How to Fix Top of Trailer Tires Rubbing Fender
Question:
I have a 2280 lb 16ft tandem axle trailer. Just purchased. It has 175/80/13 tires on it and the top of the tires rub on the bottom of the trailer or fender well. Nothing seems wrong with the suspension. I believe I should have about 3inch clearance on top of the tires. Is there a 13 inch tire that is about 3inch shorter than the 175/80/13 tire? My rims are 5 bolt.
asked by: James R
Expert Reply:
You actually should shoot for 4-1/2" of clearance between the top of your tire and the bottom of the fender well. This accounts for flex in your suspension.
Unless 2,280 lbs is the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of your trailer then you need to look into lifting your trailer as opposed to smaller tires. Even just going down to 4.80R12 tires, like part # TT48012C, gives you an overall weight capacity of 3,960 lbs. This means that you can load about 1,700 lbs on your trailer before it is overloaded which seems a bit low for a tandem axle trailer.
We do have over-under conversion kits that raise the height of your trailer equal to the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack. If you have 2-3/8" diameter axles then you need part # K71-384-00 but for 3" diameter axles you need part # K71-385-00.
Aside from this you would need to essentially go with tires that have an 8" smaller diameter than what you currently have. This means tires with an 8" wheel.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Taskmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: equalizer upgrade kit trailer leaf spring suspension
- Search Results: standard equalizer trailer leaf spring suspension
- Shop: etrailer Hard Tonneau Cover - Folding - Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: 1/2 lug nut
- Search Results: equalizer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs
- Shop: Triangular Equalizer for 1-3/4" Double-Eye Springs - 6" Long - 9/16" Center Hole
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs
- Shop: MORryde AllTrek 4000 Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 35" Wheelbase
- Video: MORryde Tandem Axle Trailers AllTrek 4000 Equalizers Review
- Shop: TruXedo Sentry Hard Tonneau Cover - Roll Up - Aluminum and Vinyl - Matte Black
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Video: Review of Dometic RV Toilets - 510 Standard Height Full Timer RV Toilet - DOM29FR
- Search Results: axle
- Video: Review of Timken Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - Bearing And Race Kit - TMK52VR
- Search Results: jack
- Search Results: 50~97~410
- Shop: RV Roof Membrane
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Karrier ST215/75R14 LR C Radial 14 Inch Wheel - KE77JR
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Video: Review of Kodiak Trailer Hubs and Drums - KHUBSBT16E
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Video: Review of Andersen Fifth Wheel - Fixed Fifth Wheel - AM3200
- Video: Buyers Products Fifth Wheel King Pin - Universal King Pin - 337KP20050 Review
Bob G.
4/9/2020
Boat trailer with st 155 r80 13 on it i can not fine these size tires any where will st 175r80 13 fit or will they it the fender wall if so what can be done