Replacement Special Trailer Tires for 2001 Glendale Golden Falcon 5th Wheel

Question:

I have a 2001 golden falcon fifth wheel that we have just bought. It is in mint condition with the original tires. It has 225/85r 16 e rated tires on it now. I would like to change to a trailer tire. Will a 235/80r 16 e rated fit on the trailer? Sidewall clearance. Is there a F rated tire that will work on my original rims? I have also seen some peaple using 225/70r 19.5 rims. E or F rated. Is this a better option. Is this a better option with a smaller sidewall? What tires do you recommend and which size would be better? What 19.5 rims do you have that would fit? 8-6.5

asked by: Donald V

Expert Reply:

Changing to a different load range rating in a special trailer tire can benefit you in terms of reduced tire operating temperature. Since heat is any tire's worst enemy using a higher-rated tire can mean they will run cooler and potentially be less likely to suffer heat-related damage.

Changing tire sizes is another thing. Sometimes this is possible when there is enough clearance above and behind the tires (to allow for normal vertical suspension travel and for the inner sidewall to clear the frame and any other components such as leaf springs) but this does not necessarily provide the same benefits as the higher load range alternative. At least 3-inches above the tire and 1-inch between it and the trailer frame are recommended minimum clearances.

You can refer to the linked article on special trailer tires to see the overall diameter of most popular trailer tire sizes.

In your existing tire size ST225/85R16 we do not offer any special trailer tires. The closest we have in a 16-inch is size 235/80-16. This tire when inflated will be about 31-inches in overall diameter, very close to the current tire size 225/85R16. The highest available load range in this 235/80-16 size is a LR E tire, which is good for 3500-lbs at 90-psi. An example is # LHACK133.
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I suggest checking the trailer's gross weight rating (GVWR) since this will tell you what you need to select tires that can handle that maximum trailer weight and still give you a safety margin. Divide the trailer GVWR by the number of tires to see the minimum capacity needed. I suggest using a tire that will give you some safety margin in its weight rating.

Also, keep special trailer tires fully-inflated at all times to reduce heat. Always inflate to the maximum pressure noted on the tire sidewall. Also, always observe the speed rating and weight rating of the tires. The main causes for heat-related tire failure are incorrect inflation, driving faster than the tire's rated speed and overloading it beyond its rated weight capacity. Avoiding these things will help ensure the longest useful life from your trailer tires.

expert reply by: Adam R

Matthew T.

6/15/2020

Looking for Replacement tire and rim (bolt pattern) size for a 1998 36' Glendale Travelarie Park Avenue Trailer. Can you please provide me the size and pricing please. Thank you

Chris R.

6/18/2020

I'm not able to track down what tire size is used on that trailer. You'll just need to read the size that's printed on the sidewall of one of the existing tires. If you can tell me this I will be happy to make a specific recommendation.

Matthew T.

6/18/2020

@ChrisR 225/75/R15 load range D

Chris R.

6/22/2020

@MatthewT Thanks for the info! If you have a 5-bolt rim I recommend the Kenda Karrier # AM32545 and if it's a 6 bolt wheel the part # AM32664 will work perfectly.