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08-09-2004, 06:29 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Mount Shasta
Posts: 1,488
M.O.C. #1685
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Changing from 15" to 16" Tires & Rims
I'd like to raise my Montana a couple of inches and still keep it level while towing. I can raise the hitch, but need to step up the rim/tire size to maintain the ride height and equal weight distribution on the axles.
Has anyone in the group changed from 15" rims & tires to 16" on a unit with an 8" frame? If so, were there any clearance issues, and what size tires are you running now?
Thanks,
Don
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08-10-2004, 02:12 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Swanton
Posts: 380
M.O.C. #409
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We have a 1999 Montana 3350RS. One of three in existence it seems. We have the 8 inch frame with the retrofit reinforcement. We have 16 inch tires and it came from the factory that way. The tires are 235/85R16E. I checked the spec sheet for 1999 Montana models and yours and all the other 2XXX series Montanas come from the factory with 15 inch wheels so I would check carefully for clearance before I changed.
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08-10-2004, 02:46 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Spring Hill
Posts: 2,725
M.O.C. #59
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When you put the 16 inch tires on the tread on your tires will be a lot closer to each other. Make sure you have the clearance.
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08-10-2004, 10:20 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Racine
Posts: 809
M.O.C. #1165
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We ordered our Monty with the 16 inch tires. Have no clearance issues - they look fine.
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08-10-2004, 02:06 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ft. Smith
Posts: 981
M.O.C. #116
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I did it on our Terry. There was a bit of a clearance problem at the top of the tire, between the tire and wheel well. Didn't seem to be any problem between the tires even tho they were closer. I still have the 16" wheels, kept them when we traded up to the Montana. I put Cooper tires on since they were somewhat smaller in diameter than the others. You might try borrowing somebodies spare and trying it on to check clearances.
Skip
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08-11-2004, 07:34 AM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: CHEWELAH
Posts: 318
M.O.C. #1654
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Don I have the same rig you have but hav'nt got keystones retrofit yet ,still waiting to hear from the local dealer. I want to switch to 16" tires also,but I also want to go to 6000lb. axles if possible, has anyone done this? best reason for 16" wheels is it's easier to find load E tires, I think theres only one that makes a 15" load E,Tieton, I hope we get some feedback on this. Dave
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08-11-2004, 08:51 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Mount Shasta
Posts: 1,488
M.O.C. #1685
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Thanks to all of you for your comments. Since my original post I located a 2003 2980 RL with the 16" rim & tire combo and took some measurements for comparison. There appears to be enough room for verticle suspension travel with the larger tire even taking into consideration the 8" versus 10" frame difference, but the centerline of the axles on my unit are only 33" apart whereas on the 2980 rig the centerline 35 1/2". So, as Tom indicated, clearance between the tires is a problem.
Dave, My rig had the frame retrofit done within a few hundred miles of taking delivery and I've had absolutley no trouble with frame cracks or tire wear. In fact after looking under this later model unit with the 10" frame, I believe mine is stronger in the suspension area. I also have been condering an axle upgrade for a larger saftey margin, but haven't looked into pricing yet. It looks like that would be the time to reposition for larger rims & tires, but I'll bet it's a big bite.
Don
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08-11-2004, 01:41 PM
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#8
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Established Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Humble
Posts: 16
M.O.C. #1699
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Hi folks,
I had 16 inch wheels put on our 2002 RL2955 when I bought it. It came with 15 inch wheels. Have recently gone to load range E Michlens and have had no problems. You get a lot less squat from the 80 psi tires. We just did 2500 miles with no trouble. This one has 10 inch frame.
Good Luck
Dennis
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08-11-2004, 03:44 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Flemington
Posts: 1,373
M.O.C. #242
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You could go to 16" wheels and 225/75's instead of 235/85's. The load rating is similar and the diameter is an inch or so less.
John
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