Michelin 16" LT Tire Upgrade

[Violet2060]

We're in the same boat with the 16's on Sendels with a 27'. I don't believe you will have an issue but if it makes you feel better I took a Dremel to the sharp corner of the wheel well trim and cut it off at a 45 degree angle. I doubt it matters but it gave me a little peace of mind. You won't regret the upgrade! We have about 10,000 miles on ours and we feel much safer than before.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by gecko

Interesting! After years of Marathon blowouts, we replaced ours with the same at the beginning of last season and have had no problems. We purchased the wheels and tires from Discount Tires, which is the local branch of All American Tires, and they wouldn't install on the Airstream--we had that done with Ron at C&G Airstream instead. He had to do a slight modification to the spare tire holder to make it fit, but otherwise no problems. After a season of towing, no problems with clearance on our 2009 28' International.

This must be up to the individual store. Discount tire in Longmont, CO did ours without a problem. They did however have me sign a form acknowledging that these were not identical to the OEM wheels and tires.

Ken

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by CactusBert

After reading horror stories on this forum, I purchased some 16" rims and Michelins before I had my Airstream. We were living in Michigan and went out to Idaho to pick up our 2005 Classic 30'. Had the 16's put on the next day, so I don't know what life would have been like - but so far haven't had any problems.

How does everyone keep track of the mileage on their trailers and tires? Simply keeping a log of each trip?

One can have a hubdometer installed if desired.

[Siegmann]

I got a new truck last year, with the factory installed brake controller. Was amazed, but it keeps track of towing mileage for you!

Not the best thing since sliced bread, but it impressed me.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by CactusBert

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How does everyone keep track of the mileage on their trailers and tires? Simply keeping a log of each trip?

Obviously, if you want a very accurate one, (only as accurate as you TV's speedometer), you simply keep a log of mileage using the tow vehicles odometer and make an entry in your log each time you hitch and unhitch. You can also use a GPS to record mileage travelled.

I use google maps "directions" feature to retrace my travels after towing. That is as accurate as I feel it needs to be.

Ken

[Adiredneck]

I notice that the Michelin LT 225/75 R16 tires come in both the XPS Rib style and the M/S2 style. Obviously we don't have to worry about traction, and both have a 2680lbs rating at 80psi (we have a 27FB classic with a GVW of 9,000lbs). Other than the fact that XPS Rib is a "commercial" tire and costs $130+ more than the M/S2, can anyone give me pros and cons for each. What type have those of you that upgraded purchased? Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[paiceman]

We converted to the 16' on a 2012 30' and now have them from the factory on a 2015 30', total of about 45,000 miles no issues and no clearance issues at all.

Bud

[m.hony]

Love them on my '13 Classic 30-



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[m.hony]

You can see in the photo there is plenty of clearance all the way around with 225/75R16 tires.


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[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Adiredneck

I notice that the Michelin LT 225/75 R16 tires come in both the XPS Rib style and the M/S2 style. Obviously we don't have to worry about traction, and both have a 2680lbs rating at 80psi (we have a 27FB classic with a GVW of 9,000lbs). Other than the fact that XPS Rib is a "commercial" tire and costs $130+ more than the M/S2, can anyone give me pros and cons for each. What type have those of you that upgraded purchased? Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Most users here have used the M/S2 style, while at least a couple have used the XPS Ribs. My understanding is that the Ribs will last longer. I have the M/S2 style. Keep in mind the traction tread pattern on the M/S tires will aid to some degree in braking. One consideration is how many miles will you tow a year. In my case it is few enough that the I am fairly sure that I will exceed the tires useful life in years, before I wear out the tread.

Ken

[gecko]

Ken's answer is excellent. We decided to go for the XPS ribs because we travel mostly in warm weather, sometimes exceeding 100 degrees. But our Sprinter TV has Continental M&S that are wearing very well. So next round we might go the other way.

[OTRA15]

Parallel discussion here about temperature:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...s2-137278.html

[excellaf350]

I'm considering the 235/85's as well. Currently my 34 is on factory 15's. My driveway at home has a slight incline and I drag my hensley spring bad when I pull out. I have $13,000 in new concrete so that's not a plesent noise! I've resorted to stacking a 2x12 and some plywood at the curb and cranking the bars up hard to barely avoid scraping.

I have a set of 16" wheels already so I'm considering the 235/85's over the 225/75's because that should raise the trailer another full 2" over the 15's. Then switch out my 4" stinger for a 2".... Hopefully resulting in just enough hitch clearance to stop scraping my new driveway!!

1" of clearance all around should be enough. Got pics?


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[m.hony]

Why the bigger tires?
Why not 225/75R16 tires?
Still Load Range E-


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[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Why the bigger tires?
Why not 225/75R16 tires?
Still Load Range E-


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If you are referring to the post above yours, he says he is getting the larger tires to get extra road clearance to avoid scraping the driveway.

That's the only reason I can think of.

Ken

[m.hony]

If the bigger tires will fit, why not?
Dexter lift kit?


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[m.hony]

Lift kit and bigger tires?


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[excellaf350]

I assume you were referring to me? Im considering the larger 235/85's because of the clearance issues I have in my driveway. I already own new wheels. My current tires are only 4 years old but I wouldn't mind swaping out the steel wheels for the nice shiny Aluminum ones sitting in my shed either. So I was thinking of improvimg my situation with 1 move.

I never considered a lift kit. Honestly never knew they have em. Been looking them up as well and I suppose that is also a good option. The cost of the larger tires is about $11 a tire. the lift kit is 150-200 for 2 axles. Id have to buy 2 of them for my 34. Plus a long weekend of work and possibly end up needing an alignment. IMO I should try the tires first it should get me 2". Add in the stinger change and I think it will give me the clearance I need. ( I hope )

so back to the original post if there is 1" of clearance at the closest point (front or back) to the trailer I think there enough room. I see one pic in this thread by someone else with the 235's and IMO it looks fine.

Sure the 225/75's would have more clearance but if I can go bigger and solve my issue with 1 move I am all ears.

I would love to find someone who went 235/85's on a 34 to be sure

[FLMarine]

I have the Sendel 16" rims and Firestone LT HT tires. Don't have the exact size on me right now, but I've posted threads on here about my switch. Just about three years ago my Bad year 15" Marathon's tread separated it caused $5500 worth of damage to my 27FB. While my trailer was being repaired I had my tires and rims replaced with the 16" rims.

So far I have had them on for about 3 years and towed at least 15,000 miles. No issues, and it tows great. No issues on clearance, but it is close on one side.

[m.hony]

Usual size would be 225/75R16


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