I'd like to upgrade my fivers' wheels/tires from the standard 6 lug 15" steel wheels with Goodyear Marathon 15" ST tires to a 16" aluminum 6 lug wheel/tire set-up.
I know I have room EXCEPT maybe at the top of the wheel well. So, I need to add a littlle there. I don't think axle flipping is an opton for me. What other choices do I have to increase the clearance at the top of the tire to the wheel well? What about Hellwig trailer helper springs?
Also, would going from a 15" to a 16" set up with 6 lugs (in order to avoid changing out hubs, etc.) affect the trailer braking?
I think going to a 16" set-up would allow me to better level the rig and reduce tire fatigue and risks of blow outs. My trailer weights are OK with the 15"s.
Thanks. PCM

 

i have the goodyear marathon 15' tires. good tries in my opinion. their are a couple of ways to fit the taller tires.

1 axle flip
2 "lower" the bolt that holds your leaf springs to the lower hole so it will raise the trailer.
3 buy taller equalizers( the piece connecting the two leaf springs together. i got two inches doing this.

we have the same truck. my truck and trailer sit level now. i relocated the leaf spring bolts and bought equalizers. i also "played" with the mounting holes on the pin box,ie mounted the pin box lower on the trailer and also lowered the mount on our hitch( same hitch as you). When i did this it made the hitch MUCH quieter and also leveled the trailer to the truck with adequate bed rail clearance. if you have any more questions pm me...

 

i would try to stay away from the helper springs for the trailer, it will probably make the trailer more bouncy. you'll probably feel it in the truck but your dishes and personal items will feel it more in the trailer...

 

Go over to RV.NET and search for changing wheel size and you'll find lots of help. There are several ways to go about it and you can research the best for your situation.

 

I searched and searched for a 16 with a 6 lug pattern and couldn't find any.What ever you do dont buy a trailer tire.They are all junk.We have any where from 2-10 trailers caravaning at a time and we were constantly having some one with a blow out.One time going to San Diago we had 3 Good Year Marathons blow.We have all since changed to LT light truck tires and have yet to have any problems in the last 2-3 years.
Michellin LTX are the best IMO but I put Firestone LTs on mine because of cost.I even bought a brand new trailer and swaped the 1 year old Lt tires onto my new trailer and sold the old trailer with the brand new Carlises.
Think about how many trailer tires blow and then how many trucks you see with blow outs.
Go one or two sizes bigger with an LT and just forget about any more tire problems.
I would rather have an over loaded Michellin LTX than a regular trailer tire.
Dont let any one tell you trailer tires are better because they are ALL junk.