Reducing The Overall Height Of A 2022 Helio O4 Travel Trailer

Updated 10/29/2024 | Published 10/27/2024

Question:

I have a 2022 Helio O4. It came with 15inch wheels. I would like to reduce the overall height of the trailer. How small do I dare go?

asked by: Jim W

Expert Reply:

Hey Jim,

Why are you wanting to lower the height of the trailer? Lowering the wheel sizing is likely going to give you more problems than it helps solve.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Jim

10/29/2024

I am a new RV traveler. The tires that the trailer came with are huge monster mudders (27x8.5R14LT). Not only is it a wide tire but also a tire with an aggressive tread pattern. When I drove home from where I bought it, I had a hard time getting up to highway speed (65 MPH). I would like to improve how the trailer pulls. I would also like to improve the aerodynamics of the trailer overall. I know that when a vehicle is closer to the ground it has less wind resistance, so I am simply applying that to my RV trailer. Lowering the trailer will also make getting into the trailer more comfortable as the first step is over 11".

Kevin C.

10/29/2024

@Jim What is your tow vehicle?

Jim

10/29/2024

@KevinC I am towing with a 2019 Ford Transit Connect. I have seen people use a Mini Cooper to pull a Scamp, I figured that my van could pull something that is about 300 lbs. lighter.

Kevin C.

10/29/2024

@Jim The 2019 Ford Transit Connect has a towing capacity of 2,000lbs and the Helio O4 has a 2,000lb GVWR so the issue is more so with your tow vehicle. Do you have anything else you can tow with that has a higher capacity?

Jim

10/29/2024

@KevinC My Transit does not sag at all. I have, since the ride back and before getting a "curb" weight, removed the 20LB propane tank, the marine battery and the portable A/C unit. Both the propane and the battery were on the tongue. The A/C unit was just inside on the front wall. I can comfortably lift the tongue now, but it does jiggle more than it should. I would load more weight on the tongue before going on a trip. These issues are completely different from the issue of not being able to get up to 65 MPH. You said going to a smaller tire would open a can of worms. The spare tire is a ST175?80R13. If I got 2 of those with a highway tread to replace the monster mudders, it should lower my rolling resistance, lover the trailer for a lower center of gravity and maybe even less wind resistance. Getting back to my original question, do you see any serious issues with me doing that change. PS - the configuration of my trailer is a small counter at the front, a king bed in the rear and a table and seating in the middle. We intend to use it for a primitive rolling hotel room. PSS - if I added a wind foil on the top back of my Transit that should help with wind drag but I don't know where to shop for one. I would be happy to get any suggestions. Thank you