Anyone have 235/85/16s on their Wildcat?

[SeventyGTX]

I plan on getting rid of the Chinese D rated tires that came stock on our 262RGX and going with Goodyear Endurance load range E. From what I can tell, the 235/85/16s will give me less than an inch of clearance between the tires. Currently there is over 4 inches.

I wanted to go with that size as I need to get the trailer up a bit so it isn't nose high like it is with the stock 15's. They would raise it around 1 3/4" There is the 235/80/16 size that is a bit smaller and would raise it around 1 1/4". I will go with that if I have to. My axles are 32.5" apart, center to center. So, I was wondering what tires you guys with 16's are running and what your axle center to center is and what your clearance is between tires? Thanks for any help.

[SeventyGTX]

I am going to be upgrading my 15" China bombs to 16" wheels and probably GY Endurance tires. I am getting some conflicting measurements on how much room I will have between the tires. The axles on my '16 262RGX are 32 1/2" apart from center to center.

If anyone has 235/85/16's on their trailer let me know how much room between your tires and the distance between the center of your axles. Thanks in advance.

[hbillsmith]

235/80/16E Would be better fit. Reach out to FR and they can help. My Wildcat 295rsx came with that size.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by hbillsmith

235/80/16E Would be better fit. Reach out to FR and they can help. My Wildcat 295rsx came with that size.

That is probably the size I will end up with as I talked to another forum member that has those on his Wildcat like mine. Mine rides a little nose high and wanted to go as tall as possible to help level it out and the 235/85/16 are a little taller. But they no doubt would be better that the 15's I currently have plus they are cheaper than the 235/85's.

[wmtire]

You can approximate tire size diameters using the following formula. There can be a little variance due to tread depths/manufacturers, but this will get you close.

(section width X aspect ratio) X 2 /2540 (which converts the mm in the section width to inches as there are 25.4 mm per inch), then add the rim diameter (which is already in inches) to it.

Example using your tire size of 235/85R16. The 235 section width is in millimeters.

235 section width X 85 aspect ratio= 19975

19975 X 2 (both sidewalls) =39950 mm

39950/2540= 15.728 inches

15.728 inches (which is the approximation of both sidewalls) + 16 inches (the rim diameter or hole in the center of tire) = 31.728 inches for your approximate tire diameter.

Taking half of 31.728 inches = 15.86 inches which will be the radius of the tire from the center of the hub.

Now taking both the radius of the front and rear axle, 15.86 + 15.86 = 31.72 inches

You say you have 32.5 inches between center hubs. This doesn't give you much room at all (3/4 ths of an inch approximate) between the two tires.

EDIT: Here is a link to the specs on Goodyear Endurance tires that will have the diameters per size, so you can judge for yourself.

https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires...ce/sizes-specs

[SeventyGTX]

Thanks wmtire. I came up with .9 of an inch in my quickie calcuations, not near as elaborate as yours.........lol. Either way, probably too close for comfort.

What got me thinking about it, is a forum member I talked to in PM said he had 3" clearance with his 235/80/16's and he has the same rig as I do. Since the 235/85/16's are only roughly an inch taller, I assumed I would have around 2" clearance.

Instead of worrying about it, I most like will just go with the 235/80's and be safe. Plus they would save me about $100 over the taller size.

[SilhouettePenny]

I chose the 235/80-16 for a different reason, the 85 is slightly wider than the 80 and I had a potential shock rubbing issue. As for the clearance between tires I'm OK with 4 inches after install. Check your fender skirt clearance with the 85s, I was danger close after install (maybe 3/8") but luckily no rubbing after three years of travel. Good luck with your project.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

I chose the 235/80-16 for a different reason, the 85 is slightly wider than the 80 and I had a potential shock rubbing issue. As for the clearance between tires I'm OK with 4 inches after install. Check your fender skirt clearance with the 85s, I was danger close after install (maybe 3/8") but luckily no rubbing after three years of travel. Good luck with your project.

Tirerack lists the section width as well as the tread width as being the same for both sizes, 9.3" and 6.8" . At least with the Goodyear Endurance. So a half inch wider than my current 15's or 1/4" wider inside and out. I have plenty of room for that small amount.

[SeventyGTX]

I ordered the 235/80/16's through Discount Tire. They price matched the lowest price I could find on ebay plus had a $50 rebate with Goodyear only through them. These tires will have a substantial load carrying capacity over the D range China bombs on there now. Not to mention an 87 mph speed rating. Much more peace of mind out here on the long lonely Nevada highways. I also plan on getting a set of TPMS to monitor pressures.

[tbarb]

Yes, on a Wildcat 2018 29RLX. Installed them in November and we now are in TX on our first long trip. We have a little over 1000 miles on them.
I thought about trimming the lower fenders for more clearance but thought I would try them first and we have had no issues yet.

[SeventyGTX]

tbarb, just curious how far your axles are apart from center to center. Looks like they might be a bit further apart than our 262RGX.

[Craig Large]

Just replaced China Bombs on my 262RGX. Had 235/80/16 on it, replaced with Goodyear Endurance. $50 rebate too! Glad I made it 3yrs with the bombers on.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by Craig Large

Just replaced China Bombs on my 262RGX. Had 235/80/16 on it, replaced with Goodyear Endurance. $50 rebate too! Glad I made it 3yrs with the bombers on.

Mine are arriving today, the new 16" rims are supposed to be here Friday.

[SilhouettePenny]

I'm suprised no one else has chimed in, surely we aren't the only two making this mod. My axle center to center is 36 inches which of course is plenty of room for tire/wheel upgrade.

Someone should comment on your >1" clearance issue with the new tires. I'm not sure how close is too close nor do I know how much spring flex will move the front axle toward the rear, but assuming it will always flex upward when hitting a bump, I'd be willing to try it, at least with the 235/80-16.

Let me clarify my "slightly wider" comment above. Discount tire service tech suggested that even though both 80's & 85's have the same section width, I might get more sidewall flex with the 85's if not kept at maximum psi. I have since moved the shock mount slightly on the slide out side of my Sabre. I'm comfortable with 3/4" of clearance as I watch it religiously.

Keep us posted on your progress, let us know what you decided to install and send a pic of the finished project.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

I'm suprised no one else has chimed in, surely we aren't the only two making this mod. My axle center to center is 36 inches which of course is plenty of room for tire/wheel upgrade.

Someone should comment on your >1" clearance issue with the new tires. I'm not sure how close is too close nor do I know how much spring flex will move the front axle toward the rear, but assuming it will always flex upward when hitting a bump, I'd be willing to try it, at least with the 235/80-16.

Let me clarify my "slightly wider" comment above. Discount tire service tech suggested that even though both 80's & 85's have the same section width, I might get more sidewall flex with the 85's if not kept at maximum psi. I have since moved the shock mount slightly on the slide out side of my Sabre. I'm comfortable with 3/4" of clearance as I watch it religiously.

Keep us posted on your progress, let us know what you decided to install and send a pic of the finished project.

Since I got very little feedback on three threads in two forums, I went the safe route and got the 235/80/16 GY Endurance tires. They showed up yesterday and look great, very stiff sidewalls. The 16" rims are supposed to be here tomorrow, and I may get them mounted Saturday.

Not sure when I will be able to install them as the weather has been cold and threatening snow/rain. I also have to pull it out of its cover to have the room. Another forum member pm'd me and said he has the same tires and has around 3" between the two, so there is plenty of room. Plus it will raise the trailer up a little over and inch and help with my slight nose high issue.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by SeventyGTX

Since I got very little feedback on three threads in two forums,

This can be confusing to follow, and why we have the site guideline of:

Do not post the same discussion topic more than once or in several areas of the forum.

The site team has merged multiple threads into this one.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by wmtire

This can be confusing to follow, and why we have the site guideline of:

Do not post the same discussion topic more than once or in several areas of the forum.

The site team has merged multiple threads into this one.

My apologies, I don't generally do that. I posted in the tire/axle forum first..........then realized I may have better luck in the Wildcat specific forum since people there are more there likely to have my exact unit.

[tbarb]

Sorry I did not respond sooner we have been away from the RV.
My axles are about 36" apart. (+/-) Still no issues running the 85's.
I am happy with the move.
I needed the height like others have stated.