Can we go from 15" to 16" wheels/tires

[Murphsmom]

It's just about time to replace our original tires on our 2013 Cougar 25RLSWE half ton model travel trailer. If we can move up to a 16" tire/wheel we can go with LT tires, which was recommended by our tire dealer. Or in the alternative, does any American made 15" LT tire still exist?

[CWtheMan]

Why don't you just go up to a LRE with the same size? Most of the more popular brands make them.

Regardless of what your tire dealer is telling you, hardly any of the LT tire manufacturers will approve their tires for replacing ST tires. The exceptions are normally tires built exclusively for trailer axles.

[Outback 325BH]

I did the switch a few months ago. If you move from 15" to 16", you will of course have to buy wheels in addition to tires. That makes the idea too costly for some.

I bought new Sendel 16" aluminum wheels. They look identical to the factory 15" wheels I replaced.

For tires, I bought Bridgestone Duravis R250's. They are slightly under 1" in diameter bigger than the 15" tires they replaced, so spacing was not an issue. The R250's are made in USA and are suitable for all positions (steer, drive, trailer).

Here is a pic of one of them in my spare position:



The difference between these R250's and the ST tires are huge. I never worry about them. Just verify tire pressure before heading down the road. Never had to add air since I brought them home.


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[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Outback 325BH

I did the switch a few months ago. If you move from 15" to 16", you will of course have to buy wheels in addition to tires. That makes the idea too costly for some.

I bought new Sendel 16" aluminum wheels. They look identical to the factory 15" wheels I replaced.

That looks like their T03BM wheel. None of them come in size 16x6.5". The minimum rim width for your tires is 6.5". I don't think Bridgestone will sign-off on the 6" wide rim. Did your tire dealer ask them about it.

[Nagrompj]

Originally Posted by Murphsmom

It's just about time to replace our original tires on our 2013 Cougar 25RLSWE half ton model travel trailer. If we can move up to a 16" tire/wheel we can go with LT tires, which was recommended by our tire dealer. Or in the alternative, does any American made 15" LT tire still exist?

Measure the clearance between the factory tires and the wheel well when the trailer is loaded. If the new 16" tires have the same sidewall and aspect ratio then your wheel well clearance will be reduced by .5". On my trailer I had 3.5" clearance with 15" wheels and 3" with 16" wheels. Also the clearance between the front and back tires will be reduced by 1". Haven't had a issue
.
LT tires don't squat as much as ST tires so the trailer will set a little higher.

You won't find a 15" LT the same size with the same load rating as a ST due to government standards. LT tires have a higher service factor there for the same size LT will be rated lower than a ST.

[Outback 325BH]

Originally Posted by CWtheMan

That looks like their T03BM wheel. None of them come in size 16x6.5". The minimum rim width for your tires is 6.5". I don't think Bridgestone will sign-off on the 6" wide rim. Did your tire dealer ask them about it.

Duravis R250 LT225/75R16 rim width range is 6"-7". This is a very common tire and wheel combo for an upgrade.

6" is also the recommended rim width.


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[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Outback 325BH

Duravis R250 LT225/75R16 rim width range is 6"-7". This is a very common tire and wheel combo for an upgrade.

6" is also the recommended rim width.


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Sorry, I should have looked closer at the size on the sidewall in the picture.

Very nice summer tires with some nice durability factors built-in. Should last a long time.

[CWtheMan]

Originally Posted by Outback 325BH

Duravis R250 LT225/75R16 rim width range is 6"-7". This is a very common tire and wheel combo for an upgrade.

6" is also the recommended rim width.


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Here is a reference worth reading when plus sizing with Bridgestone/Firestone tires.

Tire manufacturers are going to stick with established tire industry standards and follow the Vehicle Manufacturers replacement recommendations. Retailers are not always up to speed with all of the standards/regulations. When reading this PDF you will see that a lot of responsibility is placed upon the shoulders of the tire installer. If not properly trained, things are just not going to go according to "Hoyle", so to speak.
http://www.tiresafety.com/images/tir...t%20manual.pdf

[Murphsmom]

Thanks for all the replies. You have given us a lot to think about.

[Desert185]

A friend bought a 10,900# GW 5er with 235/80-16 LRE tires. The tire sticker on the trailer indicated the stock tires to be 15" LRD tires. Checking the axles, they are Dexter 5200# axles.

To my way of thinking, this combo should have LRE tires, and knowing that he is a hunter I think having the 16" tires is a good idea for how he is going to use the trailer.

The details, as mentioned, are tire clearance, wheel size appropriate to the tire and the tire type used. Overall, I think upsizing tires is a good idea for increasing load capacity margin if done correctly...and don't forget the spare.

[bdaniel]

I did this on a 2002 Wildcat 5th wheel. Here is my research and details:

http://bobbystuff.com/rv/40/16-inch-tires

Bobby

[Bigiron]

Originally Posted by Murphsmom

It's just about time to replace our original tires on our 2013 Cougar 25RLSWE half ton model travel trailer. If we can move up to a 16" tire/wheel we can go with LT tires, which was recommended by our tire dealer. Or in the alternative, does any American made 15" LT tire still exist?

I did just this on my Jayco. Go with a Hi Spec wheel and E rated LT tires. http://www.hispecwheel.com/

[Desert185]

I like the way they mention unsprung weight...the primary reason why I have some heartburn with the weight of Sailun tires. The higher rotational force also contributes to reduced braking efficiency.