205x75x15 LR D

[Padgett]

I am looking at replacement tires and while I see that many need a lift kit to go from 14s to 15s I really don't want to raise the coach. OTOH a 205x75x15 LR D tire is common, only about a 1/2" taller (1/4" less wheel well clearance), and a load rating of 2,150 lbs per tire (vs 1870). It also allows 65 psi inflation (my TM has two tire inflation stickers, one for 50 psi and another for 55). AFAIK you are not supposed to inflate a "C" tire over 50 psi.

So the 205x75x15D looks to be a viable and available alternative. Has anyone used this without a lift kit ?

[Bill]

Padgett -

My '06 2720SL, built very close to when yours was built, came from the factory with a lift kit installed. Yours does not have it? If not, have you checked the 3-inch rule?

As we have seen in some of the Electrical threads, apparently TM was doing a bunch of fiddly things at that point. For example, I don't have a tongue light. But I had a real outlet near the converter by the back bed, rather than a blank cover plate. I didn't have an outlet by the sofa, so I added one myself. I had an outlet near the wall in the opening between the stove and the wardrobe (for a microwave, I guess) but that seemed like the most inconvenient place I could imagine, so I added one on the front apron.

And so it goes. The variation among units of the same year and model and build date makes things interesting.

Bill

[Redtail Cruiser]

My '07 2720 does not have a lift kit and the Maxxis 205-75-D-load 15's fit with no rubbing. I keep them at 60 psi.

[Padgett]

Do not know what the "3 inch rule" is, do you mean clearance between the top of the tire and the wheel well ? Mine is 2.5" with 215x75x14s. A 205x75x15 LR D would have about 1/4" less but much higher load rating. As you can see from the attachment in the earlier post 5757 was built in April 2006.

Really do not like to raise the CG of a trailer since it can increase sway so if needed I'll make a 1/2" plate which should be plenty.

Am going to change that blank outlet by the converter with a real one, also plan to add a LED indicator light. Can turn off by opening the 30A MAIN CB.

What does the pushbutton on the Winegard outlet do other than turn the light on and off, 12v supply is not affected.

[TrailManorMan]

Amplifies antenna

[Padgett]

Interesting. I do not know of many 12vdc televisions. Fortunately I have a broad selection of inverters from 80 to 1200W.

[Frenchy]

I recently bought some ST 14" tires from Etrailer that have a capacity of 2040 LBS each. They are Karrier ST 205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tires. You might want to look into them. Might not need to go to 15" tires.

[Padgett]

Those would be load range D. After doing a lot of checking I went with the 205/75R15 LRD with wheels from Northern Tool partly because they were local and had them in stock (and a discount). 8 ply, 2160 lb @ 65 psi, and only 1/4" less clearance at the top of the wheel well. Bought tires from them before for tow dolly and no problems.

BTW found a weight label inside the water tank door that had the curb weight as 3400 lbs with 700 lb cargo allowed

Still do not know what the '3" rule' is but concerned that raising would increase both drag and tendency to sway.

ps "LoadStar" and "Karrier" both seem to be made by Kenda. What are the first two letters after DOT on the sidewall ?

[Padgett]

I am replying to my own post because I just found something disturbing: I bought two tire/wheel combos from Northern Tool. The tires are Kenda/Karrier/Loadstar 205/75R15 LRD rated at 2150 lbs @ 65 psi. However there is a sticker on the wheel (white spoke) indicating that it is a Dexstar 17-243 and only rated to 1820 lbs (@50 psi). (NT part # 13948

Have sent a request to Northern Tool asking if this is a safety issue. It will be interesting to see what they say.

[TM Pilot]

Padgett,

I would recommend you take those Kenda Karrier Loadstar Tires and Dexstar wheels back to Northern Tool for a full refund. Mounting a 65psi tire on a 50psi wheel is a safety issue. Don't let Northern Tool tell you otherwise. For the $189 Northern Tool charged for that combo, you could buy a steel white spoke wheel, high pressure valve stems, and Maxxis 8-ply 205/75R15 tire mounted, balanced, and with a warranty at your local Discount Tire dealer.

I would also recommend you not mount a Load Range D 65psi 14" tire on your factory 14" wheels. They are rated to 1870lbs (see limitation stamped on wheel). That corresponds to 50psi (load range C).

The 3-inch rule is that Dexter Axle recommends that you have about 3 inches minimum between the top of the tire and the wheel well. With your 2.5" of clearance with your 14" tires, I would recommend you install the 2" factory lift kit in order to upgrade to 15" tires & wheels. I don't think any TM owners who installed the 2" factory lift kit have had any sway or drag issues. The only possible issue is clearance between the top of the A/C unit and the garage door - Nothing a tape measure won't answer.

Welcome to the forums. There are lots of threads on this topic. Let us know what you decide.

Bruce