16 Inch Wheels for 235/85-16 Tires on a 2000 Keystone Montana 3270 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I am purchasing new Michelin XPS Rib 235/85R16E tires and want to change out the rims I currently have witch are white steel 16-6 bolt pattern is 5.5inch I want to know it this -8mm offset will be a problem on my rv? Also, the wheel says it is 16inch x 7inch is this the correct wheel for that tire?

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

Trailer tire size ST235/85-16 will fit on 16 inch wheels that are 6 to 7-1/2 inches wide. For trailer tires the narrower the wheel the better in terms of capacity and longevity.

The tire you mentioned seems to be a load Range E which means it is rated for 3,640 pounds at the maximum psi indicated on the tire sidewall. The problem with this is wheel # AM22657 is rated for a max of 3,200 pounds. A similar wheel that is silver steel, # TA73VR, is rated for 3,500 pounds. Aluminum wheel # AM22658HWTB is rated for 3,580 pounds as is # AM22658HWT.

The -8mm offset will move the mounting surface of the wheel closer to the trailer. This, in turn, moves the tire further away from the trailer by 8mm. So you would need enough space between the outer sidewall and anything on the trailer such as a fender or wheel well.

expert reply by: Michael H