How to Verify Installing Larger 205/75-14 Tires Versus 185/57-14 Will Fit Without Clearance Issues

Question:

I have a 16 ft. Lowe flat bottom fishing boat with shorelander trailer and i think it is a 85 or 86. My question is I converted the old tires which i dont know what size they were to p185/75r14. So i was wondering if i put p205/75r14 tires on instead of the 185/75r14 would everything be okay?

asked by: J.M.

Expert Reply:

To determine if you will be able to install a ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10235 on your ShoreLand'r boat trailer you will need to take some measurements. Your current 185/75r14 tires are 24.9" in diameter and 7.3" wide. The 205/75R14 is going to be 26.3" in diameter and 8.1" wide. For proper tire clearance it is recommended to have 1" of sidewall clearance and 3" of vertical clearance for the suspension to travel. This means you will need to have approximately 1.5" of sidewall clearance on your current tire and 3.75" of vertical clearance for the suspension to travel. Be sure to account for tread loss depending on how worn your tires are currently.

expert reply by: Bud M