16" wheels/LT tires

[Jeppi]

Eastern Marine carries some very good deals on trailer tire/wheel packages. I ordered 16" load range E tires on aluminum split spoke rims mounted, balance ready to go for under $200.00. They also have excellent value for wheel bearings and Dexter electric brake back plate packages for under $30.00.

[MaxAB]

Just finished-up mounting the new 35-degree axles, new 16" wheels, and Michelin Ribs. Hopefully, the Marathon headache will subside. The resultant overall height increased by 2 inches.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by MaxAB

Just finished-up mounting the new 35-degree axles, new 16" wheels, and Michelin Ribs. Hopefully, the Marathon headache will subside. The resultant overall height increased by 2 inches.

That's a big increase in height. When we put Michelin LTX tires on the increase was less than an inch. You will probably have to readjust your hitch.

Gene

[MaxAB]

The 16" upgrade gave me about 7/8-inch rise while the 35-degree axles raised the rig an additional 1 1/8", FYI.

Definitely had to adjust my Reese hitch - no biggie.

Nothing to note in terms of how it pulls - seems very stable...

[MaxAB]

Just an update: I've logged about 500 miles since upgrading the original 15" steel wheels and GY Marathons with 16" aluminum wheels and Michelin Ribs. Its been 15 days on the road with temperatures ranging between 32F - 85F; TPMS shows tire pressures holding within 76-79 PSI.

Peace of mind - Achieved.

Cheers...

[Jeppi]

I have had excellent results from Trailersuperstore.com with upgraded wheel/tire combinations and what I felt were very reasonable prices. You may like to check them out via this link 13, 14 & 15 inch Radial Trailer Tire on Aluminum Rim at Trailer Parts Superstore

I hope this can help you.
Jeppi

[Bandits]

I've had the 16" wheels and XPS ribs on for over a year now, probably 4,000 miles and am very happy. I've weighed my rig several times with different loadings and have settled on 60 psi. I also set the truck tires at 60 psi. I've got a 2008 30' Classic. The most weight I've had on the trailer axles is 8550# and at 60 psi cold I still have a good safety margin. I feel that the lower pressure should give a softer ride. If you get accurate weights and use the load inflation tables you probably will find that you can run at a lower pressure. The lower pressure will result in slightly lower gas mileage because the rolling resistance will be slightly higher but I'll sacrifice a bit of fuel to get a softer ride.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Bandits

The lower pressure will result in slightly lower gas mileage because the rolling resistance will be slightly higher but I'll sacrifice a bit of fuel to get a softer ride.

That may also mean a hotter tire and that is not a good thing.

Gene

[Ag&Au]

Why did we choose trailer wheels when upgrading to LT tires? Why not light truck wheels?

Ken

[Phoenix]

There are several reasons:

* Less expensive than alloy wheels for trucks.

* Need "zero offset" to fit Airstreams. (Most wheels for pickups have relatively large offsets.)

* Need "load capacity" rating appropriate for trailer use. (Don't know for sure, but I suspect wheels for pickups have lower load capacity. The Sendel T02's we have are rated at 3,200 pounds, each.)

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

There are several reasons:

* Less expensive than alloy wheels for trucks.

* Need "zero offset" to fit Airstreams. (Most wheels for pickups have relatively large offsets.)

* Need "load capacity" rating appropriate for trailer use. (Don't know for sure, but I suspect wheels for pickups have lower load capacity. The Sendel T02's we have are rated at 3,200 pounds, each.)

Thanks for the reply.

I checked and you are correct about the weight ratings. Comparable size wheels for trucks seem to be about 2200 Lbs.

Ken

[Hummer]

I agree with Crawfordgene, the lower pressures might tend to run hot. The other day I picked up a MATCO MT16 Infrared Thermometer to keep check on mine now. Readings are almost instant and battery life with 2AAs is a long time.

My friend had one and they were out on the road with another couple two weeks ago and they stopped and he walked around his rig and friend's rig. His friend had a tire that was like 146 deg F and he told him the tire would fail shortly and was not believed. 50 miles down the road it came apart.

The Matco is on sale this month for 59.00 and appears to be very well made.

[newroswell]

Four of these just fell off the fedex truck at my office. We got 18 months and 9000 miles out of the GYM's. BUT after I found a fresh new bulge on the sidewall while we were out last week, I'm done with them. The GYM's only need to make it 3 more miles in the morning to the tire shop where a set of Michelin LTX M/S 225/75R16's are waiting. Wish me luck!

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

There are several reasons:

* Less expensive than alloy wheels for trucks.

* Need "zero offset" to fit Airstreams. (Most wheels for pickups have relatively large offsets.)

* Need "load capacity" rating appropriate for trailer use. (Don't know for sure, but I suspect wheels for pickups have lower load capacity. The Sendel T02's we have are rated at 3,200 pounds, each.)

Cast in China, or forged in America? Is there a guarantee that foreign manufacture meets the rating stamped on it? American, European or Japanese manufacture would make me more comfortable than a guarantee of, uh, "satisfaction".

One gets what one pays for in this instance, IMO. As the price jump is steep these seem expensive, yet compared to top tires not so much as they'll outlast several sets.

Weld Racing R51P6060E35A Weld Racing Forged R51-Series Polished Trailer Wheels

Worthwhile checking all options would be the point.

.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by REDNAX

Cast in China, or forged in America? Is there a guarantee that foreign manufacture meets the rating stamped on it? American, European or Japanese manufacture would make me more comfortable than a guarantee of, uh, "satisfaction".

One gets what one pays for in this instance, IMO. As the price jump is steep these seem expensive, yet compared to top tires not so much as they'll outlast several sets.

Weld Racing R51P6060E35A Weld Racing Forged R51-Series Polished Trailer Wheels

Worthwhile checking all options would be the point.

.

At $400 each, definitely pricey. However, they have 3.5" backspacing. That would be .5" offset, not zero, right?

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by vswingfield

At $400 each, definitely pricey. However, they have 3.5" backspacing. That would be .5" offset, not zero, right?

Keep looking. The example provided was more about manufacturer and price (quickly obtained).

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by REDNAX

Keep looking. The example provided was more about manufacturer and price (quickly obtained).

I looked at several, some I really liked too, but didn't see any that weren't 3.5" rear spacing. I didn't look at all of them, thought. I didn't search any further than Jegs either.

I've noticed that other trailer wheels I've liked weren't available with zero offset from other manufacturers either. Lot's I don't like have zero offset, thought.

It's really a moot point for me right now. Other things have priority on the list, but I am interested.

[slowmover]

It's really a moot point for me right now. Other things have priority on the list, but I am interested.

Yup, only want to do this once.

[Steve Bryant]

MaxAB,
Would you please make a post with an actual picture of your new tire and wheel combination rather than this thumbnail?



I'm making a collection of such things as I'm planning to do the same for my 1991 34' trailer once I get my current work on frame/skin/floor finished (ref. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ted-85517.html). I plan to do new axles with about a 32 degree down start angle, 16" zero offset wheels and 16" LT rubber. As you can see, a 2" or so pick me up would be nothing but goodness...not to mention the associated peace of mind!

[slowmover]

One post threadjack:

As you can see, a 2" or so pick me up would be nothing but goodness...not to mention the associated peace of mind!

The Hensley stinger problem, huh? I'm either nose high or [too] nose low. I've changed hitch receivers so now have to order (again) another stinger to try.

By the way -- for purposes of aero resistance problem-solving reference -- what is the gap measurement between TV tailgate and A/S rockguard (if it is convenient someday)? Mine is right at 60".

.