What Size Can 205/75-14 Trailer Tires be Upgraded to With 1-1/2 Inches of Clearance to Frame

Question:

I have an older Homesteader Challenger 6x10 cargo trailer. It came with ST205/75D14 wheels/tires 5 on 4.5 lug pattern. I had the axle flipped to gain some ground clearance to be able to mount a undercarriage fresh water tank. I would like to replace the wheels with ST22575R15. Having flipped the axle, I definitely have clearance in diameter. I measured the gap between the inside of the sidewall to the wall of the trailer and I have 1.5 inches. In your opinion, should I be able to go with the upgrade Im looking for?

asked by: Rob W

Expert Reply:

While there is a way to get a tire with a larger diameter than your current 205/75-14 tires, since you currently have 1-1/2" of clearance, a 225/75-15 tire won't work, because it is too wide. You want at least 1 inch of clearance (ideally more) between the tire and the closest part of your frame, and 225/75-15 tires are more than 3/4" wider than 205/75-14, so you'd be at less than an inch of clearance.

Without enough clearance there could be issues with the tire rubbing due to expansion and side-to-side movement, and you'd just have tires getting blown out frequently. What you can do though is upgrade to 205/75-15 tires, which are the same width but an inch larger in diameter. What I recommend are Provider wheels and tires, each of which have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. You can choose from the style of wheel as well as load range you need, either C (1,820 lbs) or D (2,150 lbs):

Load Range C
- Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Mod Wheel # TA47VR
- Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Spoke Wheel # TA67VR

Load Range D
- Westlake ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Silver Mod Wheel # LHAW121

I like Provider because they give you a deep 9.8/32" tread depth for the best grip, have an 81 mph speed rating so you can travel at highway speeds, and even a 2-warranty with emergency service if needed. For lug nuts you will need the Lionshead Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - 1/2"-20 # LHLR103.