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upgrading to 16" wheels/tires

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Old 04-27-2008, 10:28 PM
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PCM
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upgrading to 16" wheels/tires

I'd like to upgrade my fiver to 16" wheels/tires. Axle flip is not an option sicne the axle is already on the bottom side of the leaf springs. The spring hangers do not have adjustment holes like Jayco and a few other brands. Any suggestions on how gain about 2 inches in the wheel wells to accomadate the taller tires? Thanks. PCM
Old 04-28-2008, 10:11 AM
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Go to a spring shop and get some springs with more arch made up.
Old 04-28-2008, 10:22 AM
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Get a trailer shop to remove the axles and mount them onto a sub frame then remount to the trailer. Should be quite cheap.
Old 04-28-2008, 08:54 PM
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Since the axle is on the bottom of the spring, you can put in spacers and longer shackles at any good spring shop
Old 04-29-2008, 06:40 PM
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2x2 1/4" wall square tubing between the axles & springs. Make sure they contact the same amout as the springs did w/the axle & make sure they are welded in place.
Old 04-29-2008, 09:18 PM
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it will cost you a whopping $18. get two new taller spring equalizers, it's the piece that looks like a boomerang between the two axles. i changed mine out and got 2" more height out of it. i bought mine from rite-way axle & suspension in sun valley ca. 818-767-3323. i spoke to Kelly. it took about 1 hour to install.
Old 04-29-2008, 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by stumpjumper
it will cost you a whopping $18. get two new taller spring equalizers, it's the piece that looks like a boomerang between the two axles. i changed mine out and got 2" more height out of it. i bought mine from rite-way axle & suspension in sun valley ca. 818-767-3323. i spoke to Kelly. it took about 1 hour to install.
Man, I can't believe you said/did that. I have often wondered if that might be an option?!?!?! I'd love to see some photos if you could post some, please.

I have read of some other 16" uprades that have sounded and loked like a major ordeal. There are some ideas and info on RVnet website, hover, nothings that sounds very easy.

Thanks. PCM
Old 04-30-2008, 04:40 AM
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What size tires do you already have?I am also going to 16" & have 235,75,15 & going to 215,85,16 just 1" bigger & will work on my trailer.
Old 04-30-2008, 07:59 AM
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I have the standard d rated 15" ST tires ad want to upgrade to 16". On another forum, I have had this response to adding a longer spring equalizer:

"Adding a longer equalizer can have its own problems. Trailer springs work best when the spring eyes are level with the trailer. Compression/rebound parallel to the trailers frame. Adding longer equalizers will not let the spring work at a normal level which adds more stress to the pins/eyes. That creates faster wear and imbalanced spring compression and rebound. I had the same tire Clarence issues on a implement trailer some years back and this was the dealers advise on why it wasn't a good idea to add longer equalizers over what the suspension was designed for. "

OK guy. What are your thoughts on this one? PCM
Old 05-05-2008, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by PCM
I have the standard d rated 15" ST tires ad want to upgrade to 16". On another forum, I have had this response to adding a longer spring equalizer:

"Adding a longer equalizer can have its own problems. Trailer springs work best when the spring eyes are level with the trailer. Compression/rebound parallel to the trailers frame. Adding longer equalizers will not let the spring work at a normal level which adds more stress to the pins/eyes. That creates faster wear and imbalanced spring compression and rebound. I had the same tire Clarence issues on a implement trailer some years back and this was the dealers advise on why it wasn't a good idea to add longer equalizers over what the suspension was designed for. "

OK guy. What are your thoughts on this one? PCM
I am by no means a spring or suspension expert, but in my unprofessional opinion, I tend to agree with that statement. If it were me, I'd go with the adding of a subframe route. You might have to extend some wiring for your brakes, but everything else will stay in the same "plane" as factory. I can't imagine it would cost very much either. jmho
Old 05-06-2008, 04:10 AM
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Aren't you going to have to switch axles to the 8 lug style in order to go to 16" wheels?
Old 05-06-2008, 10:55 AM
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He might have 6 bolt 15's and could go to 6 bolt 16's.
Old 05-07-2008, 12:41 AM
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correct. I have 6 lug and a 6 lug 16" is available witht he same bolt pattern. pcm
Old 05-07-2008, 12:57 AM
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axels are the same 6 hole or 8 hole but the hubs are different.
do you have drop axels? i know it doesn't matter much because axels aren't cheap but i was woundering.
Old 05-07-2008, 09:32 AM
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No drop axle. Straight axle mounted on the bottom of the spring. I am going to stop by a local spring shop and ask them what options/suggestions they have and IF the longer equalizer is a bad idea. PCM
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