Travel Trailer Tire Size

[Massey16]

I have a 2002 Mallard 30E that is due for some new tires. I bought the trailer as the third owner. The second owner is a good friend of mine and he purchased the trailer a year or two old. He has never changed the tires and I doubt that they were changed prior to him buying the camper. So, what seem to be the original tires are 205/75R15's. The sticker on the side of the camper show 225/75R15's. However, the literature I have found also states that the tires should be 205/75R15's. My question is can I replace the tires with the same size as what has been on there?

[mkirsch]

Either one of two things happened:

1. The original owner changed the tires for any number of reasons.
2. The sticker is a misprint.

Actually three things could have happened:
3. The second owner forgot that he changed the tires.

[Massey16]

I'll see what I end up with for a measurement. No way to take the tire off until I replace it and then its too late to change the size.

coolbreeze - That may be the case. But, I know they weren't changed by the second owner (PO to me) and he bought it in 2003 or 2004. Can't believe that the tires would have been changed in the first couple of years, just doesn't make any sense. Also, the literature I have shows that the trailer came with 205's.

[Ron3rd]

Massey16 wrote:
I'll try to check the rim width with a caliper, but it may be difficult with the tire still mounted. I believe there is sufficient space btw the two tires.

I just find it so odd that it specifies one tire size and seems to have come with another.

That can be tricky to measure outside, but not impossible. Rim width is measured between the beads with the tire off, but you "can" measure outside and add about 1" to figure it out. Probably around a 6" rim if I were to guess.

[coolbreeze01]

My guess is your TT came OE with 225's and the 15x6J rims . If your rims are original, they are the proper size for 225's.

[Massey16]

I'll try to check the rim width with a caliper, but it may be difficult with the tire still mounted. I believe there is sufficient space btw the two tires.

I just find it so odd that it specifies one tire size and seems to have come with another.

[Ron3rd]

You have to find out the width of your rims and then check the clearance between the two tires. Some are very close and the bigger tires can cause problems. You're rim width will determine if you can go wider. If you check info on sites like etrailer.com, they will tell you what the recommended rim width is for a 225.

[Massey16]

Here is the sticker with the 225's:



Pic of the current tires:





Really thinking that I may stick with the 205's. These seemed to hold up for 12 years.

[Massey16]

Also, any problem putting the larger tire on the same rims?

[Massey16]

I'm just surprised that the tire size on there that is likely the original doesn't match the sticker. I'm hesitant to change to a diff size tire.

[mkirsch]

Weight capacity is one major reason to go with bigger tires.

Your trailer has two axles rated at 3500lbs each, for example.

Each tire must be rated to carry 1750lbs to add up to the capacity of each axle.

I think 205/75/15 trailer tires are generally rated at or around 1750lbs each.

225/75/15 tires would give you some added peace of mind because they are rated higher. You would not be running the tires at 100% capacity if you are at or near the capacity of the axles.

[coolbreeze01]

The 225's and E rating gave me more confidence in the tires. I tow further and maybe in warmer conditions than you. No more than you tow, the 205's may be plenty.

[Massey16]

Any reason to go to the 225's? I know the 205's are cheaper. Also, I only pull short distances (70 miles one way at the longest) a few times (6 at the most) a year. The tires are likely to wear out from time than they are from miles.

[coolbreeze01]

I replaced 205's with 225 75 15 E rated tires. They carried the load without a problem for several years and 14,000 miles.
Current trailer came with 225's.