I just picked up a set of weld rodlites the back wheels are 15x7 with 4.5 backspacing, not really my favorite wheel but I couldn't beat the price, will 275 60 15 fit 7 inch rim or should I go with something narrower? it came with 235 60s on it but they look too short, and with the backspacing the tire sits kinda "in" the wheelwells Jim

According to BFG's website, no they will not fit the rim. You need at least a 7.5 inch rim to put on 275's. The biggest tire on your 15 X 7 rim will be 255/60/15 or a 255/70/15. Check out their website for suggested rim sizes for different tires. You are going to need a wider rim if you want wider tires in back.

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/pdf/radial_ta.pdf

Jim,

I have heard of people putting a P275 60 tire on 15" rim but as indicated above, it is not really recommended. The 2 choices shown above would seem to be your best options. The P255 70 is a 29.1 inch tall tire and the P 255 60 is 27.1"

Robert

I have had 275/60's mounted on a 7" rallye that I had on my Elky for the past 5 years. They will fit on a 7" rim!!!!
I was told that my 305/60's wouldn't fit on an 8.5".........I proved them wrong!!!:D

Brian

I never said they wouldn't fit (P275 60 on a 7" rim), I am only saying it is not recommended. My assumption would be because of abnormal stresses on the sidewall and tire wear issues... but I am not a tire manufacturer. We (the company where I work) don't recommend people using our products a certain way but they do and then we have try and figure out why they failed too soon.

BTW: The four exclamation points on your post Brian, implied to me "Don't listen to these idiots".

Robert

I have had 275/60's mounted on a 7" rallye that I had on my Elky for the past 5 years. They will fit on a 7" rim!!!!

That is beyond the recommended range for safety and performance from the tire manufacturer. I wouldn't go there.

thanks I think I'll look for the 255 60s the cars got 273s in the rear sso I think the shorter tire would be the way to go, Jim

Running too narrow a rim compromises safety at the worst and will wear out the center of the tire quickly,at the least. The handling will definitely suffer as a result,too. Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. :D

BTW: The four exclamation points on your post Brian, implied to me "Don't listen to these idiots".

Well excuse me......thats just how i type sometimes!!
Its a habit!!!
And I was told that my rim size should be 9", but told that 8.5" would be fine.

Brian!!!!