up grade to 15" tires

1kotonk · 01-31-2022, 01:10 AM

I am wondering if I can use 15" tires and rims on my 139. I want to use a light truck tire on my trailer. Has anyone made the switch?

profdant139 · 01-31-2022, 07:12 PM

I put 16 inch Endurance tires on my 2012 X 139. But before you do that, a couple of things to keep in mind. First, are your wheel wells roomy enough to do that? You can get the measurements from your tire dealer.

Second, you will probably need new wheels -- make sure the wheels will be compatible with the lug pattern on your hubs.

APD · 02-04-2022, 03:44 PM

Tire clearance could be an issue. Don't want 'em bottoming out against the inside of the wheel opening. Check the distance above the tire you have now.

profdant139 · 02-04-2022, 06:08 PM

I wonder if different suspension systems might have different amounts of "travel" -- how far the wheel moves up and down in the wheel well. A torsion bar unit will be different from a leaf spring arrangement, I think.

rogertrvn · 02-06-2022, 11:14 AM

I'm not an expert. Auto tires and trailer tires are not made equal. I believe it's in the side walls. Investigate more before making the change.

APD · 02-07-2022, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogertrvn

I'm not an expert. Auto tires and trailer tires are not made equal. I believe it's in the side walls. Investigate more before making the change.

What he said....

atwowheelguy · 02-08-2022, 04:27 PM

Check wheel well clearance. I just upsized from a 205 to a 225 width while keeping the 15” wheel on an XT-245. They only reduced the fender clearance by 0.6”, but that was enough to cause rubbing on the underside of the fender. I had to get longer spring hangers welded on.

JimboFunFinder · 02-25-2022, 06:03 PM

IMHO I would use ST and not LT tires. ST tires are made for trailers and towing, not for steering on trucks. I have used LT tires on utility trailers in the old days with mixed results. As far as I know all ST tires are made for 6 inch rims rather than wider auto or truck rims. Look at the ratings attached.

Eagle · 02-27-2022, 01:13 PM

When I ordered my Fun Finder, standard was 14" tires and optional was 15" tires.

I chose the optional 15" tires and when replaced the factory china made tires - went with Goodyear Endurance with a higher load rating. I found they trailed better, provided extra load carrying capacity and provided less sway when towing for an overall greater stability experience when towing, especially in windy conditions or being passed by semi's, etc.

Just my 2 cents.

JimboFunFinder · 03-01-2022, 05:22 PM

Just a heads up that I was recently told that although LT tires are not illegal on a trailer that if there were ever an accident involving a fatality that the truck LT tires would be closely examined and could be blamed as the cause of the accident. If the trailer had originally been equipped with ST tires and you had changed them to LT it could easily become a point of contention in an investigation.

1kotonk · 03-11-2022, 05:14 AM

Thanks for al the input, I believe Ill stick with the stock 14 inch rims and ST tires. I like those Good Year Endurance tires..

Eagle · 03-16-2022, 04:54 PM

Goodyear Endurance is what I replaced the china made tires with on my unit. The RV manufacturers use the cheap China made tires because they are low cost.

BUT REMEMBER - you have seen the photos on TV of the stalled Russian convoys on the roads in Ukraine as they try to invade the country -- they are stalled due to the Russian military using cheap China made tires on their military vehicles that constantly fail.

1kotonk · 03-22-2022, 12:47 AM

Eagle, I am with you about the China Bombs. When I first replaced my tires ProfDant139 recommended the GY Marathons which at the time were the top of the line ST tire for GY. I believe Ive had them for 5 years now and they still look good with no sidewall cracks and plenty of tread. I probably have 10k miles on them but better safe then sorry. I am going to change them based on time.

Everyone Thanks for all the responses.