How Much Lift Will Changing 235/80-16 Tires to 235/85-16 Tires Provide

Question:

can you use st 235/85r in place of the 235/80r 16s that are on my unit now? will ti raise the rear of my trailer? my trailer sits a little low in the rear as I am pulling with a Ram 2500 that sits higher than other vehicles. would like to get the trailer up a bit higher in the rear if possible with the tires? how much difference in circumference is there between the 80 and 85 tires?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

The 235/80-16 tires you are using now have an overall diameter of 30.8" whereas the 235/85-16 tires you are looking at have an overall diameter of 31.7" therefore, you will gain around .45" of height overall. For this, I recommend Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire part # AM10501 which is your best option.

If this does not provide enough lift then the next best option is to flip the axles. If you have leaf spring axles and the leaf springs are below the axle tube, I recommend the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8" diameter axles or part # K71-385-00 for 3" diameter axles. These kits will raise the trailer equal to the height of the leaf spring stack, height of the leaf spring seat, and height of the axle tube.

expert reply by: Conner L