Is 3 Inches of Clearance Okay for the Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire

Question:

I read in one article about being important the clearance being 4” of height to account for suspension flex. Do you think 3” would be sufficient room between tire and top of wheel well.

asked by: Billy

Expert Reply:

Yes, 3-4" of clearance is recommend between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender on a trailer in order to allow for suspension travel. Therefore, if you are using or upgrading to the Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E Item # AM10295 you will be just fine with 3" of clearance. Please note, the Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire measures 31.67" diameter x 9.37" wide.

expert reply by: Conner L

Dave D.

7/6/2020

I'm buying a 5th wheel unit with from Jayco. They said they have worked with Goodyear on the Endurance Trailer tire but its only an E rated tire 4,080 lbs. What I'm buying it a two axle 4 tire unit with a GVWR 16,500 lbs. IS this enough tire or do I need a G rated tire? If I need a G rated tire I don't see it in the Goodyear Endurance series.

Chris R.

7/9/2020

Just going by load capacity the 4 tires at that load range provide a combined 16,320 pound rating. Technically this falls below the 16,500 pound GVWR of the trailer - but it's important to keep in mind that with a 5th wheel trailer about 20 percent of its weight will actually be on the rear axle of your truck. So the Goodyear Endurance tires on the Jayco are perfectly fine and rated appropriately.