Can Passenger Vehicle Tires be Used on a Trailer to Increase the Ground Clearance

Updated 01/13/2015 | Published 01/12/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2

(1108)

$136.30

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(836)

$80.12

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(837)

$90.00

Question:

I drive a 2013 4Runner with a 5.5 6 lug bolt pattern. If I chose to run the same size wheels and tires as my 4Runner on a utility trailer for increased clearance 265 70 17 would this be problematic other than the added weight and the need to likely modify the fenders? Thank you!

asked by: Travis

Expert Reply:

The problem is that the tire size you have on your Toyota 4Runner is fine for vehicle tires but 265/70-17 is not a trailer tire size. That means you would have to use vehicle tires. But you do not want to use vehicle tires because they are constructed differently than trailer tires.

Trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall to handle more vertical load. Passenger vehicle tires would not perform well or last long on a trailer and could potentially be dangerous.

There are other ways to increase ground clearance. If the trailer used double eye spring suspension AND the springs are currently mounted below the axle then you can use an over under conversion kit # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8 inch diameter round axles or # K71-385-00 for 3 inch diameter round axles.

Otherwise you would need to cut off the suspension hangers from the trailer frame and have new, taller ones welded on. Welding should be done by a professional welder.

If the issue is that the trailer is much lower than the 4Runner causing it to ride nose up all you will need is a ball mount with the proper drop. I have included a link to a help article that explains how to measure for the proper rise or drop ball mount to tow the trailer level.

expert reply by: Michael H