Tire and Rim Dilemma

p8md · 04-12-2010, 07:10 AM

I have a problem and need some suggestions. We just purchased a 1994 18’ Sunrise by Cobra. It’s our “starter” camper. We knew it needed some TLC, including tires, but the price was right and we were buying from friends, so we knew where it came from. When we were cleaning it up this weekend, I cleaned the wheels and noticed something weird. Three of the tires and rims are 15” and the other one is a 14”. I have a spare and it is a 14”. I was able to talk to the original owner and he never changed any of the rims or tires. What do I do? I need to change the 16 year old tires but don’t want to put more money into the rims and tires than the camper is worth.

They are 5 lug, but what bolt pattern?

Is there anyone around Southern Indiana that has upgraded to 16” and are willing to sell their old 15’s for really, really, REALLY cheap?

thanks,
Mark

KIX · 04-12-2010, 07:42 AM

Take one of your 15" wheels to a tire store and have them tell you the lug bolt pattern and the rim width. You can also ask them what vehicle would have that size rim as standard. Then go to a junk yard and get some rims for your new tires. Probable cost would be maybe $10-15 per rim. But, if your tires are 16 years old now then this project would be Job #1 if it were me.

p8md · 04-12-2010, 07:56 AM

It’s definitely Job #1 but I was just going to buy four 15” tires. Not planning on buying rims also.

wingnut60 · 04-12-2010, 07:45 PM

I am assuming 5 lug wheels? If so, measure from the center of one lug hole directly across to the mid-point (keeping the mid-point to near as possible on an arc line between those 2 holes) between the 2 opposite lug holes--that measurement in inches is the second part of the bolt hole pattern: 5 x 4 1/2; 5 x 5; 5 x 5 1/2 are some common patterns. If they are 4 bolt, measure from center of one to center of opposite bolt hole--the pattern then will be 4 x ??? If a 4 bolt, they are probably Dexter wheels. IF they are 5 hole, I would think they are standard Chevy pattern wheels. It really won't hurt to tow some with the smaller wheel on one axle, but eventually you do need to get them to all the same size. I have a large fiver that I changed from 16" to 17.5" wheels/tires and kept the original spare--less than 1/2" difference in diameter and is fine for a spare. Remember, the rolling radius is one-half of the diameter of the wheel--when you look at it that way, 1" difference in wheels is only 1/2" difference in rolling radius--not a lot to worry about. Now, on a car........
Joe
Joe

FastEagle · 04-18-2010, 08:01 PM

You can find the basics in the reference below.

U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Towing A Trailer, Being Equipped for Safety - Tire Safety - DOT HS 809 433 - April 2002

FastEagle

KIX · 04-18-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

Take one of your 15" wheels to a tire store and have them tell you the lug bolt pattern and the rim width. You can also ask them what vehicle would have that size rim as standard. Then go to a junk yard and get some rims for your new tires. Probable cost would be maybe $10-15 per rim. But, if your tires are 16 years old now then this project would be Job #1 if it were me.

My apologies.........I didn't read your original post very well. I just assumed that your were talking about a motorhome. Sorry.