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Old 03-19-2013, 04:48 PM   #1
Tar Heel
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Default enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

I started another thread about purchasing a Pro-Line enclosed trailer and got a couple guys talking about tire size ... which leads to me to this question. Is anyone towing an enclosed trailer with 15" wheels and tires and if so do you have any problems?
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Old 03-19-2013, 05:03 PM   #2
FED 387
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

Yes--my 24 ft trailer was originally equipped with load range c 225/75R/15 tires--they lasted one summer maybe 5000 miles if that far --replaced 2 tires in that time and finally bought used 16 inch Ford Ranger wheels and E rated tires --NEVER had a problem since and the trailer handles so much better too-- if ya dont plan on going more than 30-50 miles per tow and drive under 50 miles per hour you might be OK--- but look at it this way the trailer empty weighs about 3000-3500 pounds ---any kind of door car is at least 3500 so your maxed out right away even if you dont put a six pack of beer in the trailer---
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Old 03-19-2013, 05:13 PM   #3
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

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Originally Posted by FED 387 View Post
Yes--my 24 ft trailer was originally equipped with load range c 225/75R/15 tires--they lasted one summer maybe 5000 miles if that far --replaced 2 tires in that time and finally bought used 16 inch Ford Ranger wheels and E rated tires --NEVER had a problem since and the trailer handles so much better too-- if ya dont plan on going more than 30-50 miles per tow and drive under 50 miles per hour you might be OK--- but look at it this way the trailer empty weighs about 3000-3500 pounds ---any kind of door car is at least 3500 so your maxed out right away even if you dont put a six pack of beer in the trailer---
If I upgrade the axles to 5200# it comes with 6-lug wheels but they are still 15". Will most 6-lug 16" trailer wheels (I've seen them everywhere on the internet) fit that bolt pattern? If I'm not mistaken the wheels I've seen have a 5.5" spacing.
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Old 03-19-2013, 06:52 PM   #4
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

should-- but better off to check--- also look in the fenderwell see how much space there is--- some trailers have more space in front of and behind the tire(that is from the front of the trailer to towards the rear)--- some trailers only have maybe a inch others more---ya dont want the tire rubbing on the fenderwells--- if you get say a 225/75r/15 tire and replace it with a 225/75r/16 tire you only pick up about a 1/2 inch on the radius but if you put on say a 245/75r/16 tire ya might pick up as much as a inch so clearance is critical also check the width of the fenderwell too---trailer wheels usually are centered that means 0" back spacing or off set from the center of the wheel
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Old 03-19-2013, 10:10 PM   #5
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

My 24' has 15" wheels and 225-75-15 D rated tires. Each tire is rated 2500 lb, and the loaded trailer weighs 7000-7500 lb. I run the tires at 65 lb and haven't had trouble. I figured that if 16" trailer tires were the same chinesium, I wouldn't gain much since they aren't overloaded or close to it. Back in 2006 Goodyear published a bulletin saying if you go over 65, up to 75 mph, add 10 psi over what the load would require. They didn't say if you were at max load that you could add another 10 = 75 psi. Since I am well below max, I just run them at 65. It is very easy to add more weight than you think, and overload one or more tires. It is also easy to run too fast on a long trip. I'd say if you are close to max, 10,000 lb, then you would be pushing it to use 15" D tires. E tires might help, but you have also maxed out the axles. If your trailer is over 10,000 gvw, in some states you will need a CDL.
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Old 03-20-2013, 07:41 AM   #6
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

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My 24' has 15" wheels and 225-75-15 D rated tires. Each tire is rated 2500 lb, and the loaded trailer weighs 7000-7500 lb. I run the tires at 65 lb and haven't had trouble. I figured that if 16" trailer tires were the same chinesium, I wouldn't gain much since they aren't overloaded or close to it. Back in 2006 Goodyear published a bulletin saying if you go over 65, up to 75 mph, add 10 psi over what the load would require. They didn't say if you were at max load that you could add another 10 = 75 psi. Since I am well below max, I just run them at 65. It is very easy to add more weight than you think, and overload one or more tires. It is also easy to run too fast on a long trip. I'd say if you are close to max, 10,000 lb, then you would be pushing it to use 15" D tires. E tires might help, but you have also maxed out the axles. If your trailer is over 10,000 gvw, in some states you will need a CDL.
Thank you for the input. The trailer weighs 3500 and the car is 3200. We just plan to carry a small tool box and other than that no pit vehicle, generator, etc. so we travel light. I appreciate the response.
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Old 03-20-2013, 10:10 PM   #7
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

If you decide to run the 15" tires, do yourself a favor and a little insurance to last those nasty Texas summer heat on the roadways; change the rubber valve stems to the steel valve stems. The heat generated by the friction of the tires and the roads have caused rapid deterioration and cause tire failure as well.

FWIW, I had the 3500 axle and typical 15" tire and wheel combo. I went through 2-4 tires a year, irregardless of their age. I always carried 2 spares with me - and have used both on trips before. Ended up selling that trailer and bought a 28' 5200 lb axles with a 6 lug 15" wheel combo. Sold those wheels and put a set of 16" aluminum wheels and LT 245/16 without ANY issues over the last few years.
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Old 03-21-2013, 03:24 PM   #8
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

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If you decide to run the 15" tires, do yourself a favor and a little insurance to last those nasty Texas summer heat on the roadways; change the rubber valve stems to the steel valve stems. The heat generated by the friction of the tires and the roads have caused rapid deterioration and cause tire failure as well.

FWIW, I had the 3500 axle and typical 15" tire and wheel combo. I went through 2-4 tires a year, irregardless of their age. I always carried 2 spares with me - and have used both on trips before. Ended up selling that trailer and bought a 28' 5200 lb axles with a 6 lug 15" wheel combo. Sold those wheels and put a set of 16" aluminum wheels and LT 245/16 without ANY issues over the last few years.
Thanks for the response and that's a great idea about the valve stems. I checked today and the total price of the trailer with 5200# axles and 15" 6-lug wheels with 15" 225 D rated tires (2,540#) is $4899. I think I'm going to pick one up and run the tires until they go and then sell the wheels and go with 16" E rated.
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Old 03-21-2013, 03:54 PM   #9
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

If you look around you might be able to find a D or E load range LT ruck tire in the 15 inch size----WATCH YOUR AIR PRESSURE keep em inflated to max all the time --- regardless what you might hear from other racers DO NOT drive over about 60 MPH or you're gonna have blowouts
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Old 03-21-2013, 07:02 PM   #10
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Default Re: enclosed trailer with 15" tires?

I have a Haulmark 24 ft enclosed trailer with tools,extra trans,scooter,and a bunch of other crap and haul a 1970 442 convertible (not a light car) and maybe had ONE flat tire in about 7 years.Must be lucky I guess.I have been known to exceed 60 mph on occasion.lol

15 inch load range D 225-75-15 tires
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