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Post by wazkaren on May 29, 2020 13:14:54 GMT -5
I have a Sportman 160RBT and it doesn't have much ground clearance. Do you think it would help to replace my 14inch wheels/tires with something larger? Is that even possible, or a bad idea?
Thanks,
Greg
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Post by lynnmor on May 29, 2020 13:36:50 GMT -5
You would need about 3 inches of clearance above the tires. Moving to 15" and using the same profile tires will only get you another 1/2", but it is never a bad idea to replace the marginal tires on most trailers. If you have leaf springs and they are below the axle, you can get a kit to move the axle below the springs and gain more than 3" ground clearance. Kits |
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Post by wazkaren on May 29, 2020 16:28:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. Since I'm going to replace the original tires anyway I guess it won't hurt to get bigger (I'll see if I have room). Even 1/2" is better than nothing. I'm not particularly handy, so not sure about moving the axle, unless I can find someone to do it.
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Post by lynnmor on May 29, 2020 17:04:02 GMT -5
It would require a bit of welding, a heavy duty truck/trailer shop would be your best bet, they would knock out that simple job in short order. Do not use an RV dealer.
If you move to a 15” tire, I would suggest using an LT and get away from cheap ST tires. I use Goodyear Wrangler LT tires, load range D.
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Post by wazkaren on May 30, 2020 7:10:08 GMT -5
I was considering the Goodyear Endurance tires, I've seen good reviews. I'll take a look at the Wrangler LTs.
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Post by lynnmor on May 30, 2020 8:21:47 GMT -5
I was considering the Goodyear Endurance tires, I've seen good reviews. I'll take a look at the Wrangler LTs. The Endurance should be OK, but keep in mind that ST tires do not need to meet the same specifications as tires that are meant to carry people. They also have far less tread depth to shed water and provide a longer life. LT tire sizes are very limited in 15", so that might be an issue. |
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Post by wazkaren on May 30, 2020 11:18:17 GMT -5
I just checked and I don't think I have room for anything bigger. So I'll stick with the 14" Endurance. Thanks for all the info.
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Post by laknox on Jun 1, 2020 11:10:22 GMT -5
I have a Sportman 160RBT and it doesn't have much ground clearance. Do you think it would help to replace my 14inch wheels/tires with something larger? Is that even possible, or a bad idea? Thanks, Greg Post some pics of your suspension system and we can give you a lot more info, but doing an axle flip is the easiest, and least costly, way to gain significant lift. You =can= get flip kits that don't =have= to be welded, but literally =everyone= recommends welding the new spring perches on the axle tube. Using a truck shop, as stated before, is the only way to go. At the same time, the shop is likely to also have the ability to align the axles for optimum tracking and tire wear. Bet you could get the whole thing done for +/- $1k. Certainly cheaper than a bent frame if you hang up the back end on something. Lyle |
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Post by lynnmor on Jun 1, 2020 13:06:11 GMT -5
I believe that he has a single axle trailer so the cost will be minimal to do the axle "flip." Alignment on a single axle is not much of an issue, so cost for that is next to nothing.
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