Tires for the Toy Hauler

BigDogF250 wrote:

Crazy Cooter wrote:

Crazy Cooter wrote:

BigDogF250 wrote:
I haven't found a 15" ST tire that will last much past 3 years. In their 4th year I blew 3 in 2 trips, the tread looks fantastic, even after coming through the trailer floor. They separate and break down. With a 10 year old trailer I have gone through 4 sets of ST tires.

16" Rims will run you $70/ea for an exact match to the WW 15" design (at least the one they had in 2006). If you are seriously strapped for cash buy the rims ahead of time. I bought 7 in the spring.

I bought a set of the Bridgestone Duravis R-250's over this last weekend. I went with the larger 235/85 R16 - 10mm wider is no problem but the jump in diameter took some triple measurement to feel comfortable. When in doubt, get out the measuring tape. I have 7" between tires right now and plenty of vertical clearance because of a previous axle flip. If you don't have that much room use one of the smaller sets. All diameter and width measurements are on the tire MFR sites, it's best to not assume they are the same as your existing tires.

Mine will be shipped, mounted and installed sometime in the next 2 weeks, both Costco and Walmart get them are really good prices (about $50 less than retail).

Good luck!

I have seen it, but you are asking for trouble.....

The diameter of a 235/85R16 is approx 31.75" and the radius half of that....... So add 2 tire radius' leaves us 31.75". With 33" axle spacing in a perfect world, that leaves 1.25" between the tires and the axle move closer together during compression travel.

What about centrifugal forces driving down the road? What about worn springs? Manufacturing tolerances welding the hangers on? Manufacturing tolerances in the springs? Overloading?

I would recommend against it form what I have seen roll through the shop over the years.

You are incorrect....There are wheels available.

99+% of the time, is a travel trailer has 5 lug wheels, it has 205/75R15 tires and 15x5" wheels.

Pretty safe to assume with 225 tires, it's 6 lug 4400-6000# axles.

My WW is 6 lug, 6k axles spaced at 35". With the 235/85 R16 Duravis tires on 16" rims posted earlier in this post I have 3.75" between tires. That's why I always insist on getting out the tape measure and checking myself. They do make a 225/75 R16 Duravis as well that might fit trailers with less wheel well or axle spacing. Never trust what might be true on another model, get out the tape and check yours.

I have 2 trips 200mi trips on them now and don't regret ponying up the money. I did it with the ST tires for years to save a little money but lost all that savings when they took out a wheel well. Just my 2 cents and actual experiences. Good luck on the hunt for a better tire.

From what I have seen most 235/85s recommend a 6.5" wide rim while most 16" trailer rims are only 6" wide. Will this cause premature wear issues (down center of tread)? I suspect some shops may not even install when outside recommended rim width.