Can 15 Inch Trailer Tires be Replaced with 16 Inch Trailer TIres

Updated 09/22/2014 | Published 09/21/2014

Question:

Would like to upgrade the rim and tire due to not able to locate 15s tires in this area. What do I need to order Rim and tires for 16s?

asked by: Leti

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need to check is if there is enough space around the existing tires to use the larger size. Based on the old size you have, 235/75-15 (which isn't a common trailer tire size) the tires are approximately 28.8 inches tall and 9.25 inches wide.

The nearest size up in a 16 would be a 235/80-16 which is 30.9 inches tall and 9.4 inches wide. So the new size would be 2 inches taller and about 3/16 inches wider. The width is probably fine but you will need to make sure that there is more than 1 inch of free space above the existing tires to use the larger size.

If there is enough space then all I need to know is the bolt pattern of the wheels you have now. I have included a link to the right to a couple of help articles that explain determining bolt pattern and on trailer tires in general for you. I have also included a link to all the 16 inch trailer tires and tire and wheel combos we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H