Increasing Axle Spacing on Tandem Axle Trailer to Use Larger Tires
Updated 10/06/2015 | Published 10/04/2015
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
On my fifth wheel trailer I have tandem 6,000 lb Dexter axles with 33inch spacing. With the stock 235/80R16 tires I have about 2inch between the tires. I would like to go to G-rated 235/85R16 tires but the increased diameter will leave me with just 1inch of spacing. Will putting 7,000 lb, e64SR leaf springs, which are 3/8inch shorter than the 6,000 lb, SP-111275s be safe to use with the stock Dexter E-Z Flex equalizer, part number 13-143? I have the 13-143s installed now. Will installing those new leaf springs gain me a little bit of extra clearance? I am not looking to upgrade the tires to carry extra weight, just to gain the safety of a much better tire. The trailer is not loaded to be in excess of the axle capacity. Thank you.
asked by: Sean B
Expert Reply:
The minimum distance between front and rear tires on a tandem axle trailer is 1 inch (when under load). If you are at 1 inch now and the trailer is not loaded then you would need to move at least one axle. This means that you would have to cut off hangers and have them welded back on in a new location by a professional welder.
Spring # e34SR is indeed longer than # e64SR by 3/8 of an inch. If you went with shorter springs and longer equalizers then you could get more space between the axles. However, the trailer was built with the axles in those locations to best distribute the weight. Changing that could void any warranty and can change how the trailer rides.
You can upgrade tires and still stick within the same size, 235/80-16, using # TTWTRTM2358016E. This tire is a 10 ply rating and capacity of 3,520 pounds at 80 psi. Using 4 of these tires would provide a capacity of 14,080 which is more than enough for the axle capacities.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 7,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-7/8" Long
- Trailer Leaf Springs
- Double Eye Springs
- 9/16 Inch Eye
- Nylon Bushings
- 7000 lbs
- 1-3/4 Inch Wide
- 6 Leaf
- 24-7/8 Inch Long
- Standard Grade
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Search Results: 2 5 8 shackle
- Search Results: electric breaks
- Search Results: trailer hubs and drums
- Search Results: break pads
- Search Results: dexter trailer hubs and drums
- Q&A: Replacement 6 Leaf Leaf Spring for a Dexter 7,000 lbs Axle
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Q&A: How Much Clearance Above Bolt Hole of MORryde CRE3000 MR87ZR is Required
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height
- Shop: Blind Spot Detection
- Shop: MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 33" Wheelbase - 8K
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Q&A: What is the Minimum Space Between Tires on a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Video: Installation Guide for the Dexter Bronze Bushings on a 2022 Grand Design Imagine Travel Trailer
- Video: Timken Bearing Kit Installation - Enclosed Trailer
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers
- Video: Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade Kit Installation - 2021 Grand Design Imagine Travel Trailer
- Video: MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers: The Breakdown
- Q&A: What Is Minimum Distance You Can Have Between Front and Rear Tires of Tandem Axles
- Shop: 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 7,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-7/8" Long
- Video: Review of EMCO Trailer Leaf Springs - 6 Leaf Double Eye Spring 7000 lbs Trailer Axle - EM78RB
- Shop: MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3-1/8" Long Shackle Straps
- Shop: 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 7,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-7/8" Long
- Video: etrailer VS Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes Comparison
- Shop: MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Trailer Leaf Springs
