Choosing Bigger Tires to Increase Trailer Ground Clearance
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Question:
Hi - I am looking to lift my camper 3900 lbs dry weight up about two inches for better ground clearance and the only way is to increase the tire height. I run 225/75R-15s on it now. Is there an acceptable alternative tire I can use to increase the height ? Many thanks!
asked by: Brett P
Expert Reply:
It depends on how much clearance you currently have around your wheels. Ideally, you should have 3 inches minimum clearance between your fender and your wheels and an inch minimum between your sidewall and trailer frame/wall. As your wheel size increases, your clearance decreases so please measure with that in mind.
You current tires are 225/75/R15 similar to # AM32680. As you can see, this tire has an outside diameter of 28.4". Going up two inches would bring you to a wheel and tire like # AM35010 with tire size 235/85R16. This has an outer diameter of 31.61". That will only lift your trailer by 1.6 inches by the way.
Another factor to note is bolt pattern. The wheels I suggested have bolt pattern 6 on 5-1/2". Please check the bolt pattern on your current wheels since your new ones need to match that, no matter what size they are. I attached a helpful article for figuring out your bolt pattern.
If you let me know how much fender and sidewall clearance you have and what bolt pattern your wheels are, I would be happy to make a recommendation!
If you don't have enough clearance, there are other options to lift your trailer like flipping the axles with a Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Kit part # K71-384-00 or part # K71-385-00. If you have leaf springs, you can also replace your hangers with taller ones like # APT5 to get some extra height.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Tire with 15" White Spoke Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2" - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 225/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
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Maggie
2/28/2025
Hi! I need to raise my camper /trailer for better clearance. The jacks tend to hit bottom often. Would this dexter kit work for me? Would bigger tires also help? My camper is a 1958 traveleeze frame up restoration. So these tend to have lower clearance than newer rvs. Wish I could send photo? Thanks!