QuestionI have a 5th wheel RV trailer with three axles. It was about 20,000 loaded. It came with 15" wheels, with totally inadquate load ranges. I can't get a G or H rated tire in 15". Do I change the wheel to 16"? I understand I should have a reserve of 15%. How do I make this work. Baffled.
AnswerRon,
First call the trailer manufacturer up and tell them about the problem. Get them to offer assistance - I doubt there will be any financial assistance, but at the very least they ought to offer technical assistance. What you want to know is how much room is there in the fenderwell.
I did a little math: If I assume that 10% of the weight of the trailer is carried by the hitch (I've heard that the tongue weight should be 10% to 15%, so I'll use the worst case.), then the tires are carrying 18K and each tire is carrying 3K Even the largest 15" only goes to 2.8K, so you do indeed need a 16" tire!
And that's one of the questions you need to ask the trailer manufacturer, What 16" wheels will fit?
If they are not cooperative - explain to them that the RV group web site that you regularly post on is going to know all about how uncooperative they are.
So you need to join a web site, if you haven't already. These folks may have some experience in doing this type of work - but at the very least, they should point you to a place that has good expertise in this area and can deal with your brand of trailer and the things that are unique about it.
If you work through an RV place, be prepared to shell out some cash. After all, you are trading money for their expertise and that has value!
