Upgrading from 14" to 15" wheels

[Dawgfan]

I'm a first time poster so please bare with me. We have a 2015 Passport Grand Touring 3220BH east coast model. The camper came with 14" wheels, I would like to put 15" wheels on it to get a little more clearance behind the axles. The problem we're having is that the bumper/stabilizer jack area will be VERY close to dragging when starting up a hill in the campground. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[mikebrls]

Originally Posted by Dawgfan

I'm a first time poster so please bare with me. We have a 2015 Passport Grand Touring 3220BH east coast model. The camper came with 14" wheels, I would like to put 15" wheels on it to get a little more clearance behind the axles. The problem we're having is that the bumper/stabilizer jack area will be VERY close to dragging when starting up a hill in the campground. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Can you get taller 14 inch tire's or lift kit spacers

[poncho62]

I went from 14s to 15s on my 99 Springdale 5th wheel...It did lift it about an inch I guess, but nothing that you would really notice. I do like the ride better, seems smoother....and the load rating of the 15s is higher.

[JRTJH]

The ST 205 75R14C overall diameter is 26.1", ST205 75R15C is 27.1". That's a total of 1" taller tire (1/2" lift on the trailer). Chances are you won't notice any appreciable difference in trailer height or clearance.

As for weight rating, the 14" are rated at 1760 per tire (3520 per axle) and the 15" LRC is rated at 1820 per tire (3640 per axle) so there's not a significant difference in the load ratings. You might want to consider the ST205 75R15 LRD tires. They also are also 27.1" overall diameter, and are rated at 2150 per tire (4300 per axle) that is an increase in tire rating of 780 per axle or 1560 for both axles. That is a significant increase in tire rating and will give you a tire load capacity of 1100 pounds more than your trailer GVW.

The LRC tires require wheels rated at 50 PSI, the LRD tires require wheels rated at 65PSI. The only consideration you need is to make sure you buy wheels that are rated at 65PSI. Then the change to either 15" LRC or 15" LRD tires would work for your trailer.

[B&T]

If your axle is an over spring configuration, Dexter sells over-under conversion kits which I think would provide more lift than 15in tires.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/over_under_conversion_kits

[Dawgfan]

Originally Posted by mikebrls

Can you get taller 14 inch tire's or lift kit spacers

I can get a 225 75R14 tire but I'm not sure that would make a noticeable difference. Are the lift kit spacers designed for travel trailers?

[Dawgfan]

Originally Posted by B&T

If your axle is an over spring configuration, Dexter sells over-under conversion kits which I think would provide more lift than 15in tires.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/over_under_conversion_kits

The axle is under the spring configuration.

[bsmith0404]

Some lighter axles like that have room for adjustment in the spring hangers, similar to shackles on old muscle cars. You could also look at adding a leaf, that would gain you a bit as well. Personally I would stay away from blocks under the leafs.

[Justvisiting2day]

One thing some did not mention, although you can get taller tires, thus increasing your "load " range ,,,mind your axle load range.
Cheers
Chuck

[audio1der]

The axles are the "weak point" on the 3220; 2 3/8" 3500lb units which will warp and twist when the unit it steered sharply.
We're replacing our axles before camping this spring, with 3" Dexter units of the same weight rating.
I don't see much benefit to moving to 15" wheels & tires if the tires now exceed your axles ratings, and will off a 1/2" rise.
You might want to talk to a local spring shop about a custom spring pack to raise the trailer.
My $.02