trailer wheels (15x7 vs 16 inch pizza cutters)

[BrettInUte]

Im just about to kick off a tandem trailer car carrier project.
6.5m x 2.5m. Drive over wheel arches etc...

My situation is I have a HEAP of 15x7 wheels and tyres kicking around.
Almost all our vehicles run these. So have a great ongoing supply too.

But I figure that compared to a narrow 16 (maybe 15) inch rim - there would be a heap of rolling resistance.

I already have 16 inch landcruiser splitties on a 7x4 trailer - and an impressed with the way it rolls easily and appears to handles rougher roads better than smaller dia tyres..

My question is: Will running 15x7 inch wheels increase the roll resistance/fuel usage compared to a set of hwy tread narrow tyres ??

Cheers

[Toy80Diesel]

Main thing is the smaller diameter tyres would keep your drive over wheelarches lower.

I reckon trailers with 235/75 15" tyres absorb road shock better than the smaller 14" or 13" on trailers, but 16" wouldn't be too much of an improvement over the 15". Tyre pressures play a big part too (yes I watch too many 4wd monthly/action dvd's )

You could also consider adding shockers to the axle!

Bigger wheels also need more brake power so beware of that too!

[STIKA]

just watch you tyre load rating;

i went to split rims with late model hilux tyres; i think that ends up smaller than a 31

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

For the amount a trailer will use - a set of 185R14's will get it lower to th ground and last forever. Most car trailers run them. About $60 ea and rims are $10ea for 14" ford rims at wreckers.

I know the others are free, but will be tall.

Mine's been everywhere (dirt etc) and the tyres not a problem. The bed lenght limits how far offroad you can take it for recovery.

Paul

[BrettInUte]

Im pretty well set on the 4x4 tyres - as opposed to the stock 14 inch holden setup.

The trailer has drop axles - so ride height isnt such a big problem.
(its going to be waaay to big to offroad up the sid of a hill - but it will see plenty of paddock work)

I hadnt considered the bigger brakes for bigger tyres issue.
I have used a triaxle with 13inch wheels and its got the best (override) brakes of any trailer Ive come across. Maybe the small wheels made the difference.

i know the mud guard height will rise with the bigger wheels - but its that wide most cars will fit between the wheel arches.


Any comments on the rolling resistance ??

[just cruizin']

Run whatever your tow vehicle runs, can't have enough compatable spares.

[Sic Lux]

Run whatever your tow vehicle runs, can't have enough compatable spares.

Very good idea or some 205r15lt's will be ok for load but the above idea would be about the best i reckon

[Slunnie]

You will probably also find the 16" tyres have a better load rating and so stronger/durable tyres.