How to Compensate for Trailer Coupler Much Shorter Than Tow Vehicle's Receiver

Updated 07/02/2020 | Published 06/30/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2774)

$128.06

Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7534)

$82.66

Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7534)

$87.86

Flash Strong Solid Steel 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop, 11" Rise - 12K

(545)

$260.36

Question:

I bought a set of wheels and tires ,4 on 4 , for my motorcycle trailer from etrailer but I need another set. My tires mounted on trailer are only about 19 1/2” to 20” in height off the ground. I need a taller 4 on 4 trailer tire/rim setup. Somewhere I saw a 4 on 4 that was 24” to top of tire. There is only 6” ground Clearance on the trailer. In the vehicle I am pulling it with is taller off the ground. I’m going to get a Tow-hitch but would also like to gain a couple of inches clearance under the trailer. I don’t mind buying a Nother set I can always sell this set I’ve already used them about 50 miles . Thanks for any help I can get

asked by: Eliot

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you're trying to make sure that your trailer is towed level, which is always important for safety. However, by the looks of that trailer, the fenders you've got on there are going to really limit the size tire you can put on there. You normally want to leave at least 3" between the top of the tire and the fender so that you don't damage the tires when going over any bumps or anything, so I'm not sure that adding a larger tire is going to be the best solution.

It sounds like you probably have a 4.8-12 tire on your trailer like the # AM30630 which are 19.8" tall. You could move up to a 5.3-12 like the # AM30790, which will be almost 22" tall and would give you roughly 2" more lift on the trailer and still likely be safe from contacting your fenders. From there, I do recommend using a ball mount with a significant drop on it like the Flash Solid Steel Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop, 11" Rise - 12K # FA49-00-5900, which can compensate for up to 10" difference between your receiver and trailer coupler. I've linked our entire selection of drop ball mounts, as well as a helpful article to help you determine how to measure to choose the best one.

expert reply by: Erik B