I would like to change to 16" wheels on our fiver when I next change tires provided I have the clearance. I intend to go with those sharp looking aluminum wheels as an upgrade from the steel wheels on there now. I have been researching the sizes and I think I will have the clearance. I also found quite a bit of variation in terms of the pressure ratings various wheels are designed to handle.

I know there is a lot of discussion about changing wheels sizes on the forum, but would like to hear from someone who has actually done it.

Thanks,

Steve

 

I can tell you that my 31' Jazz made by Thor of Ca, now defunct, says on the sticker that the standard wheels are 15" and the optional wheels, which it came with are 16". The size of the tire is probably more pertinent to the fit.

 

Spacing between the axles is important. Some discussion on that. Need to have probably 2-4" with the 15's to allow 16"

 

Once again, the size of the tire on the 16 will be the determining factor. I agree with the 2-4 inches between the wheels.

 

I understand the spacing issue. Just wondering if anyone has actually made the change as it gets mentioned pretty often in the forum.

Steve

 

Steve,

There is considerable discussion of changing 15's to 16's on the Grand Design forum. Several have done it, and some have added spacer blocks to increase tire clearance (vertical). There may be helpful information there. I would like to go that route as well on our GD Reflection.

Tom Evans

 

Tom,

The Lippert Correct Track raises the trailer 2" above original height and it is simple to install. It provides that added benefit of having a means to align the trailer.

I am really busy now with work as the RV season gets ready to take off, but this is something I will pursue in a couple of months when work slows.

Thanks,

Steve

 

I know there are 16" wheels out there that will fit 5 stud bolt pattern I'm sure you have just make sure they are 0 offset trailer wheels. After you find wheels I would look for LT tires with a highway tread design, I knew a few people that have gone with Firestone Transforce with good results. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....HTV2&tab=Sizes This is what I ran on my last DRW, they are 30" diameter tires.

Denny

 

Here is a good site that shows spring spacing and spring widths, it's s PDF. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...91FNZYWOL64bTQ

Denny

 

I don't want to start a tire war but I have never gotten a Firestone tire to make 20000 miles without a blowout

 

I've ran Transforce on my work trucks for years and the trucks I pulled my trailers with and never had a blowout or any other problem, they will also be what I will use to replace the tires on my present truck when the factory ones need to be replaced. I have no other experience with any other Firestone tires.

Denny

 

I'm in the process of doing that right now.
I was riding 2" nose high so I had my suspension adjusted to the lower holes on the spring hangars and gained an inch of height.
Then I'm upgrading from the factory 15's to the same wheels in 16" with the same offset and such.


I'm going from ST225/75R15 (28.3" tall) to LT215/85R16 (30.4" tall) to gain that extra inch. In my case I have a little over 2" between the tires with the new size and the wheel/tire combo are rated higher than the factory wheels/tire combo so I'm good on that end. (my wheels/tires cover 100% of my GVWR instead of 86% like the factory wheels/tires).


I went with BF Goodrich Commercial All Season 2 tires and Sendel T06 wheels ( same as what came on my unit but in 16").

 

Steve,

My Reflection 303rls came with the Lippert Correct Track. But the vertical clearance especially on the street side is rather minimal.

Tom

 

That was my question. So you can retain 5 stud pattern without having to change the hubs? At least you're not reinventing the wheel there.

 

I changed mine out years ago. My 5200lb Lippert axles were already 6 lug though. I went with a 0 offset aluminum trailer wheel with ss centercaps. I found them on ebay and included chrome lug nuts and metal valve stems. I've been running Transforce tires LT 215/85 r16 load range E. I now have Maxxis 215's.