Can 15 Inch Tires be Replaced with 16 Inch Tires on a 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 04/28/2015 | Published 04/26/2015

Question:

looking to upgrade tires and wheels, now it has 6 hole 15 in, wanting to go with 10 ply 16. gonna pull 14foot tandem enclosed trailer behind, am I looking at a good choice

asked by: Lance W

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need to look at is how much clearance you currently have around your existing tires. A 235/80-16 is going to be a little over 1/4 inch wider than a 225/75-15 tire and nearly 1-1/4 inches wider than a 205/75-15 tire.

The larger size will also be 2-1/2 inches taller than a 225 and 3-3/16 inches taller than a 205.

Only have of the additional width and height will be applied above the existing tires and between the inside sidewall and trailer body or frame. If you have enough clearance all around the tires you have now then the larger size will fit.

Please note that going to a higher capacity tire will not increase the capacity of the trailer. Taskmaster does make a good tire and wheel and # TA39VR would be a good choice.

Also, you will want to check the laws in your state and any state you will be traveling in because in many places it is illegal to tow a trailer behind another trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H