truckin-on wrote: Thanks Jim - good advice. I'm limited in the space between the wheels. Currently about 4 to 4.5" Going up more than an 1" in dia seems dicey to me for the tire-to-tire clearance needed. Swapping the axles over the springs would not really help that, and also, the trailer would no longer fit in my barn :-) That's why I'm looking to stay with the 225/75R-16E instead of the larger 16's.
.::..truckin-on
I did this same swap earlier this spring going with the sizes you are talking about, just remember that what ever the dia of the tire is one does not gain but 1/2 of the dia per tire.
My trailer had about 4.75" between tires before the swap and now I still have a good 3.5" between them.
BTW: If you go with the Denman 225/75/15 remember that its 2800+ lb. rateing comes at 80 psi. and most trailer rims that come with just a load range D (ST) tire are more than likely just rated for 75 psi. Hope this helps you some.
"Tire Upgrade Limitation" thread just below has some related info.
Call Scott @419 272 2727 if you want to talk to another VERY knowlegeable person re trailer tires and rims. I just ordered wheels from him at a great price that are good for 3200lbs. I would have ordered tires but thought it would be advantageous to get them at Costco for on the road warranty purposes. Tell him you connected with me - Gary
A few years back when I bought my camper it came with 15" wheels, and tires made in China. Did some research and replaced with Titans, which were OK the first year, but then had three blowouts the 2nd and 3rd year....After reading this forum I switched to 16" wheels and the Michelin Ribs (225/75R-16E); have been very pleased with them.
Well I went ahead and ordered a set of wheels from Gene at Gearworks - I wanted to get the new rim protectors on the trailer and send the impossible "Mission" tires down the road without me before a camping trip coming up in July . Gene was very helpful, responsive, and was able to set me up with the BFG Commercial tires I was looking for at a very fair price delivered to my door. I'll provide an update once they show up and are installed - hopefully next week. Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions!
I went with the 225 75 16E Michelin XPS Ribs right after purchasing my 5th wheel. I read way too many stories about big 5th wheels riding on 225 75 15ST tries and having issues. I also did not have enough room to run a 235 or 245, so had to do the 225. Yes, the 225 does not have much more weight rating than the 15" ST, but, you get great piece of mind travelling with a higher quality tire that is also 10 ply.
I now have several thousand miles on this set-up with no issues at all. This includes trips across the desert at 115 degrees running 65-67 mph. I bought a 16x7 aluminum wheel for mine, I couldn't be happier with the look and peformance. The trailer actually rides much better too.
The BFG Commercial T/A is a great choice too, but, if you have the extra $$, I say do the Michelins. You sure won't find many bad comments on here about the XPS Ribs.
You can read about our upgrade to 16" wheels and Michelin XPS Ribs here.
I also had some clearance issues to resolve, discussed here and here.
Retired US Army
2000 Ford F250 SD 7.3 PSD, Firestone Ride-Rite™ air springs
2007 Keystone Laredo 29RL, Doran Pressure Pro and Metal Tire Valves, 16" Michelin XPS Ribs, Dirt Devil CV950 Central Vacuum, 2000W AllPower (Honda Clone), 4000/3500W Champion C46540
Just to let every one know the price of tires is going up in about two weeks. My wife told me that she heard tires were going up in price. I called my tire dealer to check on tires for my truck when they called the vender the vender told them that tires were going up in price if not double. I bought tires for Truck and trailer.You have about two weeks. Tires are petroleum based and you know what fuel is doing.
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