5th wheel trailer size question

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Oct 19, 2010 | 12:20 PM

samahi72

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Tuned

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From: Fountain

5th wheel trailer size question

I have an 84 22' Alpenlite 5th wheel. The tires that are on it right now are 205x75x15. I have no idea what size the factory recommends. I would like to go to a taller tire to get the trailer to be level with the truck (I can't lower the hitch any lower and I don't want to reverse the axles). A couple of questions,
1. Any idea how to find out the original size?
2. Any problem with going to a 225x75x15?

Thank you.

Oct 19, 2010 | 12:24 PM

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

Can you still read the GVW metal tag on the trailer. I oftentimes has the original tire size and filling pressure on it.

Oct 19, 2010 | 01:22 PM

samahi72

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From: Fountain

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPofMD

Can you still read the GVW metal tag on the trailer. I oftentimes has the original tire size and filling pressure on it.

I don't know, where would I look to find that GVW tag?

Oct 19, 2010 | 02:51 PM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

Sometimes it is near a corner of the trailer or perhaps on the front somewhere near the point to raise the front jacks. perhaps looking inside the cupboards may yield some info.

You will want to go with LT tires btw.

Oct 19, 2010 | 04:35 PM

dchamberlain

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From: Scio, OR

It might be one of the tags by the door, also.

Oct 19, 2010 | 05:11 PM

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

It's possible that back in '84 it wasn't required......is Aspenlite still in business?

Oct 19, 2010 | 07:05 PM

samahi72

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Tuned

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From: Fountain

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPofMD

It's possible that back in '84 it wasn't required......is Aspenlite still in business?

I was searching for them on the web and one site said that they are out of business. I was going to call them to see if they could tell me the original size.

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Oct 20, 2010 | 05:53 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

There will be a label on the trailer somewhere. It has been the law for many many years. I've never seen a trailer without one, but sometimes they are painted over.

If the larger tire fits the wheel (check the tire manufacturer for recommended rim widths), and if the tire fit the wheel wells on the trailer, you should have no problem going larger. A 205 to a 225 isn't much of a change. You might also want to weigh the rig, and make sure you are not overloading either the existing tire, or the new tires.

If there is a spare, check the size on it. Often spares don't get changed with the running tires, and it might be a clue to the original size.

Oct 20, 2010 | 06:35 PM

#10

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

My '94 Prowler never even came with a spare...I doubt if his '84 did either.

Oct 20, 2010 | 08:08 PM

#11

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

no spare on my 96 Chateau.

Oct 21, 2010 | 06:55 AM

#12

Gearitis

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From: Waco, Texas

I was talking with my Dad last night he's 78 now) and I was also reading FTE and came across this post. I asked him as I remember he had an Aspen lite about that time. He said, that if he rememberd right, it had 7.00x15's 6 ply bias. He remembered he upgraded to 7.00x15 8 plys bias and it pulled better and he was less worried about the weight. He pulled it with a 1967 F-250 that had a 352 in it. So if pops memory is right, that equals to about a 225x75x15 Load range D or E. He pulled that thing to Canada, California, Carolinas and never had any problems with tires. He said he just kept the pressures up. Don't know if this helps, just trying to relate from someone who remembers these things.

Oct 31, 2010 | 11:24 AM

#13

GKing

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A good tire store should be able to help find the right size and be able to check for propper wheel well clearance for what you want to do.

Oct 31, 2010 | 11:34 AM

#14

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

They SHOULD, but most of them now don't have anyone there long enough to learn these things.....and IF one does learn, he goes off and applies it where he can make more money!