How to Fix Top of Trailer Tires Rubbing Fender

Updated 04/11/2020 | Published 03/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(285)

$93.83

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$84.63

Question:

I have a 2280 lb 16ft tandem axle trailer. Just purchased. It has 175/80/13 tires on it and the top of the tires rub on the bottom of the trailer or fender well. Nothing seems wrong with the suspension. I believe I should have about 3inch clearance on top of the tires. Is there a 13 inch tire that is about 3inch shorter than the 175/80/13 tire? My rims are 5 bolt.

asked by: James R

Expert Reply:

You actually should shoot for 4-1/2" of clearance between the top of your tire and the bottom of the fender well. This accounts for flex in your suspension.

Unless 2,280 lbs is the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of your trailer then you need to look into lifting your trailer as opposed to smaller tires. Even just going down to 4.80R12 tires, like part # TT48012C, gives you an overall weight capacity of 3,960 lbs. This means that you can load about 1,700 lbs on your trailer before it is overloaded which seems a bit low for a tandem axle trailer.

We do have over-under conversion kits that raise the height of your trailer equal to the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack. If you have 2-3/8" diameter axles then you need part # K71-384-00 but for 3" diameter axles you need part # K71-385-00.

Aside from this you would need to essentially go with tires that have an 8" smaller diameter than what you currently have. This means tires with an 8" wheel.

expert reply by: Jon G

Bob G.

4/9/2020

Boat trailer with st 155 r80 13 on it i can not fine these size tires any where will st 175r80 13 fit or will they it the fender wall if so what can be done

Chris R.

4/11/2020

This is an older size that's not used much anymore. A 175R80-13 like the Provider # TTWTRTM1758013C is indeed the closest we have available, and it really won't be much of a difference. It will fit onto your existing wheels and only be about 1.2" larger overall in diameter/height. Only half of this difference (0.6") will actually affect your fender clearance, so I don't foresee any issues.