Will Taller Tires Raise 5th Wheel Ride Height by 2 Inches

Published 08/11/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Provider HD ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range G

(249)

$293.26

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(782)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(782)

$88.89

Question:

Hi I currently have 235 80 16 on my 5th wheel.i plan on lifting my truck so I would like to upgrade the tires to a different size so they can be 2 inches taller and possibly wider .what size do you recommend?

asked by: Anthony G

Expert Reply:

Unfortunately, going with a larger tire isn't going to gain you the height increase you're looking for.

Going with the largest size trailer wheel we offer, which is a 17.5 inch would only lift your trailer by 3/4 of an inch or so, compared to the 16 inch wheels you're using now.

There are a few other ways to increase the ride height of your trailer, which you can read about in the article I've linked for you.

If your leaf springs are currently mounted under the axle, you can use an over-under kit such as part # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8 inch diameter axle tubes or # K71-385-00 for 3 inch diameter axle tubes. These kits allow you to relocate the leaf spring pack to the top of the axle tube which will gain you a ride height increase equivalent to the diameter of the axle tube plus the height of the spring pack.

Adding taller spring hangers could also help achieve the height gain you're wanting. You'd need to increase the front, center and the rear hanger by an equal amount so as not to change the suspension geometry. I'll link to our selection of spring hangers.

expert reply by: Mike L