Can Small Enough Wheels and Tires Be Put on a Trailer to Lower it 5 Inches to Fit in Garage

Updated 03/05/2025 | Published 05/23/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(7971)

$91.57

Classic Accessories PolyPro III Deluxe RV Cover for Travel Trailers up to 22' Long - Gray

(585)

$354.72

Question:

I have a Shadow Cruiser 195WBS with dual axles and 205-14 wheels I have a 10foot garage opening height and was wonder what size wheels and tires I could put on to get my trailer in my garage. I just need it lowered about 5-7inch to fit past the A/C unit

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

The 205/75-14 tire size has an overall height of 26.3 inches. In order to drop down 5 inches the overall height of the smaller tire would have to be 10 inches or more less or 16.3 inches. The only tires that small are 4.80/4.00-8 at 16.1 inches tall. This size is rated much too low, 760 pounds at most.

It might be less of a hassle to remove the AC unit from the top, especially if you will be storing the trailer in the garage for extended periods of time.

Or, you could always get a cover to protect the Shadow Cruiser rather than trying to fit it in the garage. It looks like your model trailer is anywhere from 19 to 22 feet long. We have cover # 052963732634 that fits travel trailers 20 to 22 feet long.

expert reply by: Michael H

Tommy

3/5/2025

Michael, I have a Leonard 5 by 8’ trailer, with 195 65R15 tires. I only use it for carrying band equipment back and forth to gigs, which are usually less than 25 miles. There’s very little weight involved. Maybe a few hundred pounds. I need to decrease the height by about 1 inch. Do you have any recommendations? Thank You

Robin H.

3/5/2025

@Tommy you would have to make a significant tire size reduction to do it using the tires. The tires would have to be at least 2" smaller in diameter to make the height 1" shorter overall. Even without a lot of weight and a short distance it really isn't the best idea. You're better off lowering it by swapping out the hangers for shorter hangers if possible.

Tommy

3/5/2025

@RobinH How involved is swapping out the hangers?

Robin H.

3/5/2025

@Tommy you have to cut them off and weld on new ones so it is quite a bit of work. Better to have a trailer shop do it if it isn't something you're familiar with.

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