303RLS 16" Tire Size Details

[notsosan]

Point of interest for some doing the calculation, a 1 inch increase in diameter will result in 1/2 inch decrease in clearance as radius determines the amount of clearance not diameter. That said, none of this would be necessary if GD had just installed slightly longer brackets. Come on GD.

[luckeyd1]

My bad, the Westlakes I found are actually 28.4 not 28.8. Sorry for the confusion. And yes I also forgot to 1/2 that diameter for my clearance. Now, to satisfy myself once and for all, I am going to measure a cutout for 30.6 inches, cardboard, put it up into my wheelwell, and see how much clearance I actually have. Should be interesting to see. At least inquiring minds will finally have an answer. Will post results once I get them. As they used to say on the radio, Please Standby, or TV (insert test pattern here).

[BBJonbo]

Point of interest for some doing the calculation, a 1 inch increase in diameter will result in 1/2 inch decrease in clearance as radius determines the amount of clearance not diameter. That said, none of this would be necessary if GD had just installed slightly longer brackets. Come on GD.

Duh!!! Another blonde moment. Of course you are right. Well for me, I can't find any decent LT235/80R16s in Canada in any case. That is the maximum size that GD CSR told me. So fortunately even being math challenged didn't hurt me in my choice of tires.

[Bamaman]

Most of the LT 16" tires are 75 series tires. No wonder you cannot find that size noted above.

My SuperDuty F250 uses LT265-75-16" E rated tires

[notsosan]

We swapped over the 16's with 235 80 16E Marathons from our trade. Even the dealer tech who did the swap couldn't believe how much a 1" difference in rim size changed and improved the look. I have about 2 1/2" clearance with the trailer loaded, If I have no clearance problems with this setup I think I will shop around for some 16X7, zero offset rims and go with 245 75 16 ribs, probably Bridgestone or Michelins. They are the same diameter as the Marathons.

While I like the lower profile look of the 303 and appreciate its advantages when it comes to clearance, accessibilty, towability and fuel economy, being held hostage to Chinese made ST's for want of 1" longer brackets is quite frustrating.

[luckeyd1]

Specs I found on Tirerack state the 235/80 16 tires are 30.7" in diameter. Is there anything special about your 303RLS that others don't have? Reason I ask, is I measured from ground and I don't have anywhere near 2 1/2 inch clearance to bottom of wheelwell. My trailer was made Jan 2014, and I was told it was approved for 16in tires. What am I missing?? Can you post picture of you setup/tires and clearance? By the way, I have on order 16x6 1/2 in rims zero offset which is the offset on current rims if I am not mistaken. 16x16 or 16x7 rims will handle 245/75 tires. Much appreciated.

[Mr Lucky]

Hi everyone!
Looking for a little help. My current 2 year old travel trailer has Mastertrack Power Touring ST 235/80r16E. My 303 is on order. Should I ask my dealer to swap my rims and tires from my current trailer to my 303 that's on order when it comes in. I am trading in my trailer. I would like to go to 16 inch on the 303. Would I have enough clearance with these 16's? I realize in 2-3 years I would have to get new tires if I keep my current rims and tires.

[notsosan]

Can't post a photo right now but I just climbed under the slides and measured again. Just over 2.5" on the passenger (light) side and 2.25" on the driver (heavy) side. That is fully loaded (for us), including water, (dry camping this week) Honda EU 2000 generator and 8 HP Yamaha outboard motor in the basement.

Brackets are 5 " long. Hope it is enough.

[luckeyd1]

Thanks notsosan, I am not home right now, tomorrow I will have to crawl around and see what I really have. I will take pictures of current 15in tires on the trailer and how much clearance I have. I really want those 245/75 16 tires, that is one reason I went with the 16x61/2 rims. I see in earlier post I said 16x6 or 16x7 for 245/75 tires, my mistake, it is 16x61/2 to 16x8 rim for 245/75 tires

[cgoodnight]

I know this discussion is about tires and clearance for a 303. On my 337 I put LT235/85R/16E Michelin XPS Ribs. Concerned a little about clearance, but found that is not a problem. My X chocks still fit between the tires. Love the Michelins.