Specific Questions about 15" Tires & Rims for 2720

[Larryjb]

I saw that too Bill, and I originally thought I could just upgrade the tires. But the OEM 14" rims probably won't take the pressure required for the 14" LR D tires. I could probably get a 14" rim that would take the pressure for the LR D tire, but at that point I might just as well get the 15" rim.

[Larryjb]

Paul, I'm not sure specifically about why 15" rims are normally the starting point for LR D tires. I did notice that the highest LR rating you can get with the 5 lug pattern is just over 2000 lbs. If you want more, you have to get the 6 lug pattern.

It may also have to do with the size of brakes required for heavier trailers. If you are pulling a 6000 lb loaded trailer requiring a higher load range, you will need bigger brakes which needs a bigger rim.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Larryjb

Paul ... I did notice that the highest LR rating you can get with the 5 lug pattern is just over 2000 lbs. If you want more, you have to get the 6 lug pattern.

Larry -

I'm not sure that is always true. I did my 14-inch to 15-inch conversion back in 2007, and recorded the experience here.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=6245

As reported there, I bought some pretty standard (i.e., cheap) new painted steel wheels, specifically to fit on the existing 5-lug mounting circle on my TM. They were stamped "Max Load 2600 pounds".

If there was any air pressure information, I didn't record it, at least in that post, but I have been running around 60 psi ever since.

Bill

[Larryjb]

Thanks Bill, that link is very useful! I've subscribed to it so l can find it later.



Just an a note, this website and all the maintenance/mod/repair help is very unique. It was instrumental in my decision to get a Trailmanor.

[Bill]

Paul -

I got them from my local tire shop, Tire Warehouse, which means that any tire shop should be able to order them. Although mine were Chinese-made, I see that there is an American manufacturer, Martin Wheel in Ohio. There may be others, of course. They are white painted steel, with narrow red and blue stripes just like those on the TM. Mostly used on boat trailers, I think.

Bill

[bheisser]

so if a person wants to go to 15 inch rims, should they go to 6 bolt hubs? why are 14 inch rims 5 bolt pattern ,, and 15 inch rims generally 6 bolt pattern?

to go to 15 inch rims one apparently needs to
1. install lift kit
2. change hubs to 6 bolt?
3. change rime w/metal valve stems
4 get tires.

then just in case

buy a tpms monitoring system
have fabricated and install a welded cage to protect plumbing in case of a blow out

[Padgett]

Err folks, even if you changed to a 6 bolt hub, the axle is only rated at 3500 lbs & would be your weak point. Have thought about going to a 5,000 lb axle with 45 degree clocking (to raise everything) but keep the existing brakes, hubs, and 15" wheels. Figured it would cost about $700. OTOH I have never heard of a TM axle failing.

[Larryjb]

Originally Posted by Padgett

Err folks, even if you changed to a 6 bolt hub, the axle is only rated at 3500 lbs & would be your weak point. Have thought about going to a 5,000 lb axle with 45 degree clocking (to raise everything) but keep the existing brakes, hubs, and 15" wheels. Figured it would cost about $700. OTOH I have never heard of a TM axle failing.

That's why I'm sticking to the 5 lug hub, and not too concerned if I can only get a 15" 2100 lbs rated rim.

[bheisser]

Originally Posted by Padgett

Err folks, even if you changed to a 6 bolt hub, the axle is only rated at 3500 lbs & would be your weak point. Have thought about going to a 5,000 lb axle with 45 degree clocking (to raise everything) but keep the existing brakes, hubs, and 15" wheels. Figured it would cost about $700. OTOH I have never heard of a TM axle failing.

sort of

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ght=axle+broke

[Padgett]

Not counting accidents or potholes that could swallow a Porsche.