Recommended Axle and Tire Upgrade on 1997 Pop-Up Camper

Updated 02/06/2018 | Published 02/05/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Electric Brakes - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K

(26)

$1478.57

Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(248)

$523.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(817)

$80.32

Question:

I have a 97’ pop up camper with 530 x 12 and a 4 bolt pattern , do you think possible to move axle under lead springs ? This should give me more clearance and allow me to upgrade axle and move up to a 13” radial , was planning on taking this camper 1000’s of miles touring around Arizona etc , was concerned about such a small tire with load rating very close to max weight without any extra live load added ? I might have to upgrade leaf springs as well ? Your thoughts appreciated

asked by: Mark V

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your 5.30-12 tires have an overall diameter of 21.9 inches, so you will gain a few inches by switching to a 13 inch tire. This will require flipping your axles for the required clearance for suspension movement (deflection). You will need to upgrade your leaf springs as well if you want the overall load capacity of your trailer to not be restricted by your current springs.

If your leaf springs are 74 inches on center, then I recommend the Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" - 3,500 lbs # e43SR along with the over-under kit # K71-384-00.

If you leaf springs are not 74 inches on center, then I recommend the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System w Electric Brake Hubs - Straight Spindle - 3,500 lbs # A35RS545E as an alternative. This will replace your axle and your leaf springs, but will require a 2 inch square tube (not included) cut to length for the integrated holes of this system.

For either option, I recommend the Westlake ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # LHAX165. This combination is rated for 1,360 lbs at 50 psi and speeds up to 75 mph. This combination has a great warranty of 1 year on the wheel, 5 years on the tire, and 2 years of 24/7 roadside assistance. These tires will serve you very well for traveling the 1,000s of miles you stated.

Let me know if you have further questions.