How Much Clearance is Needed to Fit Larger Tires on a Trailer

Updated 07/21/2017 | Published 07/19/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" White Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR E

(1126)

$243.06

Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Vesper Spoke Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LRD

(21)

$225.33

Question:

Due to fact that I have to change my tires from 14.5inch rims to most likely to 16inch as I checked the drums 12x2inch brakes by my bearing size, LM67048 and 25580 so my outside dimension for axle and bearing is 1.25inch and inside 1.75inch The drums that came up from your site are 16inch at least 6 studs and 5-1/2inch spacing. Now I dont mind load rating, but I need to know the inflated outside dimension of the average 16inch trailer tire as there is space considerations in stake. One is the proximity of fender and other the space between the axles. My question is that is there is tire size available that would fit to the space I have. The unloaded distance between the axles is 31.5. The outer diameter of my previous tires is about 28. Those were on 14.5inch rims. So considering that the ones mentioned in one of you posts, those tires were 31.5inch high, so they really wouldnt fit. Considering that as there is load, applied the distance will grow, so it would be the matter of what is acceptable minimum distance between tires. That would give me the size of the tires.

asked by: Pasi L

Expert Reply:

To have enough clearance for the trailer to travel over bumps in the road you want to have at least 3 to 4 inches between the tire tread and the fenders as well as 1 to 2 inches between the side wall and inside of the wheel well.

The smallest tire size we carry on a 16-inch rim with a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern is 235/80-16, like # TA39VR, that has an outside diameter of 30.79 inches and is 9.25 inches wide.

With your hubs you do have the option of use 15-inch rims. With a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern we have size 205/75-15 tires like # TA23MR that have an outside diameter of 27.17 inches and are 7.99 inches wide.

expert reply by: Charles S