2014 International Signature 23fb with 14" tires

[roundrobin]

hi,
After reading in this forum I was surprised to find only 14" tires on my new 23 FB AS.
Was expecting 15". They are Marathons. The rims have 5 bolts. What can I upgrade to if I decide to go with it ? Will a 15 or 16 " rim fit on a 5 bolt hub? Are they readily available? Cost of a complete upgrade? If someone has just done one.
I believe it is a Dexter axle (double). It is probably mentioned in here but it is just like a maze of info. If someone as a quick answer of what I can and cannot do. My mind isn't made up on upgrading but it would be nice to know my options.
I plan on driving a ross Canada and back this summer. I am sold on a tire pressure monitoring system.

Cheers

Al

[roundrobin]

Think I found my answer. I don't feel comfy with the 14" Marathons. Don't know why, but I don't. With my AS 23fb weight at around 6000lbs , the Michelin 235-75R15/XL 108T should be excellent for me. I would still welcome comments.

Can't wait to hit the road!

Al

[SteveSueMac]

You're sure those are 14" tires?

Also, have you weighed it fully loaded for camping?

4 of those Michelins would have the load carrying ability for 6000# if that's your weight. But you'd need new rims for those tires too if you have 14s on there now.

[roundrobin]

Good point. I would be right on limit. So I guess I have to find a stronger option.
A 15" tire with a stronger load, if that exists. Maybe someone can give me ideas. Going to 16, would raise my AS 2" right? Or is it just 1" ? My wife is partly disabled (polio) and the lower the steps the better. Will visit the local tire shops, also.

Al

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

You're sure those are 14" tires?

Also, have you weighed it fully loaded for camping?

4 of those Michelins would have the load carrying ability for 6000# if that's your weight. But you'd need new rims for those tires too if you have 14s on there now.

[roundrobin]

How about the wheel wells? Any problems in going to a 16lt tire on a 16 rim?

[KJRitchie]

I would just go with 15" rims and the Michelin 235s. That is what I have on my Classic 25fb as recommended and used by others in this forum.

Kelvin

[field & stream]

Many of us with 23' have upgraded to 15" wheels (mostly Sendel's) and Michelin LTX tires. Hard to find (impossible?) 16" wheels with the 5-bolt pattern. Also, in my opinion, not necessary to go to 16" wheels because the weight per tire is lowest of all Airstreams on the dual axle 23' models.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by roundrobin

Good point. I would be right on limit. So I guess I have to find a stronger option.

A 15" tire with a stronger load, if that exists. Maybe someone can give me ideas. Going to 16, would raise my AS 2" right? Or is it just 1" ? My wife is partly disabled (polio) and the lower the steps the better. Will visit the local tire shops, also.



Al

Sorry - no I think the 15" Michelins would cover it perfectly. I wasn't clear if your scale weight was 6000 or that was your GVW - either way, the 15" Michelins will give you 7940# of capacity with plenty of headroom. I suspect the 6000 is your GVW and you're actually somewhat lighter on the scales...

[roundrobin]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I would just go with 15" rims and the Michelin 235s. That is what I have on my Classic 25fb as recommended and used by others in this forum.

Kelvin

Thanks Kelvin and all who helped. I will go that route.

Cheers

Al