15.5r20 michelin tires

[ericp351]

Tire use question- I saw an add for 90% Michelin #15.5 R20 tires. Can I use them in front axle with my A2 5 ton with worn to 60% 14.00r20 super single rears? the listed dia is 47" for these and a bit more for new # 14 r20 tires. I don't lock my front axle unless offroad or snow covered roads. The # 15.5 tires seam newer than the surplus 14 r20 for sale and cheaper too! I can't afford to change all 6 or 7 tires now. Will these slightly wider tires clear my steering OK, and what are they now originally installed on? I have the stock 2 piece rims. Thanks for any info!!

 

[DeMilitarized]

I probably wouldn't try it. I have heard they may have a different bead style by @simp5782. My preferred method is run $250 395 tires on all my tires and they are much newer than the 14.00s

 

[gringeltaube]

Will these slightly wider tires clear my steering OK, and what are they now originally installed on?

I think they will clear just fine. 15.5/80R20s are about the same size as 395/85R20s and they both have the same bead style as 14.00R20s. So, no problem to use your 20x10 2-pc wheels.

Typical application for those G-20 tires are the PLS M1076 trailers.

 

[ericp351]

Thank you- I'll E Mail vender as to shipping and that is a Bad A$$ trailer too. Looks like I'm in for my first fight with dismount/rotate/remounting these tires soon.....

 

[Elk1111]

The 15.5s are going to be a lot smaller than the 14s. I wouldn’t do it. Bead is the same. 395/85r20s and the 15.5r20s are basically the same size.
15.5 is about 45 inches tall
14s are around 48 inches tall

 

[ericp351]

Good Tip & thanks. The tire vender is a good guy and pointed that out. Found a listing for NATO 14.00-r20 and ordered a pair as I can't afford to change all 6 or 7. Anybody have feedback on NATO type on or off road? They look kind of cool.

 

[gringeltaube]

Found a listing for NATO 14.00-r20

Those aren't radials, or...(?)

See them here: https://www.easternsurplus.net/PartDetails/8950/TI-691-General-14-20-Super-Single-NATO-Tire

 

[Jbulach]

Good Tip & thanks. The tire vender is a good guy and pointed that out. Found a listing for NATO 14.00-r20 and ordered a pair as I can't afford to change all 6 or 7. Anybody have feedback on NATO type on or off road? They look kind of cool.

Mine are not radials and quite squirmy on road, so be very carful in relearning how to corner with your truck!

 

[ericp351]

Hello- If you say they are not Radial I tend to believe ya, as they are on your rig!! The add said "Tubeless Radial" . I guess the sidewall does not have the "R". They were the only "100% " tread 14.00-20's I can find.