So, I was beginning to get worried that God was going to kill a kitten every time someone hung a 275/60-15 on a 7" wide wheel. "How could it be," I wondered that the TRA and therefore most tire manufacturers recommend a 7.5 - 9.5 inch wheel for this application, but major tire companies will recommend a 7-inch wheel?
"There must be a logical explanation for this," I thought. I also have a lot riding on this, I have no less than 14 275 tires in my garage, and five of them are on 7" wheels. That's five kitten lives hanging in the balance. I'm more of a dog guy, but no one wants dead kittens on their conscience.
Anyway, I digress. I looked further into the 2014 TRA yearbook, and found relief. Yes, back in the supplemental section, page S-06 for those following along at home, there is an easily missed table labeled “Additional Approved Rim Profiles.” Luckily, there are three wheels listed in that table for the 275/60-15. They are 7J, 10J, and 11J.
What this means, is that even though it may not be recommended, it is permissible to use a 7, 10, or 11 inch wheel if you must/need/want to. I’m pretty sure this is how the tire stores can avoid litigation, and I can rest easy, knowing that the kittens are safe again.
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