Clearance Needed For ST205/75R14 Trailer Tire on Trailer & How to Tell if New Axle isNeeded

Updated 10/07/2024 | Published 10/05/2024

Question:

2011 Forest River Flagstaff: 23fb Microlite travel trailer AlKo u19 axles How much clearance between the top of the tire and the inner well should there be? How can I tell If the axle needs replaced?

asked by: Russell H

Expert Reply:

Hey Russell,

You should have at least 2 inches (but ideally 3 inches) of clearance between the top of a fully inflated tire like the Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10234 and the bottom of your wheel well or fender.

As for the axle, check for rust, any small cracks, poor handling by your trailer compared to how it had been, and things like your tires wearing unevenly or faster than they had. If you find yourself needing a new axle, I'll add a link below to a video on how to measure to find the right size, as well as a link to our selection of axles for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Russellh

10/7/2024

Hello Kyle, The ALKO U19 axle is a torsion type of axle, how would i be able to tell if the axle is worn out? Just back from a 7000 mile road trip with no noticeable change in tire wear or handling. I have about an inch of clearance but no rubbing of the tire on the fender well. Thanks

Kyle S.

10/7/2024

@Russellh You'd look for the same types of issues a standard round axle has, just on the torsion arm mostly as opposed to the tube. And if your tire isn't rubbing and the handling is fine then there wouldn't be an issue.