Can 15 Inch Tires be Changed to 16 Inch Tires on a 1998 Forest River Salem Trailer

Updated 03/24/2012 | Published 03/23/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(821)

$97.10

Question:

i have a 1998 salem 37 ft trailer by forest river, max weight 11,000 lbs. only has two axels. can i change the suspension to get enough wheel well clearance to convert to 16 inch tires? the springs are below the axels right now with a welded u bracket on the bottom of the axe. thanx so much for your time.

asked by: Mark S

Expert Reply:

You could possibly use what is called and over/under kit, # K71-385-00. For 2 axles, you would need 2 kits. It will only fit 3 inch round axles. I have included a picture that shows what the new set up will look like with the kit installed. Keep in mind that this will raise the center of gravity on the trailer and can lead to trailer sway.

It is best to stay with the correct tire size as indicated by the manufacturer. If you want to go to a larger tire because you are having trouble with the tires, make sure that you are using trailer tires that have the ST in front of the size.

Trailer tires are designed with a thicker side wall to handle more vertical load. Passenger vehicle or light truck tires are not. Because of the thicker side wall a trailer tire needs to be inflated to the maximum psi rating as indicated on the tire. If it is not, there will be rapid and excessive heat build up that can cause the tire to fail.

Going to a larger size will not increase the capacity of the trailer. The axle rating remains the same. The trailer is only as strong as the weakest component in the system. I have included a link to a tire FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H