Wheel upgrades?

[lexlaws]

Hello all! Proud new owner of a 1988 Starcraft Starblazer! My first PUT, and I love it! Bought it from my neighbor, who bought it from his next door neighbor... so it's been on the same block since new!  weird... but true.  

Had a question... was wondering about the wheels... would adding larger wheels make it tow any better? Is it even possible to add larger wheels? She seems to bounce around a lil' bit on the bumps behind the Rover.  Of course, this may be part of the experience... but i wouldn't know, because this is my first trailer.  Did I mention that I love it?  Thanks!

[austinado16]

Woohoo :U Another member of Team Starcraft!  Welcome!

You'll be fine running the 5.30x12's on that, just make sure they are in excellent shape and aired up to the 80psi that they are stamped for on the sidewall.

Yes, the campers do bounce a bit and that's because they have the rubber torsion axles.  Part of the fun.

Pack your bearings, check/replace the tires (radials are now available) and post some photos on photobucket and them link to them here so we can enjoy your travels!

[flyfisherman]

Hello all! Proud new owner of a 1988 Starcraft Starblazer! My first PUT, and I love it! Bought it from my neighbor, who bought it from his next door neighbor... so it's been on the same block since new!  weird... but true.  

Had a question... was wondering about the wheels... would adding larger wheels make it tow any better? Is it even possible to add larger wheels? She seems to bounce around a lil' bit on the bumps behind the Rover.  Of course, this may be part of the experience... but i wouldn't know, because this is my first trailer.  Did I mention that I love it?  Thanks!

What size tire/wheels?

I've heard (posted right here on this board once upon a time, come to think of it), of going from 8" tire/wheels to 10" and from 12" to 13", with a minumum of suspension modification and providing the hubs are compatable.

As for the bouncies, I bumped up the springs on my Starcraft, i.e., went from 1,000 lb. rated leaf springs (2 leafs) to 1,400 lb. springs (4 leafs) and that ended
that bouncing around!


Fly

[lexlaws]

Thanks guys! Glad to be a part of team Starcraft!  

So these wheels and the bit of bounce are all good.  

As for bearings, I suppose I will have to look up the bearing packing procedure on line...  sounds innocent enough.

I will get some pics posted as soon as I can! This pop is great! Neighbor sold it to me for a really great neighborly price.  Tent is in like new shape... as is the interior of the trailer.  I couldn't believe it!  Outside is a bit weather/sun worn... but will clean up nicely, and besides... it adds to the charm.

[lexlaws]

Another question...

Is there a way to refinish my new/old PUT?

It is rather sun-drenched... has a charm, but should I decide to restore to new condition... or custom

Is there a special paint that adheres to the covering and resists the elements?

I am rather interested in cladding her in aluminum sheet... maybe a boxy Airstream vibe!  Seems possible!

Any suggestions?

[lexlaws]

Small pic... but... it will do

[austinado16]

I really dig the mid to late '80's Starcrafts.  Love that tan, especially when you've got 'em parked out in the woods at a camp ground.  I also like the tan canvas because it's thick, and looks good.

You got a nice camper.  Bearing repack will be easy. Lift from behind the axle, not in front (for leverage reasons), pop the bearing cap, pull the cotter pin, remove the nut and washer on the axle an slide off the hub.  Clean, inspect/replace, repack with a high quality grease, replace the grease seal and put it all back together with a new cotter pin.

Mine was super dry from baking in the sun, but I got it pretty shiny by hand using that Turtle Wax rubbing compound, followed by their white polishing compound, then Meguiar's #6 cleaner wax, then #7 Show Car Glaze, and finally their #26 wax.  I used a scotch brite pad to scuff the frame and rattle canned it in a similar tan, and did the rear bumper and it's frame in a dark bronze metallic with clear over it.  Good enough for camping!

[lexlaws]

Nice Austin!

Really nice looking!

Wow, I love the propane cover! I'd like to find one of those.

Thank you again for the tips and advice!  I am gonna start working on getting her ready for the season this weekend!

Did you rattle-can the frame and bumper with a Rust-o-leum? Will that do?

I ordered my Bal leveler...

Now on to those tires... surely they need to be replaced.

[austinado16]

I can't remember if I used rustoleum or not.  I went to Orchard Supply Hardware, where they have a huge selection of rattle can colors, and tried to find a couple of colors that matched the camper.  I couldn't find a brown like the original brown frame color, so I decided to paint it like the camper color.

The "Nova," "Constellation," and I think "Galaxy" got the propane cover, and the spare tire cover.  Not sure they'd fit/work on yours because it doesn't have the plastic front and rear panels.  But you could do the vinyl covers for both tire and tank, and that would look good.

Glad you got the BAL Leveler, you're going to love that.

Next on your list; battery powered "02Cool" fan(s) for those hot days and nights. They make a 5" version, and a 10".  Super nice and run forever on a set of batteries.  You might also like the //www.popupgizmos.com reflective covers for your bunk ends to keep them from being ovens during the day.  Really a nice little mod!

By the way....I'm jelous of your original awning.  I want one baaaaaaaad.

[wavery]

By the way....I'm jelous of your original awning.  I want one baaaaaaaad.

This is the best awning that you can get for the $ IMHO.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/A-E-TRIM-LINE-10-AWNING-CAMPER-POP-UP-PICKUP_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1171Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem140314280620QQitemZ140314280620QQptZMotorsQ5fRVQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Quite a few of us have purchased this awning from this seller. Everyone seems happy with it. They're easy to install and EZ to set-up. If you don't have a track, you'll have to get one. It doesn't come with it.

Here it is installed on my Coleman PU:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/559651940aSEhYE

[austinado16]

This is the best awning that you can get for the $ IMHO...

I know, I know :yikes:

I'm gonna get one honest!  Just wish mine had an original one, that's all.

[wavery]

I know, I know :yikes:

I'm gonna get one honest!  Just wish mine had an original one, that's all.

As my Dad used to say, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride".

Get off yer duff & buy one before this guy runs out.......I don't want to hear you complaining, "He doesn't have them anymore.... :% ".

Sorry.....that was rather condesending....wasn't it.... :p

[JohnandLeann]

Just went to the seller on ebay and it looks like there is just one, ten foot gray, awning remaining.  Too long for our camper.

[austinado16]

I count:
1 condescending
1 sexual harassment
1 challenge

and maybe some verbs and pronouns too.  All this from a man who doesn't even own a canvas popup any more.

I'm telling mom.

On a serious note, how's this seller able to ship these badboys.  I could do a 10 or 11 footer, but I'm afraid I'd have to go with tans/browns.  Gotta keep my theme alive for Team Starcraft!

[JohnandLeann]

Are you counting from over on the "towing " thread?  Just read that one and it kwacked me up.