303RLS 16" Tire Size Details

[BBJonbo]

I hope to be placing an order for a new 2015 Reflection 303RLS tomorrow and one of the conditions of purchase is to replace the Westlake tires with a far better brand. I am also considering moving up to 16" tires.

I have searched this forum as well as RV.net to try and confirm 16" tires can be installed on the Reflection 303RLS as well what sizes are possible.

There are a few posts on RV.net that indicate owners have confirmed with Grand Design that the suspension has been modified and can now accommodate 16" wheels. Here is one such post:

Just got a response back from Grand Design northeast rep. He said they put on the longer leaf spring hangers which give you the same ground clearance you would get with the 16 inch aluminum rim. Essentially with Grand Design 293 RES,303 RLS, and 323 BHS, you will get the same ground clearance and load capacity as a 16 inch aluminum rim for less money. How ever since we offer the longer leaf spring hangers you can upgrade at any time to 16 inch aluminum rims. If you purchase them from us we will not install them at the factory and the charge for the tire and rim set will be approximately $1100.00.

The issue is there is a lot of variability in width and diameter with 16" tires and I am not sure what the clearance is and which tire size would fit.

One tire I am considering is the Michelin XPS Rib


Size Diameter Approved Rims Load Width
LT225/75R16 29.4" 6, 6.5, 7.0 2680 9"
LT235/85R16 32.2" 6, 7 3042 9.7"
LT245/75R16 30.6" 6.5, 7, 8 3042 9.6"


I assume a diameter of 29.4 is fine but not sure about 30.6 and especially do not think the 32.2 would fit. Assume that the width is not an issue with all 3 tires. The LT225/75R16s should work but the extra load capacity of the LT245/75R16 would be nice.

From what I could find the Westlake stock tires are as follows:


Size Diameter Approved Rims Load Width
ST225/75R15 28.4" 2830 8.9"


I will try and contact Grand Design directly via phone tomorrow but if there are other 303RLS owners out there with 16" tires it would be appreciated if you could share the details regarding diameter and width that provided sufficient clearance. I assume 2-3" clearance is desired.

Thanks in advance
Jonathan