Trailer tires: can I convert from 235/80R16 to a 245/75R16?

[SandyHelton]

I've read a lot on trailer tires suggested for 5th wheels, mostly recommending the Michelin Ribs LT235/85R16 LRE. While earlier posts indicated that the Michelin is available for the LT235/80R16, I cannot find that size on any tire sales site or at Michelin's site as well.



So my primary question is can I convert from 235/80R16 to a 245/75R16?



I think that largest factor for me is the overall tire diameter of around 30. 6inches. The extra 5mm of sidewall clearance doesn't sound like a huge issue, but how do I validate that that will not cause any serious issue? Is simply evaluating the sidewall clearance enough? Any suggestions for how much sidewall clearance is recommended?



I have a dual axle 30' Carriage Cameo 5er that is about 12,500. My current tires are GY Marathon ST235/80R16D.

 

[CBari]

I believe you want to go to the 235/85r16 size. I know Michelin makes that size.

 

[RustyJC]

Either size should work, if you have clearance and the wheel widths are OK. The LT235/85R-16E is still available, though - see HERE and click on View Tech Spec Details.



Rusty

 

[Okie-Go]

I did the switch you are talking about on a gooseneck trailer I had/No problems clearance was fine.

Okie

 

[SandyHelton]

The reason I need to change sizes is to be able to use one of the sizes that Michelin makes in this tire. The 235/80R16 size that are on the trailer are not produced by Michelin and the clearance between the two tires (tandem axles) is not very much, so I do not want to drop it below an inch. Maybe I'm being overly cautious. What is the minimum clearance between tandem axle tires that is safe?

 

[ringneck]

my 07 cameo mdl31 foot has 235 85 16 ribbs with no problens. love the tires,good luck

 

[HBarlow]

If you currently have only one inch of clearance between tires you could have excessive wear in the equalizer bushings. It might be a good idea to have a trailer shop, not an RV dealer if you can avoid it, inspect it.

Generally speaking without seeing you trailer, there should be no reason not to switch to Michelin XPS Ribs in size LT235/85/R16 LRE.

 

[AH64ID]

Bringing this old thread back. It’s been 3.5 years since the OP was on, but what the heck

Did you go with 245/75R16’s?

We have a trailer with ST235/80R16’s and want to go to LT’s. I’d rather not go taller and have the room/wheels for 245’s. It’s just wider than most trailer tires. Trailer is 6K empty and rarely towed empty, usually towed at 10-11K lbs. 245’s seem like they would work well, but what am I missing???

 

[gsbrockman]

What do the load and inflation tables say?

 

[AH64ID]

What do the load and inflation tables say?

Plenty of load.

 

[Ozymandias]

As long as they have the rating and fit your Rims you are good to go. There is nothing speaking against it from a technical view.

 

[Ozymandias]

You know that manufacturer sometimes use the same mold for the width of the tires that are close by and just label them differently? So the thread of a 235 can measure exactly the same as a 245.

 

[SnoKing]

The reason I need to change sizes is to be able to use one of the sizes that Michelin makes in this tire. The 235/80R16 size that are on the trailer are not produced by Michelin and the clearance between the two tires (tandem axles) is not very much, so I do not want to drop it below an inch. Maybe I'm being overly cautious. What is the minimum clearance between tandem axle tires that is safe?

1 inch is the recommended minimum clearance between tires. You need 33" center to center on your axles to run the XPS Rib LT235/85R16E tires.

Sailun makes an all steel ply S637 ST235/80R16G rated tire that is 30.8 inches in diameter, that they came out with just for your situation. 80 PSI in this 110 rated tire should handle your weights.

https://simpletire.com/paid?v=1&tir...Qw46Ps_DAP9k2lVOlOGPO4Df-_CQ5_hQaAtptEALw_wcB

 

[gsbrockman]

1 inch is the recommended minimum clearance between tires. You need 33" center to center on your axles to run the XPS Rib LT235/85R16E tires.

Do you realize that you replied / quoted a post that is about 2 months away from being nine years old?

 

[SnoKing]

Do you realize that you replied / quoted a post that is about 2 months away from being nine years old?

Me, you and others.