Max wheel and tire size

Tomas · 01-16-2021, 12:31 PM

iHi,

I have a 2018 hideout 26rlswe. What would be the largest wheels and tires I could purchase?

Northofu1 · 01-16-2021, 12:54 PM

The size the trailer came with is usually sufficient, raising the LR from c to d or d to e is ok. If you oversize the wheels that leaves other suspension parts suspect.
Some members have done it here but have usually upgraded brakes, axles, springs, and shackle / wet bolt kits.

Is there a clearance issue to warrant larger wheels?

**sourdough** · 01-16-2021, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northofu1

Is there a clearance issue to warrant larger wheels?

This would be my question. What is the problem, or goal, requiring larger tires and wheels?

Tomas · 01-16-2021, 01:11 PM

My goals need. I need new tires after 2 years I don’t trust the cheap tires the factory put on. I would like to gain about a inch in height. So if I remember my tire math I Could gain this going from 14 to 16 inch wheels. But I definitely don’t want to increase risk in other components. I drive 95% of the time on highways to get from home and campgrounds. Thanks for helping

**flybouy** · 01-16-2021, 01:38 PM

Rim size doesn't equal tire diameter. Trailer rims also are restricted by bolt hole number and pattern. A 16" trailer rim will not bolt onto a 14" trailer axle hub. Why do you want to raise the trailer 1"? Seems like an insignificant amount to me.

Tomas · 01-16-2021, 01:52 PM

It’s a parking issue, to get the trailer into it’s at home parking spot. I need just under one inch more of clearance. Now I have to take off the anti sway brackets attached to the trailer to move in and out of the spot.

Northofu1 · 01-16-2021, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomas

It’s a parking issue, to get the trailer into it’s at home parking spot. I need just under one inch more of clearance. Now I have to take off the anti sway brackets attached to the trailer to move in and out of the spot.

Have you tried 2" x 8" or 10" planks? Maybe some lumber might help.

**flybouy** · 01-16-2021, 02:06 PM

Agree on using some lumber. If you need 1" at the front A frame then a 1" taller tire won't help as it's not under the hitch. My driveway is sloped up away from the street and the street is crowned firming a "dip". I have air bags on my truck with on board air that makes it easy to raise the rear of the truck enough to clear.

**JRTJH** · 01-16-2021, 02:14 PM

As Marshall posted, the issue is NOT the tire size but finding wheels to fit your lug pattern. Most 14" wheels are either 4 lug or 5 lug, 15" wheels are 5 lug or 6 lug and 16" wheels are 6 lug or 8 lug patterns.

So, assuming you currently have 14" 5 lug wheels, you'll find the only wheels that will fit your axles will be 14" (what you currently have) or 15" 5 lug wheels with the same lug pattern. None of the 16" wheels will fit your 5 lug pattern.

I'd suspect your current tire size is 205 75R14. If so, then your current tire diameter is 26.2". You could buy 15" 5 lug wheels and mount 225 75R15 tires which will have a diameter of around 28.3". That will be a total diameter increase of roughly 2.1" which equates to a radius height increase of roughly 1".

Assuming you want to upgrade wheels and tires, that is a very expensive project if the only purpose if to increase trailer height 1".

I wouldn't consider going this route if the only reason is to gain height. You're likely going to run into wheelwell clearance issues and possibly tire clearance issues (the spacing between the tires) as well.

Alternatives? Consider using a couple of 4' or 6' 2x8 or 2x10 boards as "flat ramps" to span the angle that's causing the problem. Or, possibly contact a trailer repair center near you. They can install 1" or 2" axle risers on the axle/U-bolt pads and accomplish the height rise without facing the clearance issues. Cost would probably be about half the price of new tires and wheels.

Tomas · 01-19-2021, 09:00 AM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, very much appreciated.

CWtheMan · 01-20-2021, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomas

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, very much appreciated.

Keystone has almost always spaced trailer axles close together. For instance, our trailer had 32" spacing. That allowed ST235/80R16 tire/wheel fitments (standard overall diameter 30.8"). The standard overall diameter for the ST235/85R16 is 31.7". Separations of less than 1" are not recommended by any axle manufacturer.

Lumber now days is quite expensive. If you live near a new building construction area you can ask the foreman for scraps. That's how I've always got my blocking lumber.

roadglide · 01-20-2021, 03:25 PM

I questioned the lot boy at the Tampa RV show about trailer with two 85/16 only having no more then 1 inch . The sales guy looked really surprised like wow that is true after looking at the specs on the camper it came with two 85/ 16. It’s not right it’s what it is.

CWtheMan · 01-21-2021, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadglide

I questioned the lot boy at the Tampa RV show about trailer with two 85/16 only having no more then 1 inch . The sales guy looked really surprised like wow that is true after looking at the specs on the camper it came with two 85/ 16. It’s not right it’s what it is.

I'm a little confused at what you're saying. If you're looking at tire/wheel sizes on a trailer at a RV show they should be Original Equipment tires/wheels. Unless the trailer manufacturer authorizes the use of optional designated sizes the prospective consumer MUST accept the OE tire designated size. Brands are another subject.

The FMVSS standard reads in part: The designated tire size on the trailer at the time of first sale MUST be the same designated size as those listed on the federal certification label. I assume the designated size you have mentioned is ST235/85R16?

If you're questioning the tire separation between axles as installed, 1" is the minimum.

roadglide · 01-21-2021, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWtheMan

I'm a little confused at what you're saying. If you're looking at tire/wheel sizes on a trailer at a RV show they should be Original Equipment tires/wheels. Unless the trailer manufacturer authorizes the use of optional designated sizes the prospective consumer MUST accept the OE tire designated size. Brands are another subject.

The FMVSS standard reads in part: The designated tire size on the trailer at the time of first sale MUST be the same designated size as those listed on the federal certification label. I assume the designated size you have mentioned is ST235/85R16?

If you're questioning the tire separation between axles as installed, 1" is the minimum.

I’m saying I would not except a camper with tires that where 1inch spacing between the 2 tires centered at the equalizer on a tandem axle. The place card specified 285 /16 tires . I upgraded my impact from 280/16 too 285/16 same index load . I still had 4 inches between the 2 tires center equalizer on a tandem axle.

Dennis Booker · 01-24-2021, 11:16 AM

Up here in Canada when folks want to raise the trailer height they switch the axles on the frame from above the frame to under the frame on the ground side , but remember to ensure you make quite sure the axles stay straight side to side or you will prematurely where out the tires due to misalignment.

**flybouy** · 01-24-2021, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis Booker

Up here in Canada when folks want to raise the trailer height they switch the axles on the frame from above the frame to under the frame on the ground side , but remember to ensure you make quite sure the axles stay straight side to side or you will prematurely where out the tires due to misalignment.

"Flipping the axles" is removing the axles that are mounted to the top of the spring pack and remounting them under the spring pack.

**JRTJH** · 01-24-2021, 02:46 PM

Since the "invention" of through the frame slides, Keystone has used frames and axles that are already below the spring pack. "Flipping" most any modern axle system today would reduce the frame rail height by putting the axle "ABOVE" the spring pack....

That's just the opposite of what we used to do "back in the day" to increase trailer height.

Now days, you can't "flip the axles" (on most modern RV's) to gain height, the factory has already done that to get the slide floor level.....

CWtheMan · 01-24-2021, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadglide

I’m saying I would not except a camper with tires that where 1inch spacing between the 2 tires centered at the equalizer on a tandem axle. The place card specified 285 /16 tires . I upgraded my impact from 280/16 too 285/16 same index load . I still had 4 inches between the 2 tires center equalizer on a tandem axle.

You're using unknown tire size information.