16 inch tires vs 15 inch

Yes because you can go to Michelin XPS Ribs and kiss your tire troubles goodbye. Make sure there is enough clearance in the wheel well for the extra 1/2 inch or so of tire height.

Switching to 16" gives lots more options when buying tires....like opting for LT tires instead of ST's

Actually you dont need to spend $$$$ for Ribs. Any decent brand LT tire is sooo much better than the best ST tire you will be able to kiss tire worries good bye.

downtheroad wrote:
Switching to 16" gives lots more options when buying tires....like opting for LT tires instead of ST's

X2!
While my 5er came with 16” LT from the factory in 2005, I would only run LT’s on any fiver I run.

The GY Endurance US Made tires have a good reputation so far.

When it was time to replace the 15" tires on our last 5er we upgraded to 16". For me there was a better selection of LT tires that would support the weight needed, and I was able to get a taller 16" tire to give about an inch of height to the ride. That extra inch helped level the 5er when hooked to the truck.

While there are several 15” tires available in load rang E, you can go all out and get G load range in 16” if you have clearance.

My used 11200 lb trailer came with new Marathon ST225/75-15 D at 2540 lb capacity and were 28.3" diameter installed by the rv dealer.
At that time I would have a ST tire even on my wheel barrow so sold them on CL to a guy with a lawn mower trailer.
Bought 4 16" wheels and had LT215/85-16 E at 2680 lbs mounted. I like a tall narrow tread tire for my RV and equipment trailers....less side scrub (ply shear) issues when making those tight turns.
The OEM 15" spare wheel/Carlisle tire on it still hangs under the trailer. It hasn't touched the ground after two sets of LT tires and 130k miles.

You sure don't need a 16" load G tire at 4080-4400 lbs capacity on that size trailer with 4700-5200 lb axles.

When we first started shopping for 5er’s (around 1990), we didn’t even consider anything that “did not” have 16”’s. “ Move along folks, there’s nothing to see here”!

With 16”’s you have all the benefits as mentioned above. Plus.... if it was running 16’s from the manufacturer.... you’re getting higher capacity axles, larger brakes, generally “slightly” higher ground clearance. And, with today’s “taller” trucks, it’s a little easier to get the trailer level for towing.j