Replacement Tire for a 1966 Trailblazer Camper

Question:

I have a 1966, 16 foot Trailblazer camper that weighs approx. 2000lbs. The rims are 6 bolt, 15. I have no idea what size tire this calls for. Information is very hard to find about this camper. Currently, it has P215/70 R 15s that are hard to remove because of the clearence between the drum and wheel well. The spare has a G78-15 on it. Any suggestions as to the correct tire for this rig? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

asked by: Dennis

Expert Reply:

If the tire you are currently using is a 215/70R15 then that means you have a section width of 8.5" and an overall diameter of 26.9". We do have the tire size 205/75R14 which has an overall diameter of 26.3" but it is not available with a 6 bolt configuration, only 5.

To use a smaller tire you would have to change out your current hubs so that you would have a 5 bolt pattern. It looks like you are currently using a vehicle tire. Although that can "technically" be used, you really need to use a trailer tire as the sidewall is more stiff which allows it to carry a load better.

If your axles are located on top of your leaf springs then what you can do is install an over under kit, part # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8" axle diameter or part # K71-385-00 for a 3" axle diameter, and then use a standard trailer tire. An over under kit will raise the height of your trailer equal to diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack.

Once this is done you can possibly use the Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Mod Wheel # TA27VR. This is a load range D tire (2,150 lbs at 65 psi) that has a section width of 7.99" and an overall diameter of 27.17". This will sit about 1/2" closer to your wheel well so you need to make sure that you will have enough room with the added height of your trailer.

expert reply by: Jon G