At 08:52 PM 3/13/2009, Zeitgeist wrote...
>I don't know all that much about tire technology, but wouldn't my 16"
>50/55
>(staggered rims) series passenger tires be less prone to failure
>issues than
>a 14" 70 or 75 series passenger tire?

Insufficient information. You have to compare load ratings.

I have a pop-up camper with 10" tires (20.5x8-10 10pr, aka 205/65-10E)
which are rated for 1535 lbs. per tire; more than most 205/65R15
passenger car tires (the afore mentioned M-B 560SEC ones), and almost
enough of a load rating to run on a Vanagon (but they wouldn't fit).