What Wheel And Tire Clearances Are Needed For A Trailer Build

Updated 02/13/2024 | Published 02/12/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt - 3.5K

(164)

$1305.78

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - No Drop - 5 Bolt Flange - 3,500 lbs

(164)

$1283.21

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - 2" Lift - 5 Bolt Flange - 3,500 lbs

(164)

$1260.58

Question:

I am considering an axle less suspension for my home built camper trailer. This is a lightweight unit, dry weight of around 1300# and do not expect to ever put more than 1,000 pounds of gear and water in it. My question is about clearance. I have limited clearance both above and side to side on my trailer rire wells. What clearances do I need above the tire and from each side for safe travel? I am expecting to use this on off road conditions or poor quality backroads.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

Hey John,

To have enough clearance for the trailer with a leaf spring suspension to travel over bumps in the road you want to have at least 3 to 4 inches between the tire tread and the fenders as well as 1 to 2 inches between the side wall and inside of the wheel well. As you hit bumps and/or add weight to the trailer the springs will start to compress, moving your tire closer to the fender.

With a Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension like part # ASR35HDS02 the center of your wheels would sit 5-15/16" below the frame and your hub face would sit 8-1/2" from the frame. These suspensions utilize a built-in jounce spring to minimize road shock and would limit the amount of travel of the suspension quite a bit compared to a leaf spring suspension. If this is too much of a lift there's also a 2" lift option # TASR35HDS07 and no lift/drop option # TASR35HDS04.

There are some stipulations with each of these when it comes to tire/wheel sizes and the spindle's bearing and seal combinations might not match up to your current hubs so we'll need to determine the lift first and then run from there to finish out the setup. These also require installing a 2" x 2" crosstube to help support the frame if there isn't already a crosstube in place where you're installing them.

expert reply by: Kevin C