Flying Cloud 23 Tire/Wheel Changeover

[TinTin]

About to change out the 14 inch wheels on my 09 Flying Cloud 23FB. I'm planning to go with Sendel T02 and Michelin 235/75R/15 LTX MS2.

I know a number of owners of this model have made the same change. Before I place the order, I'm hoping someone can confirm that this wheel/tire combination will fit on a 23 footer with no problems.

[Laidback1]

Related question: when did AS switch over to 15" Marathons? We recently took delivery of 2014 FC 27' and it came with 15's


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[Greg@AirLA]

Your 27' has 12" drums, the 23' has 10" so they used a smaller tire/wheel combo.

Greg

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by Greg@AirLA

Your 27' has 12" drums, the 23' has 10" so they used a smaller tire/wheel combo.

Greg

So the 10 inch drums won't support 15 inch wheels/tires?

[TinTin]

I haven't heard of any problems with the 10 inch brake and 15 inch wheel combination on 23 footers.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by TinTin

I haven't heard of any problems with the 10 inch brake and 15 inch wheel combination on 23 footers.

Neither have I. I just put 2000 miles on the combo. They work like a charm. In fact I've had to turn down the gain on my RAM's integrated brake controller to compensate for the larger contact patch on the Michelins. I even slightly flat spotted a leading tire at 50% gain.

I suspect that A/S matched the drum/tire size to the minimum requirements of this particular GVWR on a dual axle trailer. They need to keep the MSRP down and every dollar counts.

[TinTin]

I've done a little reading on the subject of up-sizing tires (mostly related to cars). In general a one inch increase in diameter, given that there is room for the tire in the wheel well, is not a problem. More centrifugal force but aided by lower rotational speed ... same weight to stop.

Up-sizing more than one inch can become problematic for brakes, and require additional braking power.

Many here have up-sized their Airstream wheels/tires from 14 to 15 or from 15 to 16. Nobody has reported brake overheating or other problems.

interstateflyer: thanks!

[AIRTRVL]

I just made the change from 14" to 15" wheels and Michelin 235/75R/15. I love the ride and handling. The only problem was the spare tire rack. I had to lower the back of the rack 3/4" on the frame for the spare tire to fit. I just drilled another hole in the tire rack 3/4" above the existing hole and reattached it to the frame.

[banderabob]

Originally Posted by TinTin

About to change out the 14 inch wheels on my 09 Flying Cloud 23FB. I'm planning to go with Sendel T02 and Michelin 235/75R/15 LTX MS2.

I know a number of owners of this model have made the same change. Before I place the order, I'm hoping someone can confirm that this wheel/tire combination will fit on a 23 footer with no problems.

TinTin, did this combo work? We have a 2012 23D and are looking to upgrade to 15" at this time. Thanks!