I have a 1994 Sooner 3H GN trailer w/ small dressing room that just blew a tire (second occurrence) due to the tire rubbing on the inside of the wheel well under load. I believe the cause to be the height of my tires. I am currently running 235/85/R16, load range E, 6-lug wheels at the advice of my tire shop. Sooner does not have information on the original stock size of tire for this older trailer. I'm assuming I can just change to a smaller wheel common nowadays, such as 225/75/R15, but this may cause issue with my tall, 4WD 2016 Dodge Ram. I already have trouble with the bottom of the gooseneck rubbing on my tailgate sometimes and if I drop my trailer height to accommodate these smaller tires, there is no way I can level my trailer and not hit my tailgate...What the heck?!?!?
Posted 2017-08-24 5:33 AM (#170417 - in reply to #170416) Subject: RE: Tire Size
Veteran
Posts: 168 Location: Minnesota
Raise the trailer. Most older trailers do not have the clearance for the newer trucks. A 3” lift will cure both problems. Cost me $300 at a good shop several years ago.
Posted 2017-08-24 9:03 AM (#170418 - in reply to #170416) Subject: RE: Tire Size
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Based on information provided by Goodyear, the LT235 LRE tires are 31.7 OD with a 2778# load capacity. The ST235 LRE tires are 30.8 OD with a load capacity of 3000#. The ST225 15" LRD tires are 28.3 OD with a load capacity of 2540# These are Goodyear specs. Other brands vary slightly
It sounds like you have 5200# axles. The ST225 tires do come in an E (10 ply) range, but I don't have specs for those.
We block axles quite frequently these days. Any good welding shop can do it, particularly when you have a steel axle trolley that is bolted to the aluminum frame.
Posted 2017-08-25 10:19 PM (#170425 - in reply to #170416) Subject: RE: Tire Size
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Jothehorse - 2017-08-23 8:09 PM I have a 1994 Sooner 3H GN trailer w/ small dressing room that just blew a tire (second occurrence) due to the tire rubbing on the inside of the wheel well under load. I believe the cause to be the height of my tires. I am currently running 235/85/R16, load range E, 6-lug wheels at the advice of my tire shop. Sooner does not have information on the original stock size of tire for this older trailer. I'm assuming I can just change to a smaller wheel common nowadays, such as 225/75/R15, but this may cause issue with my tall, 4WD 2016 Dodge Ram. I already have trouble with the bottom of the gooseneck rubbing on my tailgate sometimes and if I drop my trailer height to accommodate these smaller tires, there is no way I can level my trailer and not hit my tailgate...What the heck?!?!?
Welcome to the modern world of pickups' ground clearance wars...pickups have been rising for years...
If you have multiple trailers...it is easier to go the flatbed route for your tow vehicle than block all your trailers...
Tire Size
