with the answers you need. Enjoy the project and those unforgettable adventures with your son.

Re: New to the Forum need some rims
 

I had 19.5 rims with 8/19.5 tires on both my '40 1 1/2 ton trucks and they were just about perfect size wise. Anything taller would have hit the fenders when turning. Look for Dodge motorhomes from the mid to late '70's and early '80's with the M400 chassis if I remember correctly. If you do use the 19.5's run the 8/19.5 tires not the lower profile 70 series ones - they are too wide and don't look right IMO.

Re: New to the Forum need some rims
 

Right, the best donors are '70s/early '80s Dodge RM400/500 derelict motor homes. One problem can be that many/most salvage yards don't want to take them in because they are mostly wood and plastic. Stu