Change to 15" tires on 2004 2720?

[tom e]

do 15" tires fit w/o a mod to the wheelwells? am going to buy an '04 2720sl that had new tires 2 yrs ago-ive read that 15s provide an improvement and i will make a change when i have to replace tires in a coupla years if thats a wise move-any feedback would be great

 

[Bill]

With the trailer fully loaded for camping, take off the left tire cover. Measure the distance from the top of the tire to the underside of the wheel well. Dexter Axle says it should be 3 inches or more, to allow the suspension to move up and down without hitting the wheel well. I've never quite understood why this is the magic number, since the suspension won't move that far, but there it is.

I think I had 2-3/4" of clearance before I made the change, and 2-1/2" after. I have experienced no problems, but I wouldn't go any smaller.

Bill

 

[tentcamper]

You need to check the clearance. Some TM's it work on but many require a lift kit to rum 15" tires. You can buy the kit from TM for less than $100 and it takes less than 4 hour to to it. The last time I did it it took less than 2 hours in my driveway.

Many people are running with 14" tires without issues. I installed the lift kit on my 2003 and my 2009 TM. On my 2003, I need more clearance for my drive. I ran the 14" tires for 3+ years without issues after installing the kit. My 09 already had 15" tires, but I wanted the additional rear bumbler to road clearance so I installed the 2.5" rise kit.

 

[Padgett]

ST205x75R15 LRD on a 15x6" wheel are almost the same as the stock ST215x75R14s but have a considerably higher load rating at 65 psi.

 

[Bill]

If/when you change the wheel, be sure that:

You get 6-inch wheels, not 5 inch or 7 inch.
The new wheels have the same bolt pattern as the old, called "5 on 4-1/2".
The new wheels are rated for the new air pressure (at least 65 psi) with substantial margin.
The new wheels are rated to carry the weight of the TM (perhaps 2400 pounds each) with substantial margin.
The installer removes the rubber valve stems that come with the wheel, and substitutes a bolt-in steel valve stem.
You balance the new wheel/tire.

Bill

 

[pnopper]

I think it is a good idea to change to 15 inch if they fit. I have 14 inch rims and had a blowout on one year old goodyear tires.
I went back to good year and asked for a higher load rating and they only had load rated C tires in 14 inch rim size for a trailer. I also noticed the goodyear trailer tires are only rated for 60mph. I got a blow out while going over 60mph because that was the flow of traffic for the slow lane on that very hot day in Southern California running at 55 psi cold to adjust for expansion on the hot desert highway.
I refused to take Goodyear's answer and went to discount tires because they sell different brands of tires. They were reluctant to suggest new rims. That decision would have to rest on my shoulders alone. I was not ready to make that decision so he recommended I move to a small truck tire. In doing so I was able to get a load rate of D with no speed restrictions, but I could not get a load rating of E, which is what I wanted.
I have been happy with my choice but cant help but think I could have had load rated E tires with a 15 inch rim.
Cheers

 

[Craigrrr]

I am very happy with my Taskmaster Load range D ST215/75/R14 tires on my stock rims.


Just recently got in from a 9500 mile trip in August and no problems. Went out to Vegas and stayed at Clark County Shooting Range FHU $25 bucks a night so that was another 800mile round trip so far we have put about 15k miles on these tires or more. So just saying if you don't want the expense of new tires and wheels , maybe chk out the taskmasters*****************


This is off the web " Taskmaster Tires and Wheels - TTWTRTM2157514D

Radial special trailer tire has a ply rating of 8 and a 2,200-lb max load at 65 psi. Great for highway use. Fits 14" wheels.

Features:

Special trailer tire design provides the strength of a bias tire, as well as the durability and stability of a radial tire
Created specifically for trailers and not intended for use on other vehicles
Radial tire is constructed with double steel belts and double polyester cords for a long life
Great for highway use
Nylon tread-firming belt overlays help prevent tread separation
Tread depth bars offer a quick visual indicator of tread wear
Meets DOT specifications and exceeds FMVSS

https://youtu.be/9OGpmE6lBIE