I think that if you do your homework, you might be able to avoid the expensive Ricksons. Weigh the camper and run the numbers. Higher capacity 16" tires are more available than other rim sizes, but pay attention to the single vs. dually number ratings. Make sure the load capacities of the rims will handle the weight as well and you might be OK.
Look beyond the "letter" rating. Pay attention to Load Index (LI.)
Load Index refers to the actual weight the tire can carry at max inflation. Max inflation relates to the "letter" rating.
Tire data can sometime be confusing and there are many "experts" on the forums who base wieght carrying solely on the letter. Not all "E" tires are the same and may not be able to carry the same weight.
Check out this article:
Load Index vs. Load RatingThe old way of determining load capacity by a "letter" (D, E , F, G) connotation is not really valid as much as it used to be but it is important because the letter relates (among other things) to what the tires maximum PSI can handle and Load Index (LI) relates to weight carrying capacity.
LI is the actual weight the tire can handle at the max PSI. So the two go hand-in-hand. Look at both when selecting a tire.
