Recommended Clearance Between Tire and Trailer Frame Rail

Updated 07/05/2016 | Published 07/02/2016

Question:

My tires are 175 80 d13 on a leafspring 3500lb axle. My question is whats the minimum sidewall clearance, between the tire and the frame rail,on a unloade 900lb trailer? How much should i expect the top of the tires to flex inward towards the side of my enclosed trailer? Thank for your knowledge.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

The minimum distance between the inside of a tire and the frame rail depends a lot on the setup of the trailer. But as long as the tire and the frame don't touch you would be fine. It's hard to give an exact figure as trailer setups can vary and some trailers may have more side to side movement which would call for more clearance.

If the suspension is good on the trailer and not worn out I would go with at least 1-1/2 inches to be on the safe side. Some might get by with 1 inch but I would much rather people have around 2 inches plus.

expert reply by: Jameson C