What is the Minimum Safe Distance Between Tires on a Tandem Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

What is the minimum safe distance between tires on a tandem axle trailer? Im increasing my tire size which will put my tires closer together.

asked by: Blake B

0

Expert Reply:

The general consensus here at etrailer is that the minimum safe distance between tires on the same side of a tandem axle trailer is 4 inches. Technically speaking, you will need a minimum of 1 inch between the tires with the suspension in full flex which is when the tires will be the closest together.

There are several things to consider when going to larger tires. First, some folks think that using larger tires will allow them to carry more weight. But you still are limited by the capacity of the axles. You also need to consider the space around the tires to determine if there is space above if there are fenders on the trailer, and behind the tires because they could contact the frame.

I have included a link to our tire FAQ article for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The difference in tire diameter will be an additional 2-1/2 inches going from the 225/75-15 which measure 28.4 to the 235/80-16 which measure 30.9 inches. As a general rule of thumb the minimum safe distance between front and rear tires on the same…

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Answer 2

I checked with Dexter, manufacturer of many trailer parts, and according to them there should be at least 1 inch of space between the tires when under load. So once your trailer is loaded and ready to tow, if you have more than 1 inch of space…

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Answer 3

There isn't a specific distance the hangers have to be for hanger kit #AP216-H238. A good place to start is 30-1/2 inches on center but you would only really know by mocking it up on the trailer before permanently installing the hangers. To…

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Answer 4

Yes, both special trailer (ST) and light truck (LT) tires can be used on a 5th wheel trailer. They are actually the only two types of tires rated for this use. The reason for this is that tires on a trailer will be subjected to much harsher…

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Answer 5

The first thing you will need to check is if there is enough space around the existing tires to use the larger size. Based on the old size you have, 235/75-15 (which isn't a common trailer tire size) the tires are approximately 28.8 inches tall…

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Answer 6

You definitely can increase the size of the tires on your 2017 Forest River Toy Hauler provided you have enough clearance. We recommend having at least 4" of clearance between the tire and fender (to account for flex in suspension) and then at…

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Answer 7

Choosing the correct replacement tire/wheel will depend on a few things. First, and most importantly, will be the tire clearance. The standard ST225/75R15, like the Westlake #LHWL304, will have a diameter of 28.3 inches and you will need to have at…

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Answer 8

There are two alternatives available, one that's a sure thing and one that's a possibility, depending on the current height of your spring hangers. The #RR23QX Tandem axle lift kit will bolt right up, providing almost 2 inches of additional…

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Answer 9

Great questions! I will answer your questions and then give a recommendation on what to do. a - The valve stem is more or less what determines the max psi rating for a wheel. So yes, there are wheels that can handle 110 psi as long as they have a…

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Answer 10

I recommend using the Go Power Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger #34275013. This will reduce all the components into one system by combining your transfer switch inverter and converter/charger into one unit. You will be able to wire in your…

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Answer 11

The hangers you currently have on your trailer are ones I have run into before. That being said, I spoke with MORryde and the #MR27ZR will still fit your trailer, but there is a modification that will need to be made. You’ll have to trim according to…

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Answer 12

I spoke with one of the engineers at HWT and he told me that the psi rating for an HWT wheel and tire assembly is only limited by the valve stem and tire. If your current wheels or new wheels have a psi rating under 110 psi, it is okay to use tires…

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