Recommended Heavy Duty 17.5 Trailer Wheels And Tires For 16000lb Trailer

Question:

I currently have a fifth wheel camper. I will be hauling it at its max weight of about 16,000 pounds pretty much most of it’s life. I currently have 225/75/15 I would like to be able to purchase a 17 inch steel rim so I could put a hi load capacity high mileage highway tire on the trailer. The only problem is I don’t know what this tire is called or how to find it. Can you help?

asked by: Kevin H

Expert Reply:

I have another option for you, but 17" wheels are not very common on trailers so there is not many tire or wheel options available.

Instead I recommend a 17.5" wheel and tire as they offer quite a few heavy duty options. I recommend going with a wheel like the Aluminum Lynx Trailer Wheel - 17-1/2" x 6-3/4" Rim - 8 on 6-1/2 - Black # 274-000006 as it is centered by the lug nuts like your current wheels where the steel wheels in this size center on the hub and would require a different hub.

Though this wheel is aluminum, it has a 4850lb weight capacity which is plenty strong for your trailer.

For a tire I recommend the Provider 215/75R17.5 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range H # TTWP15175 which is designed for highway use and will give you a load rating of 4805lbs and a speed rating of 81 MPH.

You will need to make sure that from the top of your current ST225/75R15 tires to the bottom of the fender is at least 4"
as the 215/75R17.5 is right at 2" taller, but will be about .5" narrower so you will not need to worry about the width.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.