change from 14" to 15" wheels??

happiestcamp · 08-31-2006, 12:08 AM

I just bought a 99 Safari 25' -- it has the original tires -- they have to be replaced for age not tread wear
It has 14 6 steel rims and ST 205/75/14 tires
Can I switch to 15" rims and tires? Enough clearance? The newer models
use 15"

Both models have 17.75" hitch ball heights

Advantages/disadvantages??
John

overlander63 · 08-31-2006, 05:23 AM

The 14" tires will cost less, and take up less space to store the spare. They will also carry less weight, but your coach weight will allow the use of the 14 inch tires. I have seen '04 and '05 models with 14" tires, as well as the trailers of your model year.

**Action** · 08-31-2006, 01:00 PM

What size wheel do you have on your TV? If you can get a match with the wheels on your TV you have another source for emergency spare.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

scottanlily · 08-31-2006, 08:28 PM

The 14" tire is small for a 25ftr ,I would go with the 15" .you need new wheels and tires sized like the newer coaches use ,so the hitch height stays
the same ,they can't be too much larger on the newer models if the hitch height is the same on both ,The change of the hitch height would be a downside if not adjustable and it was off from what it is now .Just have to
check it out ,but I would opt for the 15"

Scott

Mike Lewis · 08-31-2006, 08:38 PM

One advantage assuming you don't have a clearence problem in the wheel well, is that the 15" wheels give greater space around the break drums which makes them cool better.You may be able to go to disc brakes also.---pieman

happiestcamp · 08-31-2006, 10:53 PM

Proposed TV will have 16 or 17" rims

seems the 15" tires will have 2" larger dia giving 1" more ground clearance -- tires cost about $5 more each and about $200 for four new 15" rims.

John

**CanoeStream** · 09-01-2006, 06:16 AM

Were 14" wheels OEM in 1999? I wouldn't do this just to get an extra inch of ground clearance. Airstreams aren't much of an off road traveler. You'll have to make sure that the rims you're looking at it are rated for the load.

happiestcamp · 09-01-2006, 11:19 PM

14" rims were OEM on the 1999 Safari 25 6 sleeper -- probably and weight and cost savings item -- rims are steel also

John

pmclemore · 05-02-2007, 10:57 AM

This is an old thread - but I had a too-close encounter with a curb and bent one of my wheels. I need a replacement. It is a 14" steel wheel - gray painted.

Does anyone have a spare 14" gray wheel they would sell me? A/S dealer will order one but the delivered cost may approach $100. Anyone want to make a quick $50?

Thanks - Pat

Thanks - Pat.