Trailer tire issues??

[JOE ZOOM]

Im towing a 24ft trailer with 15 inch wheels...wanting to know if installing a 16 inch rim will help with blowing tires out??

Thanks...joe mocci

[Andy Friar]

Wheel dia is just one factor to check/ consider, but pretty low on the list IMO. Loading and weight balance. Bent axles and/or out of alignment to each other and causing tire scrub. Not enough air in them when the trailer is fully loaded is another heat generator that causes tire delamination and thus failure. Bent rims can causing heat build up or leaking rims due to corrosion/rust at the tire bead can happen too. Good tires are another key factor. Both weight rating and brand. Had best luck w/ Goodyears on race trailers and commonly used on test trailers at the various OE proving grounds around here in Michigan. Just my $.02

[Painter]

This subject has been covered repeatedly, but the short of it is. Yes 16 help if you get good ones with the higher load range. But you need to watch the heights of the tire for clearance.
Load range E and F 15 inch tires are available and have cured my tire issues!

[Signman]

Joe go to 16" with E rated tires most of the headaches will go away.
Keep the cold tire pressure to the max.
Goodyear makes the best trailer tire. Some have good luck with LT tires but have heard not running trailer rated tires can award you with a ticket in some states.
I have run 15" with lots of failure. My buddy searches and runs good quality E rated 15" tires with success but he has an aluminum trailer with a tube chassis car carries basic tools and minimal spare parts.
Switched to 16" have run cheap E rated trailer tires and E rated LT tires with good results you get what you pay for.

The best have been 16" Goodyear only one tire developed belt shift on on the back axle which scrubs. Caught it before it went flat luckily. There was a vibration going down the road upon inspection found a belt shifted.
When I bought a new trailer a few years back Dan Fletcher automatically included the 16" tire option. I asked about the option and he said it was already included and did not recommend 15" tires at all.

[Mike Pearson]

Switching from 15 inch to 16 inch and using a good LT rated tire cured all of my tire issues. I have not blown a tire since. I have been using the LT 215/85/16 Firestone Transforce tires on my trailer for the past 10-15 years and no tire failures. Keep them at the correct pressure and protected from the sun. My trailer is stored inside so that helps.

[442OLDS]

I've been using a 24 ft enclosed trailer with 15 inch wheels for nearly 20 years with no issues.
What brand tires and how old are they?

[Tom Goldman]

If the trailer fender has enough room to allow for a larger diameter tire that will turn less revolutions per mile , yes , along with being able to go to a higher load range than is commonly available with 15" tires.
Being able to go to a load range E ,10 ply rating is a big step over the 15" tires that are commonly used on trailers.
One thing that is an absolute necessity is using bolt in type brass valve stems . Rubber stems , even the reinforced light truck type are the cause of many trailer tire blowouts .

[KennyAnderson]

Like Mike mentioned above, get 16" wheels and go to a good LT tire. I swear by Firestone Transforce. I have used 225/75/16's on my trailers with low fenders and if they fit 235/85/16's. Get at least 5 years out of a set.

[JGrossijr]

If you are willing to go to 16" rims, Carlisle has a "G" rated CSL 16 tire that is a 14 ply all-steel body, 110 psi, rated for 4000 lbs. and 81 mph. I have been very happy with this tire and will not go back to "E" rated tires.
Make sure the rims can handle 110 psi. and put covers on the tires if the trailer is stored outdoors.
Jim G

[Keith 944]

Originally Posted by JGrossijr

If you are willing to go to 16" rims, Carlisle has a "G" rated CSL 16 tire that is a 14 ply all-steel body, 110 psi, rated for 4000 lbs. and 81 mph. I have been very happy with this tire and will not go back to "E" rated tires.
Make sure the rims can handle 110 psi. and put covers on the tires if the trailer is stored outdoors.
Jim G

This is exactly what I use, haven’t had issues for the last 10 years I change them at five year intervals and sell the set for around $200 used.
I put a ton of miles on my stuff and it is always stored outside but in the winter I put covers over the ones exposed. Oh and be sure to use metal valvestems!!! I also use the balance beads I think it helps on tire wear