Change from 15" to 16" tires?

[gbraden]

I have a 2004 Laredo 27RL 5th-wheel. It has two 5,000# axles, the wheels are 15" with 6-lugs, and the tires are ST225/75R-15 "D". Due to an axle problem (Keystone is going to replace the axles) the trailer has already worn out three (3) tires.

Since I need to get at least three new tires anyway, I have been wondering if it would be better, safety wise, if I had 16" tires instead of 15"?

Not knowing much about these things, I ask is it simply a matter of removing the 15" wheels & tires and replacing them with 16" wheels & tires? Or is it more involved than that?

So, I really have 2 questions:

1. Can it be done?

2. Should it be done (from safety standpoint)?

3. If the answer is yes to both of the above, then what wheels and tires do you recommend?

Thanx,

Glenn

 

[RustyJC]

1. Can it be done?

It depends - how much room do you have between the existing tires? This will determine the maximum allowable radius of the 16" tires and wheels.

2. Should it be done (from safety standpoint)?

IMHO, more load carrying capacity is always better than less.

3. If the answer is yes to both of the above, then what wheels and tires do you recommend?

For wheels, I'd check with Southwest Wheel to find out if they can supply a 16" wheel to fit your lug pattern. For tires, I'd suggest looking at the Michelin XPS Rib - an all-steel radial recommended by Michelin for commercial trailer service. The size will depend on how much clearance you have between the current tires. A lot of 5th wheel owners who have experienced tire failures with other brands of tires have converted to the XPS Rib, and I've never heard of a failure of an XPS Rib. I put them on my previous 5th wheel (LT235/85R-16E), but the new 5th wheel (see signature) came with Load Range G Goodyear G614R/ST all steel radials. They're doing fine, so far.



Is Keystone going to upgrade the 5K axles to something with a greater load capacity? That may change your lug pattern - my last 2 5th wheels have had 8-lug (don't know the BC diameter offhand) hubs with 16" wheels.



JM2CW



Rusty

 

[HBarlow]

gbraden:



I agree with Rusty above. By all means upgrade to 16" wheels and if you can find one that fits your fender wells, I also recommend Michelin XPS Ribs. I use them on my Dodge and also on my 5er. They are absolutely trouble-free and will last 100,000 miles.



Southwest Wheel offers silver "mod" style wheels in 16" size, either six lug or eight lug, for less than $30/wheel. The six lugs are a direct replacement for your existing six lug 15" wheels. If the manufacturer is willing to replace the axles on your trailer, upgrade to 6,000# axles, even if you have to pay the very small difference (probably less than $100/axle). I think 6,000# axles normally use eight lug hubs and wheels. If the manufacturer balks at replacing axles, wheels, and tires you could buy a set of four 16" wheels for about $120 from SWW and a set of Michelins from SAM's Club or COSTCO and you'll never have another tire problem.



Harvey

 

[Midnight]

I replaced my 15inch tires up to 16's. I have lots of room between the tires but not as much on top as i'd like. They have touched a little in the top of the inner fender well. I went from a 225/75/15 to a 225/75/16.

 

[juicedcummins]

You can change out the 5 bolt hub to an 8 bolt hub very easily. I did one about a year ago. Any decent Trailer shop can source the hubs. Doing it this way you have 2 spares if you include the truck spare.

 

[FCecelin]

Changed the wheels on my Jayco from 15 to 16 . . 6 lug x 5. 5 I think . Got wheels from Jayco for just a little more than SW wheel . Had a deal for free freight. . Using Cooper tires and am very satisfied . Tires run cool even in hot summers. .

 

[LEPage]

Do it, you won't be sorry. The 215's on the 2nd gen duallys work well for this swap. Thats about the smallest 16" you'll find, but you can get load range E, with the 15's you can only get D's. If you are already having axle trouble, I'd consider a axle swap also. These trailer companies need to stop putting this light junk on these fivers. Axles are CHEAP, even good ones.