Recommended 15 Inch Travel Trailer Tires With D Or E Load Rating

Question:

I have a 2016/17 R Pod Hood River Edition travel trailer. The Hood River Edition has a higher clearance and has 15 inch tires vs 14 inch on the standard Pods. My current tires are Westlake ST CR857+ 235/75 15 load range C. With the C range tire, Im right at the max capacity with the weight of my trailer. I would feel more comfortable with a higher load range to support the weight. It is difficult to find 235/75 15 trailer tires with D load or more. Seems every where I look wants me to to 225s. I dont want to sacrifice any height, which a 225 would do, granted only slightly. Can I go to 16 inch tires instead? What would you recommend for options? Thanks

asked by: Jeff

Helpful Expert Reply:

The biggest possible issue with moving to 16 inch wheels is the bolt pattern. The 16 inch wheels would move you to a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Even though you may have clearance this would then move you into a different hub.

I recommend you go to the Provider ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # TTWTRTM2257515D which will move your overall diameter to 28.31 inches. These tires are rated for 2540 at 65 psi and have a speed rating of up to 81 mph. This will move you down from your current diameter of 28.9 inches, so you will lose about 1/4 inch in height from the ground to your axle.

You can go to even a higher rating with the Provider ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E # TR225LRE. These are rated for 2830 lbs at 80 psi and have the 81 mph speed rating as well.

Yet another option is the Westlake ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E # LHWL304 rated for the same capacity but with a speed rating of 75 mph max. This tire does come with the extremely nice warranty of 5 years with 2 year roadside.

expert reply by: Jason S