16" vs 15" wheels on larger Tt

My 36 ft trailer had 5000 pound axles and 15 inch wheels pretty close to the center of the trailer with a lot of overhang at the back. I've had the trailer weighed a few times it comes in at ~9500, fully loaded, including the 1500 pound tongue. Since I ordered it in 1994, it's had at least 10 blowouts on the rear tires; I know it was the weight and bounce of the overhang. A few years ago, I had new 7000 pound axles and 16 inch wheels/tires installed. The difference is remarkable and I haven't had a blowout since. I did have a flat the second time out on a Goodyear Marathon, which I had always used. This convinced me that the tires were also a problem, so I had all 4 replaced, even though they were mostly new, with Continental's. That was 3 or 4 years ago, and no tire problems. If I ever get a new RV, it will have 16's; I won't even consider anything less for a larger trailer.

Dcarner wrote:
I will go with 16". They will be factory rims that come on the Mesa Ridge 310bhs.

Good choice if you are in the 10,000 to 11,000 # range. And if the factory offers it, get it.

I had to do the 15 to 16 conversion and in my case, it was some work but I'm glad I did and will not go back again. Live and learn.
Here was my saga ST225/75R15 to LT225/75R16 Conversion

Bigger tires and a host of other things are often added to the standard TT and TV equipment because the manufacturers use the cheapest product that will do the job.

The objective is "improve" the durability and give the illusion of safety.

Improving durability is relatively straight forward, almost every product comes in a heavy duty version that runs faster or longer.

Safety on the other hand is far more elusive because it often depends on the human element.

I have yet to see credible data that shows the percentage of LT tires that shread is any less than P or the dreaded STs. Or a 3/4 ton will out last a 1/2 ton if both are properly loaded.

Upgrading to tougher, stronger, and faster is like chicken soup, it cannot hurt but the margin of safety is only as good as the person using it.

I will go with 16". They will be factory rims that come on the Mesa Ridge 310bhs.

Dcarner wrote:
Thank you for the quick responses

So what decision or choice of rims and tires did you go with??

Thank you for the quick responses

15" tires are kind of on the obsolete list.
Still a lot of 16" tires available.

coolbreeze01 wrote:
I wish mine had 16" but no plans to switch.

2X Much better selection for "E" rated tires -- I can not switch because of wheel well clearance

I wish mine had 16" but no plans to switch.