Forum Discussion

73guna's avatar
73guna
Explorer
Apr 01, 2016

Upgrading to larger tires. Space between tires question?

I'm thinking about upgrading my wheels and tires to 16 inch. Current tires 225 75 R15 are approximately 4.5 inches apart. The new wheel and tire combo would be approximately one inch taller. So now it will be approximately 2-2.5 inch gap. Is that enough?
Seeking Advice
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2016
    Gotta ask:
    If the overall diameter is only one inch more, what's the point in spending all that money on new wheels ???
  • subcamper's avatar
    subcamper
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2016
    A diameter increase of 1 inch still only places the tires 1 inch closer together (2 x radius increase of 0.5").

    So the new tires would change the spacing from 4.5" down to 3.5", which should be ok. This leaves enough room for axle movement.

    Steve
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2016
    You will be fine. I upgraded my 16" tires to 285 LTs and I have about 1.5 space with no issues to date.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2016
    Did the same thing on my 5er, if you now have 4" this will give 3.5". Plenty enough.
  • filrupmark's avatar
    filrupmark
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2016
    Sam Spade wrote:
    Gotta ask:
    If the overall diameter is only one inch more, what's the point in spending all that money on new wheels ???


    With 15" rims tire selection is not so good. With 16" rims he can get away from cheep china tires and get some good LT tires if he chooses .
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2016
    filrupmark wrote:
    Sam Spade wrote:
    Gotta ask:
    If the overall diameter is only one inch more, what's the point in spending all that money on new wheels ???


    With 15" rims tire selection is not so good. With 16" rims he can get away from cheep china tires and get some good LT tires if he chooses .


    Who'd a thunk.
    One of them facts that aren't obvious until you look into it.
  • 73guna's avatar
    73guna
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2016
    subcamper wrote:
    A diameter increase of 1 inch still only places the tires 1 inch closer together (2 x radius increase of 0.5").

    So the new tires would change the spacing from 4.5" down to 3.5", which should be ok. This leaves enough room for axle movement.

    Steve
    .

    Your right, thanks! That's even better.
    Any ideas on what my tire/wheel combo might be worth? St225/75r15 Castle rock and white spoke wagon wheels.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025