Bigtrailer Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 A big "Thanks", goes out to everyone who had information on converting 16 inch wheels and tires to 17.5. I followed up on all the posts and with information, I used Shadow Trailer parts out of California. They will mount, balance and deliver to my door 4 ST215/75R17.5 Hercules H-902, 4806 pound load capacity, and 4 17.5 aluminum modular wheels with 9/16 nuts and center caps. They were helpful, as I asked for the DOT numbers for the year of the tires I was purchasing, and I was told they would be all 2015. I am in the trucking business, and have used Hancook, Hercules, Continental, Yokohama, Toyo, Michelin, and some of the other Chinese and American tires. All have plus and minus problems with them. Living in Arizona, with radiant heat from the asphalt over 170 degrees in the daytime, tires won't last if you drive over 60 mph. Most of us leave early in the morning, or during the night to avoid that problem. Anyway Guys.... THANKS! Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Hi Bigtrailer, Thanks for posting your info. I need to change the wheels and tires on my trailer from 16" to 17.5". Can you tell me why you chose the Hercules tires ? I can get confused when it comes to tires. I have not chose what tires to run on the trailer. I know what tire I will not use. Maybe I should think about Hercules tires. Any help would be appreciated. Al PS; Do you have a web address for Shadow Trailer Parts ? 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Hi Al, I ran trucks coast to coast for 35 years. Every person out there has is own opinion depending on his experience. Personally, what did it for me was the tire fella said they sell hundreds of the Hercules compared to all other brands. On semi trailers, I found Continental, Michelin, Hancook ,and Yokohama to last under the loads. I used Hercules on my drives and even steer axles. The price really wasn't what swayed me, but the total cost included FET, balance, steel valve stems, mounting, and shipping. No sales tax, no BS trying to sell me something I didn't want...... yeaaaaaa! Having said all this, Hercules has the GVW rating, the highway speed of 75 mph, and high tire pressure and 16/32 of tread depth, I was comparing tires too.! Always check that, the more the better most of the time. Ask the people what year is on the DOT number. Most tires are good for 7-10 years max. Then..... you sell the casings to a tire shop for recap. Most will give you $50-75 casing credit for a virgin carcass. Your tires will be too good to just "leave at the tire shop". I guarantee they sell casings for a profit. Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armyret Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 I got the 215/75R17.5 Load Range J 18 Ply Rated Continental HTL2 Eco Plus Radial Trailer Tire, with two mounted spares, I doubt I will wear them out. If I do have problems having two spares gives me time for getting replacements. We have the same tire on one of our lowboy trailers, they wear like iron and we have not had a problem in 3 yrs with them. I am hoping with the Mor-ryde and the tires the uncertainty will be gone while on the road and enjoy traveling more, not the constant worry about tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Hi armyret, First, Thank You for your service to our country! I just put a Mor-ryde system on my Holiday Rambler. I got talked out of air ride from several folks, although all my trucks have air. I only have 16,000 pounds loaded, so weight wasn't an issue.Continental tires have done me well. I think I have gotten 2 caps on a couple with 12/32 recaps. You must have a heavy trailer! Have you noticed any ride changes or tracking with the new install? Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Heiser Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 A big "Thanks", goes out to everyone who had information on converting 16 inch wheels and tires to 17.5. I followed up on all the posts and with information, I used Shadow Trailer parts out of California. They will mount, balance and deliver to my door 4 ST215/75R17.5 Hercules H-902, 4806 pound load capacity, and 4 17.5 aluminum modular wheels with 9/16 nuts and center caps. My only concern with this is the 9/16" nuts. I have never seen 16" rims on an RV that had 9/16" wheel studs. This does not mean they do not exist, but every 16" rim I have seen on an RV was mounted on 1/2" wheel studs. I also just converted from 16" wheels to 17.5" wheels and had to get a 17.5" wheel with 1/2" wheel stud holes to fit my existing axles. Just make sure your trailer has 9/16" wheel studs if that is what you are getting with your new wheels. It would be very disappointing to end up with new wheels and tires that did not fit your existing axles. 2000 Kenworth T2000 w/ Cummins N14 and autoshift 2017 DRV Mobile Suite 40KSSB4 with factory mods, dealer mods and personal mods - now in the RV graveyard 2022 DRV Full House MX450 with customized floor plan 2018 Polaris RZR Turbo S (fits in the garage) 2016 Smart Car (fits in the garage or gets flat towed behind the DRV when the RZR is in the garage)My First Solar Install ThreadMy Second Solar Install Thread & Photos and Documents Related to the buildMy MX450's solar, battery and inverter system - my biggest system yet! chadheiser.com West Coast HDT Rally Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 I believe I got new drums to accommodate the 9/16 studs but that was 3 yrs ago an my memory isn't the greatest for somethings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Yes, My Holiday Rambler has 9/16 nuts. I took a guage and measured. Didn't know that either. Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad & Jacolyn Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 My Hitch Hiker has 9/16". Brad Brad and Jacolyn Tucker the Wonder dog and Brynn the Norfolk Terrier 2009 Smart "Joy" 2004 VNL630 "Vonda the Volvo" 2008 Hitch Hiker 35 CK Champagne Edition VED12 465 HP, Freedomline, 3.73 ratio, WB 218" Fulltiming and loving it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Hi Bigtrailer, Thanks for the info on the tires. I think that the Hercules tires could work for my trailer also. Did you talk to Shadow Trailer Parts over the phone ? Is the following web address the correct address for Shadow Trailer Parts, www.trailerandtruckparts.com ? If I am wrong can you please post the correct address ? I would like to talk to them myself. I need to upgrade my wheels and tires. I have had my problems with the wheels and tires that came on the trailer. My trailer also has 9/16" wheel studs with disc brakes. Thanks for your help, Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Yes, Trailer and Truck Parts, (Shadow), in California. I spoke with Fritz, very knowledgeable, www.trailerandtruckparts.com . You will be pleased with them. Just mention a guy from Phoenix, AZ just bought a set Tuesday. Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Heiser Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Yes, My Holiday Rambler has 9/16 nuts. I took a guage and measured. Didn't know that either. Bigtrailer Good to know. I figured you were right, it is just something I have not seen on a 16" wheel in the RV world. 2000 Kenworth T2000 w/ Cummins N14 and autoshift 2017 DRV Mobile Suite 40KSSB4 with factory mods, dealer mods and personal mods - now in the RV graveyard 2022 DRV Full House MX450 with customized floor plan 2018 Polaris RZR Turbo S (fits in the garage) 2016 Smart Car (fits in the garage or gets flat towed behind the DRV when the RZR is in the garage)My First Solar Install ThreadMy Second Solar Install Thread & Photos and Documents Related to the buildMy MX450's solar, battery and inverter system - my biggest system yet! chadheiser.com West Coast HDT Rally Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil D Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Chad, based on what I found back when I was contemplating the 17.5" wheel upgrade, on trailer axles with true 8,000# axles, the hubs have 9/16" studs. On trailers with 7,000# axles (even the ones with 8,000# brakes, like my Teton), the hubs have 1/2" studs. I needed wheels for 1/2" studs. If I ever upgrade the suspension and go to 8,000# axles, as I'd like to do one day, I guess that I'll have to buy yet another set of seven wheels. Phil 2002 Teton Royal Aspen 2003 Kenworth T2000 - Cat C12 380/430 1450/1650, FreedomLine, 3.36 - TOTO . . . he's not in Kansas anymore. ET Air Hitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Heiser Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 Chad, based on what I found back when I was contemplating the 17.5" wheel upgrade, on trailer axles with true 8,000# axles, the hubs have 9/16" studs. On trailers with 7,000# axles (even the ones with 8,000# brakes, like my Teton), the hubs have 1/2" studs. I needed wheels for 1/2" studs. If I ever upgrade the suspension and go to 8,000# axles, as I'd like to do one day, I guess that I'll have to buy yet another set of seven wheels. After I thought about my previous posts, I realized that pretty much every RV trailer I have been around has had 7000 lb axles or lighter. This is why I have never seen 16" wheels with 9/16" studs in my RV experience. I have owned several equipment hauler trailers and they all had heavy axles and 9/16" studs, but my RV experience has been with the lighter axles. It makes sense that a true 8000 lb RV axle would have 9/16" studs with 16" wheels, but there aren't very many manufacturers putting true 8000 lb axle setups on 5ers in the RV world until you get into the high end heavy trailers. 2000 Kenworth T2000 w/ Cummins N14 and autoshift 2017 DRV Mobile Suite 40KSSB4 with factory mods, dealer mods and personal mods - now in the RV graveyard 2022 DRV Full House MX450 with customized floor plan 2018 Polaris RZR Turbo S (fits in the garage) 2016 Smart Car (fits in the garage or gets flat towed behind the DRV when the RZR is in the garage)My First Solar Install ThreadMy Second Solar Install Thread & Photos and Documents Related to the buildMy MX450's solar, battery and inverter system - my biggest system yet! chadheiser.com West Coast HDT Rally Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 My TS came with 6000 lb axles, I think. When I went to 17.5's, I think we upgraded the hubs to 7k and I know we got bigger drums with 9/16" studs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 After I thought about my previous posts, I realized that pretty much every RV trailer I have been around has had 7000 lb axles or lighter. This is why I have never seen 16" wheels with 9/16" studs in my RV experience. I have owned several equipment hauler trailers and they all had heavy axles and 9/16" studs, but my RV experience has been with the lighter axles. It makes sense that a true 8000 lb RV axle would have 9/16" studs with 16" wheels, but there aren't very many manufacturers putting true 8000 lb axle setups on 5ers in the RV world until you get into the high end heavy trailers. It doesn't make any sense to put 16" wheels on 8,000 lb. axles. If you are a high end trailer manufacturer why not just go and put on 17.5" wheels from the start. The most complaints that you hear about trailers always seems to involve the wheels and tires. Why not error on the side of safety, and go with the bigger wheels. This is just some of my thoughts. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted June 18, 2015 Report Share Posted June 18, 2015 It doesn't make any sense to put 16" wheels on 8,000 lb. axles. If you are a high end trailer manufacturer why not just go and put on 17.5" wheels from the start. The most complaints that you hear about trailers always seems to involve the wheels and tires. Why not error on the side of safety, and go with the bigger wheels. This is just some of my thoughts. Al That is the reason that on all New Horizons 40' or larger there are 17.5" wheels and Goodyear G114 tires. Personally, I feel disc brakes should be standard, but they are an option. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 19, 2015 Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 Bigtrailer, Just finished talking to Fritz from Shadow Trailer Parts. Seem like a good guy. I will be moving up to 17.5" wheels and tires. I also went with ST215/75R17.5 Hercules H-902 tire. I hope this takes care of my tire troubles. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2015 Good deal Al, we both hope the same thing. I hate always looking in my mirrors expecting to see a "gator" coming off my rig. Now maybe I can enjoy the view over the hood a little more. Have a good ride! Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 Hi Al, Just got the Hercules tires and 17.5 aluminum rims. I think the tires will work nicely. Lots of sipes for rain. They did deliver whast was promised. Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calpalmer Posted June 23, 2015 Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 I got the 215/75R17.5 Load Range J 18 Ply Rated Continental HTL2 Eco Plus Radial Trailer Tire, with two mounted spares, I doubt I will wear them out. If I do have problems having two spares gives me time for getting replacements. We have the same tire on one of our lowboy trailers, they wear like iron and we have not had a problem in 3 yrs with them. I am hoping with the Mor-ryde and the tires the uncertainty will be gone while on the road and enjoy traveling more, not the constant worry about tires. You won't wear them out but time will. I have Michelin J rated 17.5's and love them, but plan only to get 7 to 8 years out of them due to uv etc. 2005 Volvo VNL 42 630 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 23, 2015 Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 Hi Al, Just got the Hercules tires and 17.5 aluminum rims. I think the tires will work nicely. Lots of sipes for rain. They did deliver whast was promised. Bigtrailer Hi Bigtrailer, I received a notice that my wheels and tires are getting ready to ship. I will let you know when I receive them. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 Hi Nuf Truck, Being in Arizona, we really watch our tires for any kind of weathering. We are lucky to get 6 years out of a tire. If you keep under 60 mph, you can do pretty good. I see a lot of guys trying to run 75 in the daytime! Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2015 Hi Al, Great, would like to hear your thoughts on the tires. Bigtrailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted June 29, 2015 Report Share Posted June 29, 2015 Hi Al, Great, would like to hear your thoughts on the tires. Bigtrailer Hi Bigtrailer, I received my tires today. I have everything unpacked. The tires do look pretty nice. When I get the new tires on the trailer, I should feel more safe going down the road. Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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