Any benefit to upsizing my tires/wheels?
I know that there is always a tire debate happening so maybe this will lighten the mood :) I bought a new TT... small fella at 17 ft (21 ft with the tongue). For reference it's a clipper/viking 17B...
Forum Discussion
extremis wrote:
I can't see a larger tire improving any of these. your trailer was designed with 13" in mind, so its probably the safest size for all 3 points.
1. Safety - larger may not fit and rub/cause damage. Handling may be affected in adverse conditions
2. Handling - taller profile, catch more wind and be more prone to sway (corners, wind etc)
3. Economy - Will sit higher, catch more wind, use more fuel. Also the tires themselves cost more later for replacement.
The good about bigger tires - more ground clearance for boondock camping or rougher terrain and wheel bearings turn slower so less heat created and should last longer.
I don't imagine the MPG drop would be huge with taller tires, but from a technical standpoint its a possibility.
Thats my take on it. my trailer states I can put 15inch on it (its an optional wheel) but I stuck with the 14's. Mostly because I am cheap and didn't want to bother replacing the wheels.
The mfgs put the smaller tires on to save money. They put the cheapest ones on that meet the requirements.
It is likely that a larger tire will contribute positively to the 3 items you mention above and more,
1. Safety - larger may not fit and rub/cause damage. Handling may be affected in adverse conditions, if the larger tires fit okay, then likely they would be safer. They would likely have more capacity and since the circumference is bigger on larger tires, would turn slower at the hub and reduce bearing issues and run cooler since they would likely have higher load capacities.
2. Handling - taller profile, catch more wind and be more prone to sway (corners, wind etc)again, taller does not mean softer sidewalls, they may have stiffer sidewalls and handle better
3. Economy - Will sit higher, catch more wind, use more fuel. Also the tires themselves cost more later for replacement. I doubt that you would notice a difference in economy with an inch or two higher trailer. It often costs less to purchase more popular tires and wheels rather than the small sizes that are not that popular. A taller tire will pull over things easier and may even avoid damage from low clearance of the smaller tires.
Yes, there are limits to what you can gain to larger tires and wheels, but I would change in a heartbeat to 15" if available and they fit. You may need to adjust hitch for level trailer when towing...
Go for it
