Trillium 5500 -- wheel size?

[Janice M]

After new brakes etc. on the Trillium, and a camping run last week on the ferry, we are wanting to put new tires on our Trillium 5500. I know from a previous discussion comparing the original spec sheets that some of these had 13" wheels and some had 14" wheels. Ours currently has 13" wheels, and we would like to put 14" wheels on, but are wondering about the clearance in the wheel well. Has anyone made the conversion on theirs? Any problems with clearance that might be problematic on back roads such as we have on Vancouver Island?

Janice

[Joe MacDonald]

my 5500 has p205-75r14 st tires, and they have no issues. However, I also seem to have one of the few 5500's with leaf springs rather than a torsion axle.

Joe

[Booker B.]

Hi Janice,

Though this is more Trillium 1300 specific there is a member who is using 14's on his 1300.
Tire Options (Canada)

When we were over in Powell River last week we did some crappy logging roads to get to our site. We never had clearance issues and I have an extra 2 feet out the back for our bike rack. The only thing I would worry about is if you are doing logging roads where they have cross ditched, when you first enter the ditch with the back wheels you might have trailer bumper grind.

[Doug Mager]

Our 13' Trillium had 14"ers on it when we bought it, so I just kept to that size with new rims and tires. I think I remember seeing somewhere (in here) that the trailer CAME with 13"ers though.
We have NO clearance issues with the 14's at all.

[Garth M]

Hi Janice,

According to the spec sheet on my 5500, the original tires were an F78x14 - a previous owner put new tires on, ST205/75 R14's. Although they come very close to the wheel skirt on the outside (1/2"), there is no evidence of any rubbing on the wheel well - about 4-5" clearance from the top of the tire. My suspension is the familiar torsion arm (just like the 1300). Should be no reason you cannot use 14 inch wheels that I am aware of - just make sure you get wheels/tires of at least 1760lbs capacity each (load range C for the tires).

I did find however that the wheel is a 5 bolt 4 1/2" bolt circle (just freshly measured). Most 14" replacement wheels I have seen (although I must admit not looking too hard) were 5 bolt 5 1/2" bolt circle. Given all the other differences we have found between individual 5500's, I would take careful measurement of your own prior to buying any new rims - they could well be different too! (Incidently, mine also uses wheel bolts from the outside into the hub, like some European cars - not studs from the hub with nuts on the outside like most North American vehicles).

[nick c]

My 5500 has original leaf springs and takes 15' tires.. everythings fine..