Wheels and Tires Shorelander

[CDENsomnia]

Hey all,

Since i had some wheel problems this season i think its time to get new wheels. What has everyone done for new wheels and tires? Where did you buy? What tires and wheels did you go with? Pictures please!

 

[rocknracing]

I got mine at Discount Tire Direct. Went with Maxis Tires and don't remember the wheel name at the moment. Ended up going with 15" wheels instead of 14" which was what was on it.

 

[CDENsomnia]

Can you tell me the exact size you got? I want to make sure if I purchase something online its going to fit. Especially if I go with the 15's.

 

[rocknracing]

I will look tonight when I get home so I make sure I tell you the correct size!!

 

[Boat Crazy]

14" aluminum "Transformer" rim with maxxis tires, purchased both locally.

 

[CDENsomnia]

14" aluminum "Transformer" rim with maxxis tires, purchased both locally.

Can you tell me the exact size you got?

 

[Seadeals]

It was a couple years ago; but 14X5.5 5/4.5 Aluminum T03 Trailer Wheel Black Inlay (P/N WA4T33) from recstuff,com plus new chrome lug nuts. Granted I have the MFI trailer but most all trailers are zero offset rims, so I doubt the Shorelander is any different technically. I also run Goodyear Marathons. I paid a little over $300 for all four rims after a discount code... a price that was hard to beat and they are still looking great and performing well.

 

[Boat Crazy]

Can you tell me the exact size you got?

Not sure the exact size and boat is in storage an hour away. I do know that they were standard size 14" trailer rims. The rims were originally on a previous travel trailer that I switched to the boat trailer.

 

[CDENsomnia]

@rocknracing just a reminder to check your wheel size. I am thinking i want to get 15's instead of 14's so it would be nice to find out what size you are using.

 

[txav8r]

Just a question...15" rims? Won't this cause a clearance problem between the tire and the fender? I have read of a few guys doing this mod but I don't think I remember a question or answer to it. Just a comment regarding the answer...I don't think, "I have done it and haven't had a problem", is a suitable answer. Do any of you that have converted to 15" wheels have clearance measurements or determinations by a trailer or tire company that Shorelandr (or MFI on those trailers) clearances are still maintained? This brings up another question...why do they use 14" wheels on these trailers if it isn't a clearance issue? Could it be weight/rolling resistance/footprint/axle requirements, or other unknown requirements? I know 15" tires are more readily available and probably cheaper as a result, but I don't know for sure. Overall, why are you guys converting?

 

[rocknracing]

CDENsomnia - sorry I'm just getting back with you I had a sick kid and wasn't able to get out in the shop to look. The size is 205/75-15

 

[Seadeals]

I suspect most converting to 15" rims do so for the "look", just like on cars/trucks. When upsizing, you typically select a lower profile tire to maintain approximate clearances to the original setup. I chose to stick with 14" rims for a few reasons. Three of my four tires were in great condition. New tires AND rims is a big investment. Despite money, larger rims and lower profile tires yield a rougher ride due to lower sidewall dimensions offering less flex combined with mounting on a larger more rigid (aluminum) rim. Also, the backing routine up my drive has a relatively tight pivot into the garage, which puts side loads on the tires, rims and then the axles. Having more flex in the tires with this scenario was important to me. For some reason, tighter turns with a tandem axle trailer make me cringe.

 

[Seadeals]

205/75R15 are approximately 27.1" in diameter. Stock 205/75R14 are only 26.1 (an inch smaller). That will definitely affect clearances, which May or may not cause an actual issue. Using a 205/70R15 is only 26.3 in diameter, so a much closer match to the original diameter/circumference and clearances. Dimensions are just a basic reference though. You should always check specs on the exact tires as they can vary some.

 

[rocknracing]

My stock tires where 215/75-14 and they measured 26.7 and my new one measure just over 27".

 

[CDENsomnia]

Thanks @rocknracing. @txav8r Its pretty much a looks thing. I haven't completely decided to go with 15's but I do think they look sharper. I am concerned with clearances which is why I have been asking for exact sizes of both wheel and tire combo's.

 

[KXCam22]

The stock tires a usually C rated with a 50psi max load. There are only a couple of tire brands that offer a D range in 14". That is why many upgrade to the 15" rim to get a D rated tire that runs 65psi to better handle high speed wowing in hot temps. Cam.

 

[swatski]

The stock tires a usually C rated with a 50psi max load. There are only a couple of tire brands that offer a D range in 14". That is why many upgrade to the 15" rim to get a D rated tire that runs 65psi to better handle high speed wowing in hot temps. Cam.

But these are typically bias-ply, not radial, right? I like higher psi, but if it is a bias-ply it is not that smooth for highway towing. I didn't know they were better in hot temps, but that would make sense.

 

[d_coyne1984]

14" aluminum rims and radial tires from Recstuff.com. Mounted and balanced when they arrived and I think I got out the door for about $300 for the single set, plus kept one of my old for a spare. Don't mind the old shipping cover. I just pulled it out of storage and I know it's ugly.

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[swatski]

14" aluminum rims and radial tires from Recstuff.com. Mounted and balanced when they arrived and I think I got out the door for about $300 for the single set, plus kept one of my old for a spare. Don't mind the old shipping cover. I just pulled it out of storage and I know it's ugly.

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@d_coyne1984 Very nice. And you got a killer price!
I'm getting new wheels from Recstuff this week. I did not particularly like their tire offerings, particularly limited in their radial choices, and the 13" size that is standard for a 190 trailer is a tricky size anyway. I ended up sourcing 185/80R13 Maxxis from somewhere else. Another $500+ all told... . But it needed to be done, the OEMs are just really bad, I'm surprised I kept it as long as I did.

 

[PEARCE]

I had 15" wheels on our 5th wheel camper until last December when I upgraded to 16's. The reason, I wanted an LT tire. There are no LTs in a 15". If there is they are hard to come by. If I thought a 16" wheel/tire combo would fit, with a reasonable sidewall height, I would have switched the boat trailer a long time ago. Tire issues on the boat trailer last year was one of the contributing factors to us moving to a cruiser this year.