Tire sizes?

[jr3153]

I recently bought a travel trailer. It did not come with a spare tire or rim, so I purchased one. Today, while putting it on the back, I realized that the tires on my left side are different sizes then the ones on the other side. The driver side ones are 205/75/15s and the ones on the left are 225/75/15. My spare is 205/75/15. Will this hurt anything, or do I need to get two new tires to match what ever the correct size is? My trailer is a 2003 Dutchmen Lite 26B. I appreciate your help. Thanks.

[Theberrys]

Here is a picture of the two tires size differences. It's not trivial; certainly if you do choose to keep them as is don't mix them on a side. I'm interested to know if the TT drifts to one side, probably not but there is a 1.2" variance in diameter.

You can bet some tire salesman told the prior owner it didn't matter. I'm no expert but it would always be in the back of my mind until I could get a unbiased opinion from a tire guy who isn't trying to sell me two new tires.

Check the date codes if you decide to match them and go with the newest tires.

Dick

[MikenAmber]

If it were my trailer I would put the same size tires on each axle. Take one each of the diffrent sizes and replace the same size on each axle. JMTCW

[CD]

The first thing I would do is check the name plate near the trailer front. I think most tell you what the trailer came with. If you decide to keep the tires, I think Dick had a good idea to keep the load capicity equal on each side. Personally I would trade the 3 small tires in for the bigger ones. IMHO most RVs don't have enough tire cap. for good handling. Just enough to be leagal. Hopefully you can use the same wheels. Check with your tire dealer, not the RV dealer.

[450Donn]

Personally i would be most concerned with the brands of the mismatched junk tires. You apparently hauled it home, now make one last trip to the tire dealer and get some quality (non Chinese) tires installed and go camping.

[CD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn Personally i would be most concerned with the brands of the mismatched junk tires. You apparently hauled it home, now make one last trip to the tire dealer and get some quality (non Chinese) tires installed and go camping.

OP didn't say anything about "Junk" tires. He just said the size is missmatched.

[jr3153]

I checked the tire codes when I got it home, the 225/75/15s have a date code in 2008 and have "Trailer Trac" on them. They are Load Range D.They are in good shape with good thread and no dry rot.

The 205/75/15s

One is a Carlisle load range C. The other is a "Kona" load range C. I could not get to the date codes, but I remember checking them last week and they were 2009s I beleive. They also are in good shape.

The Nader sticker shows it to have 205/75/15s from the factory.

I pulled it home, and pulled it one weekend. Total mileage is probably about 150 miles. During that time, I did not notice any pulling or issues with the tires, though I admit this was the first time I ever pulled a trailer of any kind.

I guess my question is, with the 225/75/15s on the passengers side, and the 205/75/15s on the left side, am I safe to pull that until I change the tires? I can change the tires if need be, but they are in good shape, and I would hate to spend another 300 dollars or more for 4 new tires if I dont have too.

And also, when I do change the tires, should I get the 225s, or go with the 205s that are on the Nader sticker?

I appreciate the help!

[CD]

Since the original size is the 205, I would probably be tempted to use them. I would put the smaller tires on the rear axle because if you hit a rock or something the heavier tire should be able to take it better. I would deffinately use the 225 when they needed changing just to get more load cap. which will impove handling.

[Arch Hoagland]

Did you buy from a dealer or a private party?

If a dealer I think I would contact them and explain what you found.

[Humpy]

THE BERRYS
thanks much for the tire size calculator you mentioned. I now have it as a Favorite programmed in. Exactly what I have been looking for.

[FastEagle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CD Since the original size is the 205, I would probably be tempted to use them. I would put the smaller tires on the rear axle because if you hit a rock or something the heavier tire should be able to take it better. I would deffinately use the 225 when they needed changing just to get more load cap. which will impove handling.

This is a very good recommendation. Each axle should be fitted with the same size wheels/tires.

It sounds like the past owner was having problems with the OE tires and was slowly replacing them with the larger size. It's the most logical thing to do when problems persist with OE trailer tires.

Because of safety issues a dealer should be required to sell the trailer with a set of matching tires (used or new) so if that’s where you got it you could apply a little pressure on them for replacements. But, the bottom line with them may be “let the buyer beware”.

FastEagle