Larger Tires on a Utility Trailer

TwinCreek · Jan 3, 2016

I have a single axle 7 x 14 utility trailer with 14" tires. I need new tires and was considering switching to 15" tires because I can get heavier 10 ply load range e tires with a 15" rim diameter. Anyone ever do this? Any pros and cons? Is it worth the extra money? Thanks for your responses!

Steve@Advance · Jan 3, 2016

It's a common swap. The 14" tires are not as popular as they once were, especially if you're searching the used market.

Just be sure the 15" tires don't rub the inside of the wheel wells.

Denny K · Jan 3, 2016

What are the axles and springs rated for? It may have been built with 14" for a reason. With heavier capacity/larger tires and then overloaded I wouldn't want to break an axle at the wrong time or place.

IAtractorKid · Jan 3, 2016

People do it all the time. 15" trailer tires will be more common and the heavier ply tire will last longer and carry the load better. Just remember, your trailer can't/wasn't made to haul any more just because you have heavier tires.

ss55 · Jan 3, 2016

Taller tires could decrease the stopping power of your trailer brakes, compare the loaded radius of the two tire sizes. Do you have enough tire clearance? Trailers can lean a lot in turns and on uneven ground.

rustred · Jan 4, 2016

no problem at all. just match the 15" tire profile to the 14" tire and you will have the correct tire height as before. the rim size dont matter. but make sure you have the correct tire clearance for the trailer, as slightly higher could be possible depending on what tire you choose.

jon f mn · Jan 4, 2016

It's ok to do, most trailers with 14s are either older from when 14" tires were popular or it was done for clearance and deck height. Make sure your new rims have the same offset and that you have clearance above the tires. Depending on the actual tire sizes that may or may not be an issue.

ObsoElitist · Jan 4, 2016

16 is even easier to shop tires for.

jeffcat · Jan 4, 2016

Did I see correctly last summer that some wheels on trailers have 15 1/2 inch tires. Strange

Paul from MI · Jan 4, 2016

As long as you're switching I'd look at 16" rims. Even used 15" tires are getting hard to find, 16's a lot easier.

Larger Tires on a Utility Trailer

TwinCreek

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Steve@Advance

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Denny K

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IAtractorKid

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ss55

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rustred

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jon f mn

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ObsoElitist

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jeffcat

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Paul from MI

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