Compatibility to Use 12" Wheels With Radial Tires On a 1988 Coleman Pop Up Camper

Published 08/13/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda KR25 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum HWT Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range D

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$168.05

Question:

I currently have an 88 coleman chesapeake pop up. The wheel size is 205/65/10 load range c, 4 lug. As Im going to be doing long trips with this camper I was wondering if I could do 12in wheels instead? If so what would you recommend? If not and I have to stick with 10s do you have any suggestions?

asked by: John M

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will have to check and ensure that you have enough clearance to fit the different wheels and tires on your 1988 Coleman Chesapeake. Your current 205/65-10" tires are 8.3" wide and 20.6" tall with a load rating of 1,100lbs per tire.

Switching to a Kenda KR25 ST145R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum HWT Wheel # AM31208HWT this will give you a tire that is 5.7" wide and 21.3" tall with a load rating of 1,220lbs per tire. The radial construction is better suited for highway use than your bias ply tire you currently have.

You will have to determine if you will have any clearance issues with the 12" wheel and tire that are about 3/4" taller. From your existing wheels and tires you will need an extra 3/8" added to the height of the wheel tread inside the fender. It's recommended to have 3" of vertical clearance for the tire to articulate through the suspension travel. As the wheels and tires will be narrower by 2.6" you should not have any sidewall clearance issues but be aware that tires will sit farther inside the fenders and may be less stable when you are camping.

expert reply by: Bud M