Larger Tires for Jayco 23B Travel Trailer to Increase Ground Clearance

Updated 11/12/2018 | Published 11/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Tire w/ 14" Series T09 Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(150)

$271.00

Adco Spare Tire Cover for 27" Diameter Tires - White - Qty 1

(1221)

$25.86

Adco Tyre Gard RV Tire Cover for 27" to 29" Tires - Double Axle - White - Qty 1

(830)

$33.07

Adco SFS AquaShed RV Cover for Travel Trailers up to 22' Long - Gray

(1691)

$309.47

Question:

Hello. I have a 2005 Jayco 23b with 185/80/13 tires. I would like to upgrade to a 205/75/14 and I really like the look of this rim. Id like to have a bit more ground clearance as the dump valves ride really low. Im also finding that its quite an uncommon size should I have a problem on the road. Will this fit? It seems like a common upgrade for other 23b owners, but I wanted to check with a qualified retailer. Thanks!

asked by: Wayne

Expert Reply:

Your Jayco's current ST185/80-13 tires measure approximately 24-1/2-inches in diameter and are 7-1/4-inches wide. The larger ST205/75-14 size you want to switch to has an overall diameter of about 26.3-inches and a width of 8.1-inches. The larger tire will increase your ground clearance by about 3/4-inch.

You'll want to check to make sure you have enough clearance within your wheel wells for both the diameter and width of the larger tire. In general, about 3-inches of vertical clearance is enough for normal suspension travel. You want to have no less than 1/2-inch clearance at the tire sidewalls and between the tires on the two axles.

As you're selecting tires in the larger size, you'll want to match the trailer's GVWR to the tire load range so that your four tires have a total weight capacity that is more than the trailer will ever weigh. This weight capacity safety margin will mean your new tires will run cooler which is always a good thing since tires that run cooler typically last longer. You'll also want to note the speed rating of the new tires since this too affects their operating temperature.

The wheel/tire you referenced # AM34659 combines a Load Range D weight rating and a speed rating M. This item can safely handle up to 2200-lbs and speeds up to 81-mph. It comes with a 2-year warranty.

I recommend that you protect your new tire investment with storage covers like Adco # 290-3923 which will block most of the sun's damaging UV rays. You can use one like # 290-1757 on your new spare too. If you do not have a cover for the Jayco trailer itself, you might consider Adco part # 290-52241 which fits trailers like your 20-foot Jayco.