14" vs 15"

[bobgoldstein]

I am thinking of switching to 15" tires and wheels. My AS now has ST 215 75R14 mounted on Alcoa wheels.

Is there an issue with clearance when changing to 15's? Any recommendation on new wheels and selling the OEM's?
Thanks.

[field & stream]

We upgraded to 15" wheels on our 2008 23'. Here are two previous Forum discussions on this question, with lots of good info for you:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...er-116941.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...fb-111316.html

[switz]

Used 15" SenDel T03-56545T wheels to match our Classic 16" wheels in design and used Michelin LTX P 235/75R15 XL tires derated to 1,983 pounds for trailer use. Had to do some metal trimming on curb side front edge of wheel opening as it did not match the street side front wheel well opening on our 2015 23D.

Carry 44 psi pressure. Has larger tire print and softer ride than the ST tires.

[field & stream]

switz makes a great point about the fit within the wheel wells, and his need to trim one of the wheel wells to get the 15" wheels/tires to fit on his 23D. Our 23' trailer is not the Dinette version, but a discontinued corner bed model with the front L-Lounge and a different body, and we did not have to trim anything and have a great fit.

Someone with a 23 FB can help here with their actual experience on that model.

[nrgtrakr]

Why not look at tire diameter - the original tire diameter and then find the approximate same diameter on a bigger wheel?
I did similarly on a pickup years ago. Wheels 2" larger diameter, tires no longer 78 profile. Fit in the wheelwells perfect, speedometer worked normal AND 3 more miles per gallon.
In reverse, the original size tires on our 75 Overlander had made contact with the wheel wells so when replacing them we got a tire of smaller diameter but higher rating.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by switz

Used 15" SenDel T03-56545T wheels to match our Classic 16" wheels in design and used Michelin LTX P 235/75R15 XL tires derated to 1,983 pounds for trailer use. Had to do some metal trimming on curb side front edge of wheel opening as it did not match the street side front wheel well opening on our 2015 23D.

Carry 44 psi pressure. Has larger tire print and softer ride than the ST tires.

Did exactly the same on our 2014 23D. The trailer feels happier. It stops better, sits higher and Michelins are far superior to the Goodyears.

The trim on the door side wheel well had to be filed to bring the trim clearance from 5/8 to 1 inch. The street side was already close to 1". I don't believe that there would be any lateral movement of the wheels but 1 inch convinced my friends that I wasn't crazy.