Recommended Tire and Wheel to Work with My Keystone Outback Travel Trailer

Published 10/22/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White Powder Coat

(2418)

$66.17

Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2375)

$219.05

Question:

I am looking to upgrade my TT wheels and rims to a BF Commercial T/A LT235/75 R15 tire. The perfect matched wheel would be 15x6.5, 5x4.5 bolt pattern. I am having a hard time finding a trailer wheel that would fit those perfect specs. Can I use a 15x6 trailer wheel or should I use a commerical car wheel that is sized to those specs. I currently have ST205/75 R14 wheels on a Keystone Outback. It looks like there is enough space to accomodate a 235/75R 15 tire. thanks

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

I recommend the BF Goodrich Commercial T/A tire LT235/75/R15/C as it will fit on a 15 x 6 wheel. These are typically traction tires and wouldn't be the best option for a travel trailer. The width of this BF Goodrich tire is 9.2 inches and 28.6 inches overall diameter. It has a max load of 1,985 pounds at 50 psi.

On your travel trailer with 5 on 4-1/2 inch wheel bolt pattern and upgrading from your 205/75 R14, I recommend the Kenda radial tire # AM32468. It is a 225/75R/15C and has a maximum load of 2,150 pounds at 50 psi. It's width is 8.9 inches, overall diameter 28.4 inches and 2,150 pounds at 50 psi. The benefits of a bias trailer tire versus a commercial truck/automotive radial tire is radial tires flex more than bias tires, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. Whereas a trailer tire will have a stronger sidewall. Your current ST205/75/R14 width is 26.3 overall diameter, 7.8 inches in width and a max load of 1,760 pounds at 50 psi. You will be adding 2.1 inches in overall diameter and width an additional 1.1 inches.

You should always use tires of the same size, load range, and construction on a trailer. If you use tires that don't match, you could experience problems of overloading and overheating, which can lead to tire failure.

I have included FAQ and a video review for you as well.

expert reply by: Chris B