Would like to replace stock tires on x17Z with larger size.

OnTheGo · 02-04-2013, 02:39 PM

My 2011 X17z came stock with 14" rims. I'm thinking of replacing them with 15" if there is room. The load range would increase with the larger tires so that's not an issue. I called Jayco, but they won't comment on it.

Does anyone know if there is enough clearance to put 15" tires on a 17Z?

amabee · 02-04-2013, 02:58 PM

Well, I actually sort of thought about that. Our Boy Scout trailer has 15's on it, I don't remember the exact size, but from some real quick measurements I would say it's a no go.
Honestly, you are way ahead of most anyway, the majority of the 17Z's only have 13's, I was actually really happy mine had 14's on it stock.

Boss Wagon · 02-04-2013, 04:22 PM

Mine has 13" wheels. Later they switched to 14" wheels. I too think 15" would be to tight in the wheel house judging from mine. Just my opinion, not based on anything other than my tired brain!

Jagiven · 02-04-2013, 09:33 PM

Here is a website link (Tire Tech) that might help determine the overall size of new wheels. I believe it is recommended to have at least 4” of clearance between the tire and the wheel well.

Diesel Donnie · 02-08-2013, 01:04 PM

Are your axles above or below the springs? Does your Jayco have the patented spring hanger system? "Flipping" the axles if your axles are above the springs will raise the trailer approximately 4" to give you adequate clearance for 15" rims and tires- If your unit has the adjustable spring hangers, you can lower the springs by approximately 2" for more clearance- Been there, done that- Something to mull over on a cold winter day and/or evening- JMHO- DD

Jagiven · 02-08-2013, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Donnie

Are your axles above or below the springs? Does your Jayco have the patented spring hanger system? "Flipping" the axles if your axles are above the springs will raise the trailer approximately 4" to give you adequate clearance for 15" rims and tires- If your unit has the adjustable spring hangers, you can lower the springs by approximately 2" for more clearance- Been there, done that- Something to mull over on a cold winter day and/or evening- JMHO- DD

DD, The 17Z has torsion axle, so flipping the axle won’t work, however, people have built a space block to raise the TT, I have heard it is a little bit of work, but a good welding shop could do it easily.

OnTheGo · 02-17-2013, 06:54 AM

Since this tread was first an issue, I found out some new things (new to me anyway).

Jagiven wrote:

Quote:

The 17Z has a torsion axle, so flipping the axle won’t work, however, people have built a space block to raise the TT, I have heard it is a little bit of work, but a good welding shop could do it easily.

Dexter axle sells a kit that will raise your TT 2" if you have a Torflex axle. (It's basically a space block.) It's made for a double axle, so I was hoping to share the cost with another single-axle owner. It looked easy to apply: You jack the TT, loosen both sides, drop the axle one side at at time until you can fit the block, and then tighten it up. I would really like gain that 2" underneath.

But I can't use it. If your trailer has a Norcold adapter (mine does) it won't work.

amabee · 02-17-2013, 06:59 AM

Yeah, I looked into that also, but Jayco has that funky bracket attaching the axle to the frame. I would have gladly shared the cost.

tlhdoc · 02-18-2013, 09:18 PM

I would have too.

308rets · 02-22-2013, 09:43 AM

Interesting.. We just bought a 2013 X17Z and had the wheels upgraded to aluminum wheels! We bought the show model and never looked to see what the tire size was before our dealer switched. He put 13" Aluminum Wheels on our new camper. I guess our question is, being that our camper is a 2013 what came standard 13" or 14"! Got us wondering if our camper should have came with 14".

Feedback is always appreciated.. Thanks.

amabee · 02-22-2013, 09:56 AM

The new ones at our dealer were also 13's, standard steel wheels. Most of them are, but for some weird reason a lot of the 2011's had 14's. Maybe they ran out of 13's that week and put 14's on

I honestly don't see anything different about our X17Z suspension wise, their really is no reason you could not go with 14's.

Just curious, what is the actual size?

OnTheGo · 02-22-2013, 10:03 AM

That's a good question. Here is a link to the spec page for your TT:

http://www.jayco.com/products/travel...ndards-options

There is a picture, but no spec. I would contact Jayco at service@jayco.com. Jayco can tell you exactly how your TT was equipped leaving the factory. It's difficut for dealers to keep up with the specs on all the different brands and models, but a wheel swap should have been easy to match.

amabee · 02-22-2013, 10:09 AM

All you really need to do is look at the "Tire and loading" label, it will tell what is supposed to be on it.

OnTheGo · 02-22-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss Wagon

Mine has 13" wheels. Later they switched to 14" wheels. I too think 15" would be to tight in the wheel house judging from mine. Just my opinion, not based on anything other than my tired brain!

Good call, Boss Wagon. I had a neighbor that was going to lend me some 15" rims off a farm trailer for testing. After getting the TT home and checking the space, it's not worth a test run. There might (probably would) be room on the top and front, but definetly not the rear.

If I still have the TT 10 years from now, maybe I'll make room with the saws-all.

308rets · 02-22-2013, 10:16 AM

amabee & OnThe Go,

Thanks for the info. I'll check the load label when I get her out of indoor storage in about 5 weeks! I'm thinking upgrading to the 14" is not a bad idea. Wish I realized that at the time made the deal with the dealer. We probably would have upgrade at that point in time.

As always, thanks for the great help everyone!

Curtis · 08-24-2013, 07:40 AM

What is a Norcold adapter on the axle ? I just purchased a 2013 x17z that has the 13" aluminum rims and tires I want to add the #10 dexter axle riser kit and upgrade to 14" rims and tires.

amabee · 08-24-2013, 09:52 AM

It's actually a "Norco/BAL" adaptor, Norco is the company that makes the frame. Because of this, the Dexter kit will not work, the axle is not attached to the frame with the standard Dexter mount.

G Bush · 08-24-2013, 11:30 AM

The torflex axles are available in 4 heights, as determined by the angle of the arm when loaded. From 22 degrees up to 45 down.

Changing from zero to 45 gets you about 4". They are $300-400 complete drum to drum.

I'm unfamiliar with the mounting on the trailer mentioned but the axles include side and top mount holes.

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