Looking to upgrade from 15" to 16" wheels and LT tires.

[wuhungsix]

Hi, we purchased our first fifth wheel earlier (2014 Palomino Puma 259RBSS, GVWR 10227lbs) this year and have yet to make a trip. I have been reading some threads about the nightmare with the Chinabomb tires these rigs come with. Ours came with ST tires on a 15” wheel. I was looking to swap out for some 16” wheels and mount LT tires due to the lack of an LT tire in a 15”. My question is how do I know how much clearance I need between tires and the fenders.

Also regarding the tires, I was going to go with BFG Commercial LT225/75-16. I know the Michelin RIBS are highly regarded here but Discounttiredirect does not carry them, which is where I prefer to buy. While searching I did notice off brand LT tires such as GT Radial (highway tread) in that size for significant $ savings. Any input on them?

[wuhungsix]

Not sure what the GAWR is and unfortunately can't go and check easily as it's in storage. Can't find it on the internet. Will take a look this weekend.

[Peg_Leg]

Just quick calculations.

With 10,200 gross you should have about 1500 lbs pin weight. This leaves you with less than 9,000 on the axles or 4500 each and about 2250 per tire. Any weight capacity above this is just a safety margin.

[Me_Again]

wuhungsix wrote:

Me Again wrote:
1" between tires is generally the minimum distance and about 3" above the tires.

Firestone Transforce HT is a good tire and a attractive price. And I just saw this.
LT235/75R15 R BL 189837 6.0-7.0 28.9 15 32 0 0

Chris

Thanks for the info. Never thought of searching that size as it's wider 235/75-15 but there seem to be a few available like Yokohama and Cooper. I would love to avoid buying new wheels. Although I noticed that this size tire max payload runs around 2000 lbs which seem to be much lower than the 225/75-16. Difference of about 800 lbs favoring the 16". Any thoughts on this for my particular trailer which is rather light.

Not sure what my payload is on the OEM ST tires though.

What does the placard list as GAWR? Chris

[wuhungsix]

Me Again wrote:
1" between tires is generally the minimum distance and about 3" above the tires.

Firestone Transforce HT is a good tire and a attractive price. And I just saw this.
LT235/75R15 R BL 189837 6.0-7.0 28.9 15 32 0 0

Chris

Thanks for the info. Never thought of searching that size as it's wider 235/75-15 but there seem to be a few available like Yokohama and Cooper. I would love to avoid buying new wheels. Although I noticed that this size tire max payload runs around 2000 lbs which seem to be much lower than the 225/75-16. Difference of about 800 lbs favoring the 16". Any thoughts on this for my particular trailer which is rather light.

Not sure what my payload is on the OEM ST tires though.

[B_O__Plenty]

Stay with a name brand you can depend on. Don't cheap out on some unknown junk you never heard of. Just do it. You won't be sorry..

B.O.

[Poppy_s_5th_Whe]

I just did this on my Cougar and am very happy with the upgrade. I purchased my wheels from here http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/ and I went with Big O, Big Foot H/T in LT235/85R16/E at about $160 apiece. Plenty of room was available for this size tire.

A couple of shots

[Dick_B]

ditto going from 15 to 16 inch but installed Michelin XPS ribs from our local Discount Tire store. Can't your store order them?

[tvman44]

If you have enough room, go for it. I did and very happy went from ST225/75 15 to LT225/75-16 BF Goodrich Commercial TA and love them. 🙂

[2hams]

We have had good luck with our BFG Commercial T/A

[donn0128]

Measure the existing tire diameter. Now go to any of the tire mfg web sites and look at the specs for 16 inch tires. You should be able to find a size that closely matches your current size. There are also places like trailer tire and wheel that will be more than happy to give you all the information you need to make a positive buying experience possible.

[Me_Again]

1" between tires is generally the minimum distance and about 3" above the tires.

Firestone Transforce HT is a good tire and a attractive price. And I just saw this.
LT235/75R15 R BL 189837 6.0-7.0 28.9 15 32 0 0

Chris