Change wheels along with tires?

I want to change my 14" tires to 15". Do I have to change the wheels also or can I just put 15" on the original wheels?

[Padgett]

No, the wheels need to match the tires so you will need new ones. Also if planning on tires with load ratings above 1850 lbs then you need 15x6 wheels with the proper ratings and not 15x5.

There are a lot of threads under tires, tires, tires but my rule of thumb is to figure the maximum weight (GVWR - mine had a sticker on the inside of the sink drawer), subtract the tongue weight, divide by 2, and add 15% for shock loads.

Mine came out 2154 lbs so I looked for a tire that had at least a 2150 lb rating and had a diameter close to the originals. This turned out to be a ST205/75R15 Load Range D (max inflation 65 psi).

Final note. Always have trailer tires balanced. The axle has no shocks so an out of balance tire will add stresses you really do not want.

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by naturegal

I want to change my 14" tires to 15". Do I have to change the wheels also or can I just put 15" on the original wheels?

You do realize that only 15" tires will fit on 15" wheels and you can not mount 15" tires on 14" wheels.

More than likely, you will need to lift the axle to accommodate the larger tire/wheel combination.

Enter your "year" and "model" in your signature, please.

Thanks for the info Padgett.

I'll have to figure out how to do the signature. But until I get it done I have a 08' 2720 SL.

Just a test run to see if I did the signature right.

Hey Mecicon. I wasn't sure if the 14"wheels could take the 15" tires but now I know. Thanks. This is the best $12 I've ever spent.

[Padgett]

If you have an '08 it may alreay have the lift kit installed. What size are your original tires (215/75/R14 ?) and how much room (inches) is there between the top of the tire and the top surface of the wheel well ?

This forum and all of the online information is part of the reason I bought a TM. It is not just a camper but a hobby as well.

Yes, they are ST215/75R14 and I don't know how many inches in the space above the tires.
The mosquitoes are so bad right now that I don't have the nerve to go out and measure.
Do you think the lift is already installed if there is a 3" clearance?

[mecicon]

Originally Posted by naturegal

Do you think the lift is already installed if there is a 3" clearance?

In between the axle and the frame is a spacer (sorry no picture). IIRC 2" x 2" square tubing.