Minimum Clearance Between Tires on Tandem Axle Trailer
Updated 07/29/2019 | Published 07/26/2019
Question:
I bought a trailer that has been refitted with 10k axles. When I put a load on the trailer the front and rear tire rub each other and the shackle between the two tires flips up.
asked by: Fred C
Expert Reply:
It is possible that the 10K axles that were retro-fitted to your trailer also had larger diameter wheels/tires installed on them to take advantage of the new axles' higher weight capacity. The bare minimum tire spacing on a tandem axle trailer is 2-inches unloaded and 1-inch when loaded. It looks like your unloaded trailer has at best 1-inch spacing and this is not enough.
You will need to either switch to smaller diameter wheels and/or tires (which may have a lower weight rating) or move at least one axle. This means that you would have to cut off hangers and have them welded back on in a new location by a professional welder. You might refer to the linked articles concerning trailer suspensions and axle placement.
Please note that just because two 10K axles were added to the trailer that does not necessarily mean that the entire trailer can handle the same load as the axles. That is a determination that can be made reliably only by the trailer maker or by a qualified engineer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 5-7/16" Center
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Tandem Axle
- Redline
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: tst tpms
- Search Results: floor jack
- Search Results: 12 ton jack
- Search Results: lug nuts
- Search Results: power mountain
- Q&A: Will the Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack 27-1/16" Lift be Suitable for My 5th Wheel?
- Video: Review of Power Mountain Automotive Tools - Tallboy 12 Tons Off Road Bottle Jack - PM94FR
- Q&A: Power Mountain Tallboy Bottle Jack for 2026 Forest River Salem Hemisphere 36FL
- Q&A: Can I Use a 6-Ton Jack to Change the Tire on a 16,000 lbs Motorhome?
- Q&A: Swivel Jack with Wheel Recommendation for Haulmark Transport Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: Jack for Haulmark TST85X24WT3 Trailer
- Shop: Internal Tire Sensor for TST TPMS Systems - Qty 1
- Q&A: Will TST Internal Tire Sensor Band Fit 17" Rims on Jeep
- Q&A: Troubleshooting TST Sensor Won't Connect
- Video: Review of Power Mountain Automotive Tools - Jacks and Jack Stands - PM34FR
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the 2-Ton Floor Jack with Stands
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Powerbuilt Unijack Bottle Jack with Built-In Jack Stand
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Powerbuilt Unijack
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road 12 Ton Bottle Jack
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 11-5/16" to 27-1/16" Lift - 12 Tons
- Video: Review of Peterson Electrical Tools - Trailer Frame Wire Clip - PET93NV
- Shop: Replacement Rubber Stand for TST 507 Series Widescreen Display
- Shop: Powerbuilt Unijack - 18-3/8" Lift - 2 Tons
- Shop: Powerbuilt Triple Lift Jack w/ Locking Safety Bar - 17-1/2" Lift - 2 Tons
- Shop: Powerbuilt Bottle Jack - 6-3/16" to 12-1/16" Lift - 2 Tons
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Trailer Suspension Parts
