Astronomer
Victoria, BC, Canada
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Joined: 10/02/2003
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I have read a lot of posts from people who switched to LT instead of ST tires, and went from 15" to 16" rims because the LT tires aren't available in Load Range D in 15" sizes.
What is your experience, and what do I need to watch out for? All I can think of is clearance (will the 16" tires fit - and will they still fit when the springs are compressed by driving over a bump?). I imagine I can find 16" wheels that will fit the 6-stud drums that I have.
The trailer will ride slightly higher but that is good, it will be nearer to level when hooked up to my truck.
What about ride; does the trailer bounce more, or scuff more in turns?
2002 Silverado 2500HD D/A
Triple E Topaz FS275TE
woodsworth.ca
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johntank
Oxford, Ms 38655 USA
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Joined: 06/17/2003
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I have been going through this too. Have not gotten the 16" wheels yet, but do think that the distance between the tires is one of the limiting factors, talker with one trailer supply place and they said the rule of thumb was 1/10 tire diameter between tires.
Going by this I will just be able to go with a tire of no more than about 29" in diameter. Hope this helps you some.
Yes there are 6 lug rims that are rated for both pressure and weight for a load range E tire available.
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FisHin2Dmax
Utah
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Joined: 01/25/2004
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Some trailers may not have enough wheel to wheel clearance to allow for 16" rims and tires. basically a 16" LT tire will have a 30" to 31" diameter depending on the make and wall height 80 or 85 series.
They do make 16" trailer rims in six lug than can handle up to 80" lbs air, but I have not seen a 16" six lug that is rated for more than 80 PSI? Most 16" LT tires rated above "D" will require high pressure rims.
If you find you can not upgrade to 16" LT tires, Maxxis makes a great 15" ST load range "E" tire! I just purchased Maxxis 16" ST load range E tires and couldn't be more happy.
2003 GMC HD 2500 CC 4x4 DuraMax/Allison
2008 Sundance 2900MK
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Joined: 07/02/2003
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Putting LT tires on a trailer is asking for trouble, never mind extra expense. Do a search on tires or check/search tire manufacturers web sites.
Colorado Cruiser
Cruiser CF29CK 5th wheel; 2001 Silverado 2500HD shortbed
wonderful lifetime travelling companion/spouse
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fndrbndr
NE GA
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Joined: 10/22/2006
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I changed from 15 to 16. I put new tires on my HD and put the 245 on the 5er. Pulls better with not as much sway and I feel better about the tires now. Only had to trim a little of the plastic on the fender plastic because it was close.
2007 Chevy 2500HD Duramax/Allison
2007 Sundance 2900MK 5th Wheel
60 gal. fuel tank/toolbox
Line-x
Lowrance iway 250C
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esharpe
Rockledge,Fl
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Joined: 11/16/2004
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Huh? My new HitchHiker came from NUWA with LT 16 inch tires.
Why not LT tires? Far, far better than 15 inch ST in my opinion.
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johntank
Oxford, Ms 38655 USA
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cruiserjs wrote:Putting LT tires on a trailer is asking for trouble, never mind extra expense. Do a search on tires or check/search tire manufacturers web sites.
cruiserjs;
And why is this asking for trouble???? inquiring mines want to know.
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CardinalRule
Gimli, Manitoba (Summer) Yuma, Arizona (Winter)
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Joined: 12/27/2000
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cruiserjs wrote:Putting LT tires on a trailer is asking for trouble, never mind extra expense. Do a search on tires or check/search tire manufacturers web sites.
I have not had any problems with my factory installed LT tires. When time I will replace them with LTs.
Dave
I RV, I Golf - Therefore I Am.
'03 F250 Crew Cab 6L PSD
05 Cardinal 30TS - Custom Paint, TrailAir suspension & Pin Box, & lots more goodies
Onan Microlite 2.8 - with auto transfer
Mio C520 GPS Navigator
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sbmowrey
DuBois Pa
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Joined: 11/10/2004
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16" tires are not bigger than 15". The tire size will determine the diameter of the tire. You can get the diameter you want in 15 " or 16". The larger rim will give you less flex(less sidewall) and will have a higher load rating if all else are equal.
2002 GMC 3500 DRW 4x4 8.1/al
1993 40ft Spinnaker 2 slides/3axles
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wayne_tw
South Dakota/Georgia
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Joined: 07/21/2007
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With all due respect, I disagree with cruiserjs, as my trailer had an option for 16" wheels with LT tires which I bought. Yes, it does ride slightly higher, which is OK with me. I did notice that the tires are closer to one another so that there is little clearance between them. I can no longer use my BAL between wheel tandem locking chocks. But the increased load carrying capacity and quality tires (not chinese (yes they do not deserve to be capitalized) junk that has caused many a blow out grief) make it a very wise choice for a trailer. I hope you are able to find wheels to fit your axles.
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