Bigger trailer tire upgrade

Jimbee wrote:
Hey All,

We currently have a 2013 Passport 2910 bunkhouse that came equipped with ST205/75 14 Load Range C tires mounted on plain white steel wheels. Would like to upgrade to 15 inch aluminum wheels and tires that would handle the trailer weight a little better and help reduce the risk of a blowout. There is plenty of room in the fender wells to accommodate the bigger tires. Would larger tires have an effect on braking or put to much stress on the wheel bearings?

Thanks!

No. If they did then the design was too close to the margin in the first place. The aluminum wheels would be lighter and could offset the extra weight of the tire anyway. If you have the space then go for it.

I went from 205/75-14s to 225/75-15s Goodyear Marathons just recently. Seems to tow much nicer.

No you shouldn't have any issues as long as you stay with a zero offset rim. What stresses bearings is wider rims that move too much of the unsprung weight outboard and create leverage on the bearings.

If you go to D rated tires be sure the rims are rated for 65 psi, or 80 psi if you go to E rated tires.

Be sure to check clearance above, you want at least 2 1/2" to 3" above the tire to allow for suspension travel. You may need to "flip" the axles if they are over the springs now, or add spacer blocks for increased ride height.

Also remember that raising the TT will also mean readjusting the height or your WD hitch and dialing in things again after the new tires are on.

I went to LT tires 2 seasons ago and had to lift the suspension 2" to get the clearance I needed, and also had to go from a 2" rise stinger for the HA to a 4" rise to keep the TT level when towing. All in all a worthwhile mod, and would encourage you do it if you can, you can't have too much extra capacity on these tires.