How To Gain Ground Clearance on a Trailer to Help Stop Fender Rubbing

Updated 09/22/2015 | Published 09/21/2015

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 5K Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long - Dacromet

(440)

$79.80

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(787)

$82.57

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$92.50

Question:

I have a KZ200S trailer and I do a lot of remote camping. The problem I am having is that my trailer tires are hitting the wheel wells on some of the remote roads I travel. The question I have is whether you would recommend putting in a heavier spring such as 4800 lbs. axle rating 3500 lbs. to keep from bottoming out the springs or do a over/under conversion to give the springs more room to travel? I am right under the rated capacity of the axle for trailer plus cargo.

asked by: Gale S

Expert Reply:

The best way to get better ground clearance would be to move the axles below the leaf springs with an over-under kit. Going with a stiffer spring might help slightly, but not nearly as much as an over under kit.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.

expert reply by: Jameson C