Larger Size Tires?? Yes or No

[Cardinal camper]

Thinking about replacing original tires on 2017 Sandpiper. Currently have 235-80R-16. Would like to go up to 245 or 255. Is this good idea or not? I have the rims to handle the larger tires and would love to have the piece of mind of higher ply tires. Your thoughts?? Tks!!!

[ependydad]

I didn't switch to larger sidewalls because I didn't have space between the wheels (my camper had less than 2" between the tires).

I upgraded to 17.5" rims and 215/75R17.5 load range H or J tires.

Works for me.

[Cardinal camper]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I didn't switch to larger sidewalls because I didn't have space between the wheels (my camper had less than 2" between the tires).

I upgraded to 17.5" rims and 215/75R17.5 load range H or J tires.

Works for me.

Tks!! I have about 4/5 inches between and above tires, so I think space wise I'd be fine.

[A32Deuce]

You can see if they have 245/255 in a 70 or 75-16. I did that change to get 15 inch rims over 14 and more weight margin!

[drittal]

What is the benefit?

[A32Deuce]

A little smaller diameter and a little wider tread for more load margin.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

A little smaller diameter and a little wider tread for more load margin.

Load carrying is going to come from higher load rating, not from wider section width.

[A32Deuce]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

A little smaller diameter and a little wider tread for more load margin.

For some I left out higher load raring. I did that and got a higher load rating. I did not know I had to get that tec.!

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

For some I left out higher load raring. I did that and got a higher load rating. I did not know I had to get that tec.!

It's been my experience that if you leave that part out some will merely think a fatter tire will carry more load.

Tires today are more complex than they ever were. Not just "Ply Rating" or "Load Rating" anymore. Also, more importantly, Load Index and Speed Rating.

You may have a high load index in some cases but combined with a low Speed Rating (like "L") means you are going to run into problems if you're one of those who likes to travel at 80 down the I-State.

[A32Deuce]

My mistake, I thought he was going for more load. With dual axles, Clarence in between the two can be a problem. There for go to different aspect ratio and diameter with an increase in load. But, I could be wrong, but Thsts what I did with my pick up and trailer. Much better margin for safety.

[Cardinal camper]

Yea, I'd love to have American tires with a higher weight limit. Tks

[Cardinal camper]

First off, I'll get the China tires off plus upgrade to a more substantial tire with higher rated load range.

[drittal]

Originally Posted by Cardinal camper

First off, I'll get the China tires off plus upgrade to a more substantial tire with higher rated load range.

Do they make ST tires in the size you are looking at or are you switching to LT? A quick search I did only came up with wider trailer tires only came with a taller aspect ratio as well.

[Cardinal camper]

I think I'm going with Goodyear Endurance and they do have the 245 and 255 in ST.

[drittal]

Originally Posted by Cardinal camper

I think I'm going with Goodyear Endurance and they do have the 245 and 255 in ST.

I guess they have more sizes available than they show online?

[Trawlerphil]

Originally Posted by Cardinal camper

Thinking about replacing original tires on 2017 Sandpiper. Currently have 235-80R-16. Would like to go up to 245 or 255. Is this good idea or not? I have the rims to handle the larger tires and would love to have the piece of mind of higher ply tires. Your thoughts?? Tks!!!

If you decide to jump a load range or two, don't forget to change the valve stems to conform to the new tire pressure.

[cseeger22]

Cardinal Camper,

Good idea to get the China tires off your RV. Consider going to a Light Truck tire. A LT tire may be put onto an RV or go on a passenger automobile. However, an ST tire states on the sidewall, ONLY to be used in trailer service, or some type of warning. Why is this, well it is all about testing. ST's are manufactured with little to no safety standards, where the LT's are run through a multitude of tests just to be able to be manufactured. Where do you want to spend your money? Stay with the ST's and risk safety, longevity, and listen to all the multitude of excuses as to why YOUR tires did not hold up. Do some research and discover what no ST tire manufacturer wants you to know. With 16" rims you should find whatever size you want to fit your needs. Consider Nokian tires at Discount tire. Research them and see why I say this, I own 4, will never own another ST tire. To your original post ... yes you can go larger, just go larger LT !

cseeger22

[Comanchecreek]

China Bombs gone. I went to Michelin XPS LT tires. Had to use 245 75 16 to replace my 235 80 16's in order to get the load rating I needed. My only issue was a clearance on the slide mount on the right side of my Crusader. Had to modify it a little to be sure it didn't rub. Tires are great. A little costy but they are steel sidewall steel tread belt. Designed for commercial vehicles and are rated to be capped 3 times, not that I ever intend to cap them, but tough as you can get. 3 years without issue. Oh yeah, all steel valve stems, and TPMS monitor an absolute.

[5er_tom]

After going to LT tires keep an eye on your wheel rims. If they are Fancy aluminum rims they may not be able to handle the added stress created in tight turns. The ST tires are more flexible on the sidewall than LT tires.
I cracked three rims and therefore needed to replace all of them with steel rims.

[rsdata]

some published info here...

https://rvingwithmarkpolk.com/2012/1...s-vs-lt-tires/

This article is a little dated ( 5 years old) because as most of us know, some ST tires are rated for more than 65 MPH now.