Wheel/Tire Size Upgrade for 2008 Fleetwood Utah Pop-Up Camper

Question:

Hello, I have a 2008 Fleetwood Americana series model # 4281 Utah pop-up camper. It currently has ST185/80 D13 tires with 13inch 5-bolt wheel rims. The Tires have a load range of D, and have a maximum speed rating of 81 mph. I wanted to see if it is possible to upgrade to larger sized wheels and tires, and if so, what size wheels and tires will work? I would greatly prefer tires with both a higher speed rating, and a greater load rating, if possible. The trailer has a GVWR of 3500 lbs., and a dry weight of 2,490 lbs. Thank you for any help you can provide!

asked by: Stephen S

Expert Reply:

You might possibly be able to upgrade to a larger diameter tires like a 205/75-14, but that will largely depend on how much wheel well clearance you have currently. To the inside of the tire, you'll want no less than 2 inches of clearance to the trailer frame/inside of wheel well. To the underside of the wheel well, you want 4 or an absolute minimum of 3 inches when the pop-up is loaded as it would typically be when you tow.

A 205/75-14 tire would move the tire about 3/4 of an inch closer to the underside of the wheel well and about 1/2 an inch closer to the trailer, so if subtracting those clearance numbers from what you currently have would leave you with less than 2 inches inside clearance or 3 inches of top clearance, I'd stick with your current size.

If it's safe to go up a size I'd recommend the Kenda # AM32161 which is a 205/75-14 Load Range D radial tire with a 2200 lb per tire/4400 lb per axle capacity, which is well over your GVWR so you'll have plenty of cushion there. The tire is mounted on a powder coated spoke style wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern,
which is pretty typical for a 3500 lb axle. The wheel/tire carry and 81 mph speed rating, we don't offer a 14 inch tire with a higher speed rating.

If you click the provided link, you can see a product description video featuring the wheel/tire I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L