Replacing 15' wheels & Tires with 16'?

[Lester]

We have a 2002 Lakota 28 RKD. I'd like to replace the 15' D rated tires and 15' wheels with16' E rated tires and 16' wheels, as is on my truck [235/16']. A rough measure looks like there would be only 1' seperating the 16' tires. Is this possible? Has anybody done this? Is it worth the effort? Thank you iRV2'ers.
Matt

[RustyJC]

Instead of the "standard" LT235/85R-16E all steel construction Michelin XPS Rib that is most commonly used (load rating of 3042 lbs @ 80 PSIG, 32.0" diameter), take a look at the Michelin XPS Rib in size LT245/75R-16E. This will give you the same 3042 @ 80 PSIG load rating but with a smaller 30.6" diameter. See HERE.

Yes, the upgrade is well worth it. Many users who have had tire problems with heavy 5th wheels using the LT235/85R-16E tires have switched to the XPS Ribs and eliminated their tire problems - myself included on our previous 5th wheel. I'm so impressed with these tires that I have 6 on my truck right now. They're not cheap, but the peace of mind is worth it to me.

Rusty

[Ray,IN]

Trailer owners with 15" wheels have an option not available to those with 16" wheels. Look here http://https://www.tiresavings.com/t...season=Regular
for 15" load range F,G and H tires. You must have rims capable of the increased air pressure.

[450Donn]

They also list a 215 size that is only about 29-1/2 inches in diameter and the same load rating.

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn They also list a 215 size that is only about 29-1/2 inches in diameter and the same load rating.

Yes, it's a load range E, but the LT215/85R-16E is only rated at 2680 lbs @ 80 PSIG versus 3042 lbs @ 80 PSIG for the LT235/85 or LT245/75 that I mentioned earlier.

Rusty

[wingnut60]

How much space between your 15" tires? Measure at both sides as they are not always the same due to the at-rest position of the center spring mounts. The tires can't move toward each other closer than the center pivot allows, so I bet you can change the tires to 16" without a problem.

[Lester]

4".....?
Matt

[wingnut60]

4" is plenty of room to add tires that would only be within 3" of each other--I see plenty of trailers with less than 2" clearance.