Coachman Clipper tires (17 FQ)

[JCR-1]

Anyone upgrade the tires from the 185 75 r13 to a 14 inch tire D rating. I want to increase load rating as the current tires although adequate , but I feel can be borderline under high heat and duress and want the extra safety of a more robust tire with a higher load rating.. Appreciate recommendations Thx

[All_I_could_aff]

Also keep in mind that theoretically about 13% of that 3400 pounds total weight should be on your hitch, so only about 2950 pounds on the axle. Two tires rated for 1720 pounds each give us a capacity of 3440 pounds, giving each tire Approximately 250 pound safety margin.

I considered going up to 14 inch rims a few years ago, but I did not have the clearance. Flipping my axle was not an option because it is a rubber torsion spring style. I also considered unbolting the axle from the frame and building it up about 2 inches with some square steel stock, but that never happened.

[GWolfe]

I went from 13" to 205/75R15 on my Clipper17RD with no clearance issues, 2200lbs per tire. I went with Goodyear Endurance tires and have been very happy. No need to flip the axle unless you really want to, it does help to get the sewer dumps a little higher off of the ground I suppose though I have never had a problem with it hitting.

One thing to keep in mind is the axle is still rated for 3500lbs, we just have a little cushion with the tires now.

[colliehauler]

You can always flip the axle for more tire and ground clearance. (putting the axle from on top the springs to the bottom of the springs)

[JCR-1]

yes 24.6" vs 26.1".. about 1.5 in not going to give adequate clearance Have 3 inches..Cutting to 1.5 does not allow for safety.I think it will rub on a pot hole or speed bump. Any 14 inch tires with ST or LT 8 ply.. Don't think so. close to 25 in dia??

[colliehauler]

Go by a tire store and put the size tire you want next to your old one on the trailer and see if you have clearance or simply measure.

[GrandpaKip]

The rim size is 1” bigger, but a 14” tire may be more than 1” more in diameter than a 13” tire.

[JCR-1]

Yes sir, you are correct .. I now have the D rated tires in 13in ..but was looking to go to something in the 2000 lb range. A 14 inch rim has more options and higher load ranges.. When you think about it my trailer on the road is about 3300-3400 lbs.. The tires are rated for approx. 3500 lbs together. Seems close as when you are in high heat and pot holes etc the tires seem borderline. The 14 inch adds about an inch to overall diameter ..which adds about 1/2 inch less wheel well clearance.Not that bad ?On a single axle you need a good safety margin as a blowout can be damaging.

[All_I_could_aff]

Are u sure about that current size? I would bet it’s either 175/80/13 or 185/80/13. If you don’t have room to go much bigger, a few of the 185/80/13’s are available in D Load ranges in both radial and bias ply styles, which have load capacity of 1,720 lbs at 65 psi. That might help you.

[GrandpaKip]

If you have the clearance and the same bolt pattern, it should be fine.