Change tire size?

[jwc99]

I need to replace all 4 tires on my TT, a 28BH Grey Wolf. The current wheel size is 14". Would I be better to change over to 15" wheels and tires? I have found a couple places that offer tire and wheel combo's. I have got terrible life out of both sets of 14's that have been on the trailer so far. I will say the first set wore out due to bad axles, current axles not much better. I am trying to find a local place to align them before I replace the tires. I was just curious if the bigger wheel setup would be better in the long run, after the alignment of course.

[tatest]

If you can fit 15" wheels and possibly larger tires, these will give you more tire choices including greater capacities.

But looking at your wear patterns, new wheels and tires are not going to fix things for you. The axle or its suspension are out of alignment, possibly because overloaded (even if you are not technically overweight).

It might not be an issue of straightening the axle, or replacing it because it is defective. Rather, it might be worthwhile to see if it can be replaced by something better, with enough carrying capacity.

This is one of the problems buying the manufacturers lightweight and/or entry models, we end up replacing the light components used to meet weight and cost targets with heavier pieces that can actually do the job they way we expected it. I've done a few upgrades on lighter trucks to get capabilities closer to the heavier truck I should have bought to start with; mostly wheels, suspension and tires.

[jwc99]

All I see is Trail Express marked on them. They are at 50 psi and they have right at 3000 miles on them

[gmw_photos]

JWC, what is the brand and model of those tires, and what was the inflation pressure ? Also, how many miles on them ?

[gmw_photos]

Another 15" to consider is the Good Year Cargo G26, which is a commercial LT. Tire rack sells them

[jwc99]

Sorry I took these with them still on the trailer, didn't have time today to take them off. The first 2 are on the left side.

[jwc99]

[jwc99]

The tires on the left side are wore solely on the insides, the right side tires are wore evenly on the inside and outside but the middle is barely wore. Looks like the sign of cheap tires. I'll try to get a picture in a couple days.

[time2roll]

Are you sure the wear is alignment issue vs. a tire issue?
Remove the worst tire and takes some pictures to post here.

[jwc99]

Thanks for the replies. I am in search of a shop to check my axles, there is not one local but I'm still looking. I think I have room for the 15's but if not what is a good tire in the 14" wheel?

[Ron3rd]

Going to 15" is a good idea IF you have the space between the tires to accommodate the bigger diameter, so make sure you check to see if 15" Tires/Wheels will even fit. 15" gives you more options in load range, etc.

[JIMNLIN]

If you have bad axles then upgrading to the best tires won't help you.
A big rig trailer repair shop can tell you if anything is wrong with your trailers axles.

Then buy some quality tires such as;

Depending on room in the wheel well and proper wheel pressure/wheel width requirements the Goodyear Wrangler HT in a LT235/75-15 C (50 psi) at 1980 lb capacity. Most LT tire makers carry this size.

And a Wrangler HT in a LT215/75-15 D (65 psi) at 2090 lbs capacity.

Maxxis LT U-168 are a commercial grade tire with several 15" sizes and have became popular with all types of trailer owners.

Vanco 2 from Continental another popular tire for trailer users has several 15" sizes and load capacities.

I see the Yokohama RY215 in a 700R 15 D at 2040 lbs capacity is popular on some of the other RV websites.

Do your home work on the numbers.

[ThomasFour]

If you are a tempted to go with LT tires at some point, don't buy 15" rims. I have 15" rims and the only LT tire available is the Pirelli Scorpion for over $200 a tire (if you can even find them).

[old_guy]

yes it does depend on the weight of your TT. I must say that forest river put two different sizes on my TT brand new. I had blow outs like you wouldn't believe. forest river would not stand behind their tires so I bit the bullet and went to the tire store and bought 15's and "E" rated tires, never had another blow out. if the tire well will hold a 15" go for it.

[donn0128]

Depends on weight. You need to weigh each axle and side to side to try and determine if any tire might be overloaded, or near capacity. Next you need to figure out exactly how large of diameter you can accomodate.