Largest tires on baja /flipped axle travel trailers

[Lord Humongous]

I'm curious if anybody has experience with running a larger tire on their travel trailer? I have a 195rb baja single axle trailer that's currently running the OEM 235 75r15 OEM AT tires. I'm thinking I may be able to jump all the way up to 235 85r16s but obviously concerned about rubbing fender wells.

The reasoning I'm looking into a change is because the OEM tires load rating are pretty much right at the trailers max loaded weight and I do notice excessive bulging even at max psi. Its definitely adding some rolling resistance and excessive tire heat. If I move to a 16 inch wheel I have higher load rating options and will achieve some wiggle room. I also mainly dry camp down rough forest roads and the increased ground clearance would be appreciated.

Any experience or insight would be appreciated.

Just gee wiz but most likely adding some shock absorbers to he leaf spring suspension as well.

[RogerR]

Have you considered a 225 75 r15 e rated? About 2800 capacity weight rating, Straight tread but is a trailer specific rated (Kenda)

Not sure if Marathons come in that rating.

[Sundancer330]

I went from a 225 75r15 load C to a ST225 75r15 load E in the Goodyear Endurance tires without changing the wheels, max load is 2830# per tire. Jayco said since I have a 6lug wheel it will handle the max 80psi.

[Midnightmoon]

If you end up going with 16" tires, what wheels are you looking at? I'm assuming that you currently have 5 lug 15" wheels correct?

I'd personally love to convert my 22BHM Baja from the 235 15's to 16" Bridgestone Duravis or Michelin XPS Ribs.

[Lord Humongous]

Thanks for all the suggestions and info. I'd say my most important considerations for tires would be reduced rolling resistance, puncture resistance and Id love to get a little bit increase ground clearance so probably going to stick with the AT tire style that came with the camper. I did a little measuring this morning and believe I was a bit too optimistic about fitting a basically 32" tire.

I did find a few 215 85r16 ATs that should reduce rolling resistance and give about an extra 1.5" ground clearance over the stock tires. Also load range E.

As far as wheels you are correct. The camper has a 5 lug 4.5 inch bolt pattern so wheels will either be custom steelies or what I'm more likely to do is just swap the drum brake hub assembly for for one's with 6 on 5.5 pattern. I found some 10"x2 5/8 on etrailer that should do the trick. From there I'll probably just buy the cheapest 16 wheels I can find.

[Thighmaster]

I boondock BLM land 80%, and have done fine clearance-wise on Jeep roads. But I’m so underwhelmed by the OEM tires on our Baja edition - sidewalls are too flexible, so the rig is all jumpy on the dirt roads and there’s too much roll on paved road curves. In a couple weeks will have Maxxis trailer tires. While straight tread, I suspect the TT will feel more solid, and since less sidewall bulge I won’t lose height.


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[GrumpyDad]

What were the tires on that trailer from the factory? LT I think I remember seeing somewhere, but were they load range C or what?

[Thighmaster]

I believe LT sounds right.


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[Midnightmoon]

Does anyone know the exact specs on the factory 15x6 Jayco wheels, including backspacing etc.

[ttavasc]

They are LT235/75R15 LR-C with load capacity of 1985lb at 50psi. My 195RB Baja loaded axle with wdh engaged per the CAT scale is 3260 so that is ~1625lbs per tire.

[Lord Humongous]

Cordovan Wildtrac XRC load range C. Hoping to jump up to load range E in an LT tire. Falken AT3s are reasonable in LT 235 85r16.
Also found allot of room for improvement with the suspension as well so decided to kill 2 birds with one stone and ordered the timbren axle-less suspension. Moving up to 12" brakes and 6 on 5.5 wheels. Its on back order till March 1st so on a holding pattern till then.