Options To Gain More Tire To Frame Clearance On Trailer With ST175/80R13 Tires

Updated 03/30/2021 | Published 03/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Trailer Tire with Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2

(2775)

$177.07

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(406)

$416.30

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(1483)

$111.50

Question:

Hello, Ive got a utility trailer that has wheels on it that currently rub on the frame of my trailer. Im hoping to purchase new wheels and tires to resolve this issue while also increasing the load capacity. My current wheel pattern is 5 on 4/12. the tire size is ST175/80R13. Is there a wheel that I can purchase that will off set the tire away from the frame of my trailer? If not is there a spacer or product that can solve this issue?

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

I have another option for you, but we do not have any 13" trailer wheels with offset to push the tire further from the frame, and do not recommend using any spacers as they can cause additional stress on the hubs which can wear out bearings and the tire prematurely.

There are two options to fix the rubbing issue.

Option one is replacing your wheels and tires with the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D # AM31199DX which has the same 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern but is about 1-1/4" narrower than your current ST175/80R13 tires, but only have a load rating of 1250lbs and will be about 3" shorter than your current tires.

The other option is to replace your axle with a slightly longer one to give you the clearance you need. To determine the correct axle you will need to measure your current axle from hub face to hub face, and from spring center to spring center, and find the axle rating of your current axle which is located on the axle tag on the center of the axle.

For example the Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs # 35545I-EZ-89 is a 3500lb axle that measures 89" from hub face to hub face and 74" from spring center to spring center as shown in the included diagram. To get the clearance you need I recommend an axle that is between 2-4" longer which will give you an additional 1-2" frame clearance on each side.

Keep in mind that using a higher rated axle or higher rated tires will not increase the carrying capacity of your trailer as you will be limited to the lowest rated components which would then be the frame of the trailer.

If you can tell me the dimensions and axle rating of your current axle I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.