Can I Switch from ST185/80D13 to the ST205/75R14 on a 2009 Jayco 17C Ex-Port

Updated 03/24/2014 | Published 03/20/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(3877)

$120.90

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(1569)

$174.58

Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2773)

$142.97

Question:

I have a 2009 Jayco 17c Ex-sport singel axle camper that came with ST185/80D13 tires. These tires are impossible to find in the wild and the radial in that size will not carry the camper weight 3,500 gross, max. Ive identified the ST 205/75R14 tire as commonly available in the radial, not in the bias and would like to replace my 13 rims with 14inch and these tires. Id use two on the ground and carry a mounted spare. When a tire fails Id use the spare until getting to any of many stores that carry the RT 205/75R14 tire to repair/replace the failed tire and camp on! My plan is to buy a cheap 14inch 5 lug wheel rim rim to make sure it fits the axle lugs. If it does Ill mount an old ST 205/75R14 tire and see it it fits and spins and has expansion and side room. If it does Ill scrap the cheap wheel rim and old tire and get a set of good rims and tires. Is that what you would do?

asked by: Frank R

Expert Reply:

It is always recommended that you use the original tire and wheel size that came on your camper but I have calculated the size differences between the two tires. Your current wheel/tire combination, ST185/80D13, has an approximate width of 7.28 inches and is 24.66 inches in diameter. The ST205/75R/14 has an approximate width of 8.07 inches and is 26.11 inches in diameter. The variance in the dimensions are very minimal so you should not have any difficultly making the switch. Just a quick reminder that you will want to make sure that the bolt pattern on the new wheels is the same as the wheels that you are currently using.

A couple recommendations for you would be the Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14 inch Wheel, # AM3S440 or the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14 inch Wheel, # AM32153. Both tire and wheel combos feature the most common 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern and the Loadstar has a maximum load capacity of 1,760 pounds and the Karrier has a max load capacity of 1,925 lbs. Keep in mind, increasing the tire size or weight capacity will not increase the weight capacity of the axle.

On a side note, we do offer Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Tires, # AM1ST79 to fit your original rims should you decide not to make the switch to the larger size rims. I have also included a couple articles that may be of help to you.

expert reply by: Leah S