Recommendation for Upgrading 175/80-13 Tires to Larger Tires and Wheels for Added Ground Clearance

Published 09/19/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14" Black Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2701)

$155.15

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(1484)

$184.19

Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Vesper Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(501)

$196.71

Question:

Biggest wheel and tire without spring over axle kit I have 2016 Starcraft 16BH with 175/80-13 tires. I would like to increase ground clearance with new wheel and tire combo but Im worried I may pick too big of a wheel/tire. Attached is a picture of the stock wheel and tire mounted for clearance perspective. Thanks

asked by: Alex

Expert Reply:

Based on the picture you attached of your trailer it does look like you have some room under the wheel well for a larger tire but you will need to take a quick measurement to see just how much bigger you can get. We typically recommend at least 3 to 4 inches of clearance from the top of the tire to the fender/wheel well to account for normal suspension travel. You will also want to make sure you have the needed clearance between the inside of the tire and the trailer frame to account for a wider unit.

Your existing 175/80-13 size tires have an overall height/diameter of 24 inches and a width of 6.9 inches.

If you upgraded to a 14 inch wheel with a 205/75-14 tire size, such as the Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Tire w/ 14" White Wheel # AM32161, you would move up to an overall height/diameter of 26.1 inches and a width of 8.1 inches. Keep in mind that this will only raise the trailer about an inch over what you currently have since half of the tire's height is above the axle.

An even larger 15 inch wheel with a 205/75-15 tire like the Provider Combo # MX97FR will have an overall height/diameter of 27.1 inches and a width of 8.1 inches.

Another good way to raise your trailer (other than using an Over Under Kit like you mentioned) is to remove your existing hangers and replace them with longer ones. I have attached a link that will take you to our selection of hangers if you choose to go this route.

expert reply by: Chris R