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Old 09-27-2017, 08:18 AM   #1
CEG
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15 inch tires v 16 inch tires

Good morning - I have been reading quite a lot on the advantages of upgrading to the Michelin 16 inch LT tires for my International 25FB. I'm thinking about staying with 15 inch but upgrading the tires to michelin ltx m/s2 lt225 Would like to hear your thoughts / recommendations.
Thanks in advance! Chuck
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Old 09-27-2017, 08:44 AM   #2
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Lots here more knowledgeable than me on the subject, but the big different is a true LT tire in the 16", while the 15" is technically a "P" rated tire (passenger). P rated tires must be derated to use on a trailer (planning for less load than what the tire says it's good for by 10%). I know there's at least a few active members using the 15" Michelins that have spoken well of the results they've had.
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Old 09-27-2017, 09:17 AM   #3
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I originally researched this option as well. I don't believe it's a necessity any longer as there are excellent tires available again to fit the 15" wheel. Upgrading to 16" was during a dark time in tires where all the 15" tires were questionable. Also, 15" having more sidewall, will maintain a better ride quality for your AS.

A great and readily available 15" LT tire is the Nokian 235/75/15 tire. Plenty of durability and load capacity for your 25' International. Give a nice 3/16" lift as well.

There's been lots of threads, but here's a current one: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...tg-172959.html
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Old 09-27-2017, 08:48 PM   #4
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The advantage to upgrading to a larger rim and tire diameter is the greater load capacity. One can do this change rather blindly and throw money at that change. However the basis of the change gets down to maximum possible load towed and the capacity of the tires in total inflated to the pressure either max or what you want to inflate them. AND having some reserve capacity.

So there is some math involved and effort of calculating the max weight. Running the trailer over the scale. And if possible getting an individual wheel load and believe it or not each tire/wheel assembly is not loaded the same.

Example: Assume the total load will be 1000 pounds on a dual axle trailer and the load never gets any higher than that. One could think each axle would be 500 pounds and each tire/wheel has 250 pounds. It isn't likely that will happen. There will be tires that carry more and some less.

Then one would want to match the tires to the max load possible at pressure with a margin of say 15%. Then you have a place of knowledge to size your trailer tires. Also know that trailers like humans tend to gain weight over time. Just a bonus for this exercise.

If the calculated max towed load plus margin goes beyond the load of the 15" tire/wheel combo then a higher load range or a larger tire is needed.

Also know that you will be traveling. Installing a not common tire (an exaggeration would be a 14" rim dia tire with a load range E may be possible to purchase) may get you the capacity that you want. However face it, the road out there can be a bad place. Running over a road hazard in a remote location may mean having an extended period of not moving to your destination because you have a tire that isn't available in that area.

So a 16" rim may be what you want. Or simply buying that larger rim and tire will do the job too with out doing any of the above. Because going over load capacity in tires means you may have the option of lowering tire pressure which lowers load capacity. Tires that are too far over load capacity has negative issues as well.

Lastly tire maintenance goes a long way to trouble free traveling in your travel trailer. Always fill tires when cold to needed pressure. Inspect tires frequently for debris when traveling. Replace tires when they age out or wear out which ever comes first. Always fill tires when cold to needed pressure. Avoid driving over debris, curbs or any other hazards. Cover tires when not traveling if lots of sun exposure is possible. Keep lugs on wheels tight. And did I say always fill tires when cold to needed pressure?

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Old 09-27-2017, 09:04 PM   #5
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We installed 15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires in January of 2013 on the stock wheel rims on our 2012 25FB International Serenity and inflated them to 44 psi per Andy Thompson at CanAm in London, Ontario, Canada.The tires were side wall rated at 2,183 pounds @ 50 psi and had to be derated to 1,985 pounds for trailer use. There was about a 30% load reserve as the trailer weighed about 6,900 pounds fully loaded for camping.

We installed the same tire on 15" SenDel T03-56545T wheels on our 2013 23D International Serenity when we upgraded on the dealership lot from the stock 14" tires and wheels. The trailer scales 6,063 pounds fully loaded. Scale info:

Camping Ready my scales 9 May 2016

Tongue………928
Front….1,280……1,246 - total front axle 2,526
Rear…..1,376……1,233 - total rear axle 2.609
Total Axles………5,135
Total Trailer….6,063

So there was an ample tire load safety factor in this installation.

We did install the Michelin LT225/75R16/E LTX M/S2 tires rated at 2,680 pounds @ 80 psi (diameter is 29.2" P/N 05681 4 x 2,680 = 10,720 pounds mounted on 4 SenDel T03-66655T aluminum wheels and one SenDel S62-66655G galvanized wheel for spare.

All three installations had the appropriate Centramatic wheel balancers installed and the 23D and Classic also has the Dill 1506-453 TPMS system installed.
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Old 09-27-2017, 09:26 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pteck View Post
A great and readily available 15" LT tire is the Nokian 235/75/15 tire. Plenty of durability and load capacity for your 25' International. Give a nice 3/16" lift as well.

There's been lots of threads, but here's a current one: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...tg-172959.html
I agree that those look like excellent tires and Nokian has a great reputation.

Hopefully things have changed, but when I looked at them almost two years ago I wouldn't have called them "readily available." More like "hardly available."

I went to the 16" rims and haven't looked back.

You can read up on the Nokians and other tires here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...3s-120650.html
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Old 09-28-2017, 08:52 AM   #7
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Kenda Karrier - 15 inch

Has anyone had any experience with a 15 inch tire, ST225/75/R15E, manufactured by Karrier? I came across this tire on the Etrailer website.
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Old 09-28-2017, 09:27 AM   #8
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The whole idea is to get away from ST tires altogether and get longer lasting, more reliable LT tires.
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Old 09-28-2017, 09:41 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ View Post
I agree that those look like excellent tires and Nokian has a great reputation.

Hopefully things have changed, but when I looked at them almost two years ago I wouldn't have called them "readily available." More like "hardly available."

I went to the 16" rims and haven't looked back.

You can read up on the Nokians and other tires here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438...3s-120650.html
Walmart carries the Nokians now. So I'd call that readily available. Though the likelihood of the local brick and mortar having the specific model and size is questionable. That's what next day shipping is for

But then again, that's why we're all looking for a solid tire - to have more robustness on the road. Which is a reminder for everyone to change your spares when you refresh your primary tires. Having great tires is the first line of defense. Having a known spare in good shape is your second!
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Old 09-28-2017, 12:15 PM   #10
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15"

Nokians all the way. using Nokian van tires on my 23' fb. fit perfectly, no interference fit with wheel well opening. increased load capacity. handle and look really great. great mfr. reputation. also went to expense of matching spare.
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Old 09-28-2017, 12:45 PM   #11
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Walmart carries the Nokians now. So I'd call that readily available. Though the likelihood of the local brick and mortar having the specific model and size is questionable. That's what next day shipping is for
When I looked almost two years ago I was told 1 month. I'm glad to hear that's improved.
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Old 09-28-2017, 06:31 PM   #12
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2016 Bambi Sport 16'.......... Upgraded the 14" wheels to 15" Sendel wheels... Tires were Michelin LTX DEFENDER 235/75R 15....Traveled 500 miles so far with no issues ...tires were a snug fit..but once in place,had some room to spare...Works for me... I would keep the 15" wheels, and change the tires... Many here have done the same..
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Old 09-28-2017, 06:38 PM   #13
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no need for 16

Can Am coached me to purchase 235 75 15 for our 2017 30 FC Bunk. Andy said to keep tires at 50 PSI. I went with the Michelin Defenders. We have traveled over 8000 miles this year with the trailer. Tires don't like they have worn down at all.

FYI I put the same tire on our 2016 Ram 1500 eco Diesel. Went with the 10 Ply for the truck. Keep TP at 55 on truck. This set up works great!!!!
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Old 09-28-2017, 06:46 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CEG View Post
Good morning - I have been reading quite a lot on the advantages of upgrading to the Michelin 16 inch LT tires for my International 25FB. I'm thinking about staying with 15 inch but upgrading the tires to michelin ltx m/s2 lt225 Would like to hear your thoughts / recommendations.
Thanks in advance! Chuck
Check out the new Goodyear tires. Goodyear has retooled and the new tires R as good as the 16". I have found that the trailer tire comp's R retooling to make better tires for RV's do to the fact that the RV industry has became so popular they all want a piece of the market. So changing to 16" will no longer B needed.

Google the tire Manf.
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Old 09-28-2017, 07:04 PM   #15
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ST tires will still likely not give a long life.
We’ll see.
It’s moot really because I have already switched to 16” LT tires.
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Old 09-28-2017, 07:09 PM   #16
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Following... I also thought Goodyear corrected this issue with their new Endurance tire
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Old 09-28-2017, 07:52 PM   #17
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We don’t yet know if the new Goodyear Endurance will last over 3 years like typical Trailer tires.
We won’t know for 5-7 years how long they’ll last.
Not really expecting them to last any longer than any other ST tire.
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Old 09-29-2017, 07:00 AM   #18
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Wonder if the new GoodYear ST tires are Lip Stick on a pig? Only time will tell.

I have had GYM ST tires delaminate in two years. They lost air after a month in storage.

I have 50 years of Michelin tire experience with no tire failures.

Guess what brand is on ALL of my vehicles.
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Old 09-29-2017, 07:05 AM   #19
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That little man on the sidewall waving at me means something...
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Old 10-01-2017, 09:11 AM   #20
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Ok, does Michelin make a 15 inch tire that will fit my 25ft FC?
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