Is There Any Benefit With Larger Wheels and Tires on my 2015 Rockwood Mini Lite?

Question:

I currently have Akuret HF188 ST205 75R14 Load Range C Trailer tires. I want to install Goodyear Endurance 215 75R15, Load Range D. My intention is to increase safety margins, as they relate to durability, heat and speed, although I do not plan to exceed 65mph. I may, on a rare occasion, run with full fresh tank, which would add another 300lbs up front. My camper is a 2015 Rockwood MiniLite 2104s, with a dry weight of 3,865lbs and a loaded weight scale of approximately 4,250 with gear, but no water. What are the Pros and Cons of doing this, assuming my tire to trailer clearance is safe? Will there be a significant affect on ride, tracking, MPG, towing power, etc? Or should I just buy the same tire size and load range in a Goodyear Endurance? Thank you for your time and wisdom!

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

I'm going to recommend the Westlake ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire # 274-000012 for your 2015 Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S as we currently so not carry the Goodyear tires. These Westlake tires will carry the load range D that the larger tires carry and will be more than enough with the 4 tires able to hold 8,160lbs.

By switching to the larger 215/75R15 you will increase your tire diameter 1.6". With your tandem axles on the Rockwood already being so close together you may risk damaging your tires more by having them closer together.

I don't believe that there would be any noticeable difference in the ride quality by changing to larger running gear as the money spent for larger wheels could be better spent on adding a suspension enhancement that would better help improve the ride and life of the components.

expert reply by: Bud M