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Old 05-05-2009, 08:12 PM   #1
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15" to 16" Wheels/Tires on 2007 Safari

We changed our wheels and tires today from the OEM Marathons to 225/75R16
Michelin LTX A/S load range E tires. I have included a few pictures of the
installation to show the clearances between the tires and the wheel wells, because this seems to be an area of concern to those contemplating the switch. The Michelins are not available in load range D in this size, so I plan
to run these at 45-50 psi per the inflation tables. The new tires added 3/8"
to the ride height of the trailer. The new wheels have an -8mm offset and still
have plenty of clearance to the outboard wheel well. The picture with the
tape measure shows the new tire supporting the trailer by itself, which is probably close to maximum compression of the suspension. There is still
more than enough room in the wheel wells.

Terry
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Old 05-05-2009, 08:14 PM   #2
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A couple of pictures of the finished product.
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Old 05-06-2009, 12:56 AM   #3
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Terry
I really like your upgrade - have you towed enough to tell a difference on that end of things?

I'm in the middle of a similar upgrade to my 16' - except going from 14" to 15" wheels. I haven't decided on the new tires to go with - not so many choices in LT tires for the 15" wheels - but I wish I could go with the Michelin AT tires that you picked.

I anticipate having to trim the edge of the wheel opening on mine - the place where you show the tape measure. It looks like an easy enough job if the bigger tires make it necessary.

Great project - thanks for sharing it!
Bob
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Old 05-06-2009, 08:32 AM   #4
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Bob,

I plan to take a spin this weekend to check it out. I was worried about
adequate clearance at the bottom of the wheel well arches and had read that
others in the forum had trimmed this area a little. Shouldn't be hard to do
if needed.

Terry
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Old 05-06-2009, 10:34 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RDM16CCD View Post
I anticipate having to trim the edge of the wheel opening on mine - the place where you show the tape measure. It looks like an easy enough job if the bigger tires make it necessary.
Hi Bob,

If you end up having to trim - it would be great to see pictures of that process.

I've been contemplating this as well. One concern I have is that the distance between the tire and the wheel opening is different on each side of the trailer. On one side it may be too close with the existing tires already.

Scott
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Old 05-06-2009, 11:09 AM   #6
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Terry;

I'm having trouble with the indications on the tape measure-- it is upside down.
Would you be kind enough to retake the picture and use a Cabinetmaker's Tape (for Righthanders) available from "Lee Valley"
Thanks for your consideration in advance, for those of us that have processing difficulties..
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Old 05-06-2009, 11:37 AM   #7
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Tell us more about your wheels too. Like what brand and offset and part numbers if available?
Also in your pics you show the distance between the front tire and the front trim but is the same distance for the back tire to the trim in the back also?
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Old 05-06-2009, 07:34 PM   #8
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Old 05-06-2009, 07:49 PM   #9
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Bluto,

Here's the link to the wheels:Trailer Tires and Wheels - trailer tires, boat trailer tires, trailer wheels, boat trailer wheels, aluminum trailer wheels
The ones we used are the second ones down in the right hand column.
On our trailer all of the wheel well openings varied less than a 1/4"
at all four of the closest points to the tires.

Hey Tim--flygunz just inverted the trailer, saving money for a new tape.

Terry
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Old 05-07-2009, 05:48 AM   #10
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I'm all about saving a buck...lol
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Old 05-07-2009, 07:44 AM   #11
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Rollertoaster, Thanks for the link!

And don't forget to post again after you take it on a nice trip with those new 16 inchers. I marked this thread on my computer so I can keep checking on this. This is something I've been thinking about for a while and want to make sure you are completely happy with the change before I make the switch. It's an all or nothing decision.
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Old 09-29-2009, 02:43 PM   #12
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Almost 5 months have gone by and I wondered if you had a chance to get on the road yet with the new set up. How do those babies handle on a trip? Any issues?
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Old 09-29-2009, 05:19 PM   #13
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Time to retire

Hi Gang!

I've been running 225 75R 16 Michelin,LTX's on my 1995 28" Classic for 2 years now.

Many seasoned forums members do, and have posted extensively on the subject.

25,000 miles later, I'm still very very happy.

Steel rims 0 offset.
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Old 09-29-2009, 05:29 PM   #14
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What are you going to do with your old rims? I recently got my TT and all four rims are different.
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Old 09-29-2009, 05:34 PM   #15
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Since Airstream is now offering optional 16" wheels with LT tires - Good Year Wranglers - I suspect they're probably usable on most if not all trailers that come with 15" wheels. But the best source of info on that is to give Airstream a call.
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Old 09-30-2009, 12:02 PM   #16
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I'm happy to hear that the larger size tires and wheels work on the trailers without any problems. I was concerned with clearence issues but I guess it is unfounded.
This opens the door for many of us to finally be able to use better tires on these units.
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Old 09-30-2009, 04:47 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluto View Post
I'm happy to hear that the larger size tires and wheels work on the trailers without any problems. I was concerned with clearence issues but I guess it is unfounded.
This opens the door for many of us to finally be able to use better tires on these units.
There is not a clearance problem. I have had Michelin E rated 16s on my trailer for 2 1/2 years. Unlike an SOB the Airstream axles can not move the tires for or aft, so an inch is an inch.
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Old 09-30-2009, 05:11 PM   #18
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Next blowout I'm going to 16"/Michelin's 'E'-load. I noticed on my hub a sticker stating "USE ONLY 0 OFFSET". Anybody know the width on the OEM aluminum 5 spoke rims?
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Old 09-30-2009, 05:55 PM   #19
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hub a sticker stating "USE ONLY 0 OFFSET".
I wonder why the hub would have an offset limit.

Both the wheels I am using and the wheels noted above have a -8mm offset.
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Old 09-30-2009, 06:07 PM   #20
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Just returned from a 1400 mile trip last week

and the 16" wheels and Michelin tires worked great. I used the same wheels on the AS and the LC. (Outlaw II from American Racing).
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