How To Get Additional Clearance To Run Larger Tires On Karavan 5 x 8 Utility Trailer
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hello! I have a Karavan 5x8 utility trailer with 4.80x12C wheels and tires. I also have a set of ST 175 80D wheels and tires on hand with the same bolt pattern. I’m considering swapping out for the larger wheels and tires. My only question is clearance. The trailer has plastic bolt-on fenders, but the fender mounts are welded in place. How much clearance do I need between the welded brackets and the tires for this application to work properly? Thank you.
asked by: Wesley L
Expert Reply:
To change the 4.80x12 tires on your Karavan 5' x 8' utility trailer to ST175/80D13 tires you will need need to have 5-6" clearance between the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender, and 2-3" between the inside of the tire to the frame.
The ST175/80D13 is going to be about 3-1/2" taller than your current tires, and about 2" wider than your current tires.
Based on the pictures you provided you will likely not have enough clearance without lifting the trailer.
Not to worry this is pretty easy to do by installing an axle over-under kit. An over-under kit moves the axle from on top of the springs to below them which raises the trailer by the diameter of the axle tube plus the thickness of the leaf spring stack, and will give you the additional clearance you need.
Now you trailer could have a few different axle diameters. If it is 1-3/4" in diameter you will need to piece together your own kit using two spring seats # TRSS175, and U-Bolt Kit # APUBR-10.
If you have a 2-3/8" diameter axle you will need the Dexter over-under kit # K71-384-00.
The new spring seats will need to be welded to your axle by a qualified welder.
I included a few videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Backing Plate for Single Axle Trailer Fender - Steel - 30" Long x 12" Tall
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Fenders
- Fender Back
- 12 Inch Wide
- 30 Inch Long
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR53 ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Video: A Closer look at the AirBedz XUV Air Mattress in a 2024 Dodge Durango
- Q&A: Upgrading to a Larger Tire and Wheel Combo on a 2021 Karavan Trailer
- Shop: U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 4-1/4" Long U-Bolts
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Q&A: Which is Better for Highway Use 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer TIres
- Shop: TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2018 Dodge Durango
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV- 2"
- Video: TruRyde Trailer Suspension TRSS175 Review
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: A Closer Look at the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles
- Search Results: black center caps
- Search Results: center cap
- Search Results: trailer lift
- Search Results: spring seats
- Search Results: rim
- Q&A: What Larger Wheel And Tire Options Are There For a Karavan 5 X 8 Utility Trailer With 4.8-12 Tires?
- Q&A: Can 3,500 lb Axle of Trailer Be Upgraded to 5,200 lb Axle
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles
- Q&A: Can I Upgrade The 12 Wheels On My Trailer To 13 Wheels?
- Q&A: Tire Size Upgrade from 4.80-12 on Trailer
- Q&A: Can Axle Over Under Kit be Installed on Trailer with 2 inch Square Axles
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
Michael
6/26/2024
In the picture, what is the second lower hole in the leaf Spring hanger for? Could I use that hole to raise the trailer bed an inch or so?