Can I Use 14" Tires AM32131 On A 3,000 lb Axle?

Question:

We have a Forest River Rockwood Premier A 128 S A-Frameinch pop-up trailer. Factory tires are ST175/80R13 with a 13x4.5JB rim. Axle is an AL-KO 3000 pound axle. Several years ago I put a 3inch spacer block between the axle and frame with intensions of going to a larger tire. We never carry water in the coach and are always well below max cargo capacity in the trailer. My question is would I be able to run Item # AM32131 with the 3000 pound axle without issues? I did check clearances with an ST 205/80r14 trailer tire and it looks like I have plenty of clearance top and sides. Forest River rep said that they upgrade to a 3500 pound axle when going to a larger wheel for the rotational mass aspect of engineering. Given that we never get close to max cargo 1185 pounds should we be concerned that the larger tire may degrade the axle performance?

asked by: Peter C

Expert Reply:

Yes, you certainly can use a larger tire like the # AM32131 on a 3,000 lb axle. While we do not disagree with what the forest river rep told you regarding the "rotational mass aspect", this is generally a non-issue when upgrading tires, especially if you are well under the GVWR of your trailer. As long as the hubs you are using have the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern, can support a 14" wheel, and you have enough clearance in your wheel well, you will be good to go.

Most any hub that will work with a 13" wheel will work with a 14" wheel as well. Our rule of thumb is that you want to have about 3" of clearance between your tire and wheel well. If you have already fitted a 205/80r14, then the Kenda # AM32131 will fit very nicely.

expert reply by: Jesse M