15 inch tires on 14 inch axle

[MikeD]

Ray,

Again same experience with my 2720 with the 14" wheels. Pretty much just as you describe, I can feel the braking when just applying the trailer brakes, but have never been able to get the brakes to lock up (as per Tekonsha's instructions).

At first I thought that it was because my trailer was new and that the brakes had not as yet seated themselves to the drums. However, I had the same results after I adjusted my brakes after the first year of travel (I would assume that the brakes and drums are now seated properly).

Thanks for bringing this up -- MikeD

[RockyMtnRay]

Just a bit of followup...I have an appointment at the TrailManor factory on Oct 5th/6th for a retrofit of the 5000 lb axle and 15 inch wheels/tires to my '02 2720SL. Had several discussions with Ed Lytle at TM and he ran it by Mike Hulsey. Found out that normally TM doesn't do "refurbishing" of older TMs. But since it will use standard parts that are going into current production models, the axle and wheel/tire replacement is sort of a "repair"...which they will do. So Mike gave the go-ahead...and frankly I'm glad it will be factory techs who will be doing the work...methinks this is a bit outside the comfort zone/experience of most dealer techs.

I'm attending a software development training conference in Orlando from 9-13 October (being held at Disney's Swan/Dolphin hotels BTW ...I have reservations at Disney's Ft Wilderness campground ). So it made sense (to me anyway ) to stop over at TM on the way to Orlando for this retrofit. Gonna be quite a journey...~4000 miles over 3 weeks...my longest trip ever with the TM. Am taking my kayak and bicycle along so I can do some kind of adventure stopover about every other day while enroute to and from Orlando.

Anyhoo, I'll be putting about 2400 miles on the new axle/tires between leaving the TM factory and arriving back home...more than enough mileage to acquire lots of experience with how well this retrofit performs.

OK, I made the big move. I just put on 15" rims, with D range tires. I have the lift kit on therefore the tires fit perfectly. Big O said they see no problems as far as clearences go. Look out Colorado here we come.

Round figures $150.00 per wheel W/taxes.

Later...Jack

Originally Posted by hingarfi

Anyone have experience or opinion on the consequences of putting 15 in wheels on a USED 2720 TM? I realize this would not increase the GVWR but the tires would be much less stressed. I have read the stories of tire failures but have not seen any axle failures. I plan on some really long distance hauls over the next couple of years. There is a site offering a packaged wheel and tire as follows:
Tire: ST225-75-R15BD Load Range D Load Capacity: 2540 lbs. at 65 psi. Bolt Pattern: 5 on 4-1/2. This tire is about 1.6 in larger in diameter and 0.3 in wider than the ST215/75R14. I also plan to add the 2.5 inch lift.

We have installed the larger tires and it does provide enough capacity to handle any size TrailManor. For it to fit, we designed a spacer to provide the lift and also center the tire in the opening. One of the ones we recently completed is going to Alaska. We expect to have a full report on how it worked out and will post that info in about 6 weeks.

The correct choice would be to install the 5,000 lb axle which includes the larger, load range D tires and is the correct width. It still requires a spacer and modifications.

Sincerely, Wayne Post

[jumpstreet]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnRay

Just a bit of followup...I have an appointment at the TrailManor factory on Oct 5th/6th for a retrofit of the 5000 lb axle and 15 inch wheels/tires to my '02 2720SL. Had several discussions with Ed Lytle at TM and he ran it by Mike Hulsey. Found out that normally TM doesn't do "refurbishing" of older TMs. But since it will use standard parts that are going into current production models, the axle and wheel/tire replacement is sort of a "repair"...which they will do. So Mike gave the go-ahead...and frankly I'm glad it will be factory techs who will be doing the work...methinks this is a bit outside the comfort zone/experience of most dealer techs.

I'm attending a software development training conference in Orlando from 9-13 October (being held at Disney's Swan/Dolphin hotels BTW ...I have reservations at Disney's Ft Wilderness campground ). So it made sense (to me anyway ) to stop over at TM on the way to Orlando for this retrofit. Gonna be quite a journey...~4000 miles over 3 weeks...my longest trip ever with the TM. Am taking my kayak and bicycle along so I can do some kind of adventure stopover about every other day while enroute to and from Orlando.

Anyhoo, I'll be putting about 2400 miles on the new axle/tires between leaving the TM factory and arriving back home...more than enough mileage to acquire lots of experience with how well this retrofit performs.

Well, I've been waiting to here how did the retrofit go? Good, bad, can you tell any difference? If you don't mind me asking what was the cost.I have an 03 2720sl, I need to add the lift and agree it would be a good idea to go to the next larger tire size in the next year or two when buying new tires.

[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by jumpstreet

Well, I've been waiting to here how did the retrofit go? Good, bad, can you tell any difference? If you don't mind me asking what was the cost.I have an 03 2720sl, I need to add the lift and agree it would be a good idea to go to the next larger tire size in the next year or two when buying new tires.

Due to last year's hurricanes, fuel supply disruptions, etc, I completely cancelled the trip. So the retrofit never happened...I'm still using the original OEM 14 inch rims & tires on my trailer.

I may replace the tires before next year's towing season...and may upgrade to the 15 inch rims at the same time (I can buy them at a local tire store...the manager of which owns both a TM and a Tundra ). Don't know yet.