How to Measure Ground Clearance for a Trailer with a 7,000 Pound Drop Axle?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The answer depends on a few different factors and I won't be able to provide an answer specific to your situation without knowing how the leaf spring hangers measure or the tire size, but I can give you a place to start.

A typical 7,000 pound leaf spring would measure about 3 1/2 inches from the top of the spring to the center of the eye. The Dexter drop axle, # 8327860, you referenced is 3 inches in diameter so the leaf spring eye will sit roughly 1/2 inch above the center of the axle. The center of the tire will sit 4 inches above the center of the axle or 3-1/2 inches above the center of the leaf spring eye of a typical 7,000 pound leaf spring.

A tire and wheel that works on a 7,000 pound axle would need to be rated for about half of the weight capacity of the axle, so 3,500 pounds. For example, ST235/80R16 # AM34903 has an overall diameter of just over 30.9 inches. The center of this tire would be about 14-15 inches from the ground when it squats under the weight so the leaf spring eye may sit between 10.5 to 11.5 inches above the ground.

Another unknown factor is the height of the leaf spring hangers. Once determined, you would then need to add to the total final dimension.

expert reply by: Patrick R

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