Tire Size

[jtfreemanrv]

It looks like if you go from a 235/80r16 to a 235/85r16 you can increase the load rating by about 400 lbs per tire with only a heigth change of 1/2 inch.This is for a Solitude 375 so it is a big load. Has anyone else done this or is this a problem.

[TucsonJim]

Many folks have done this. The main thing you need to check is that you will have enough clearance between the top of the tire and the underside of the trailer. With the trailer fully loaded, you want to have at least 4" of clearance.

Jim

[howson]

It looks like if you go from a 235/80r16 to a 235/85r16 you can increase the load rating by about 400 lbs per tire with only a heigth change of 1/2 inch.This is for a Solitude 375 so it is a big load. Has anyone else done this or is this a problem.

Out of curiosity, what brand tire do you have on the trailer? The OEM Westlakes? At max GVWR my back-of-the-napkin math shows you'd be bumping up against the max load per tire, assuming even distribution. In the real world that doesn't happen. Typically you'll find with a GD floorplan that the front street side tire over the refrigerator is carrying the most weight. (I've weighed my 315RLTS. That front street side tire was 2,600 pounds while it's counterpart on the curb side, same axle, was 2,000 lbs.)

[ClankFD]

As Jim stated, it's about clearance in the wheel well. If the tire is 1/2 inch taller then that is only 1/4 inch farther into the wheel well as the other 1/4 inch is at the bottom of the tire. I hope that makes sense. You should not have any problem with that small increase. I contacted GD for info when I changed rims and tires for advice. I raised my suspension 2 inches to change from stock 225/75R 15 to 235/85R 16. I have not had any wheel well clearance issues. The trailer not sits level while being towed and rides much smoother with the larger diameter tires.