Upgrading to Larger Tires and Wheels on a 2017 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5BHDS
Published 09/14/2021
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Question:
Want to change from 15 inch wheels/tires to 16 inch wheels and tires for 2017 Jayco 29.5BHDS. I see aluminum wheels, but not an option to order with tires mounted. First, will that size wheel/tire work for this fifth wheel and if so, is providing the tires pre-mounted on the wheels something you can do.
asked by: Tim N
Expert Reply:
Replacing the 15 inch wheels on your 2017 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5BHDS with 16 inch wheels will depend on how much room you have in the wheel wells. There needs to be at least 3 inches of clearance between the top of the wheel and the bottom of the fender to make sure they do not come in contact with each other. You also want around 1-1/2 inches from the back of the tire to the side of the frame, but this doesn't need to be exact.
The standard ST225/75R15 Radial Tire will have an overall diameter of right at 28-1/2 inches. Something like the Tamarack ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E # LHCK401 will have a diameter of 30-3/4 inches, so you will need to make sure this keeps the 3 inches of clearance. If you do not, there are ways to get more clearance.
The first will be the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00. This will move the axle under the leaf springs, but is for a 3 inch axle and a lot of trailers are coming with this pre-installed now, so you may already have one installed. The other way is the RV Ride Control Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit # LC87120. This can raise the trailer height by 1-1/4 inches or 2-1/4 inches, but you will need 3 of them to cover all 6 hangers on a double axle trailer.
We currently do not have the ability to mount tires, so you will need to find a local tire place to do this. With that said, trailer wheels are lug centric, as opposed to hub centric vehicle wheels, so I do recommend asking to make sure they can accommodate for this. Most places can, but not all.
