Measuring a Pop-Up Trailer for Larger Wheels and Tires.  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To determine clearance for larger tires you will first need to start with the tires you already have. You will need to determine how much clearance you have on your current tires throughout the suspension range. You will need to add enough weight to the suspension to compress it but not risk damaging the trailer. This will be dependent on the trailers weight and capacity. I like to see at least 1" of clearance all the way around the tire at a minimum.

Once you have determined if you do have additional clearance you can use the tire size to determine what you currently have. For instance a ST145R12 is 21.3" tall and 5.7" wide.

Take your tire size and add your additional clearance twice (minus the 1" that you need). Example, you measured 3" of vertical clearance and 2" of side clearance currently. So you can fit a tire that is 4" larger in diameter and 2" more side clearance. Your tire is 21.3" and 5.7" wide. This will allow you to fit a tire that is up to 25.3" tall and 7.7" wide.

The Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range B # AM3S030 or Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # AM31951
-24" tall
-6.6" wide

The Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D # AM3S331
-24.4" tall
-7.2" wide

If you do not have any additional clearance you can look into the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 for a leaf sprung undermount axle or a Torflex Lift Kit # K71-723-01 for torsion type axles. Please let me know what axle you have to ensure which one is correct for your trailer.

expert reply by: Bud M

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