What Is Minimum Distance You Can Have Between Front and Rear Tires of Tandem Axles
Published 05/06/2025
Question:
I have a 1999 Cardinal Fifth Wheel camper, GVWR 11,670 lbs, UVW 8290 lbs. It came with and I am running ST225/75r15 tires with a 6 bolt 5 1/2 pattern. I have about 5 between the tires. I would like, if allowable, to go to ST235/80r16 tires and new 16 wheels. This would reduce the space between the tires to about 2 1/2. Would this be allowable? Do you have any other suggestions? The axles have been replaced within the last few years.
asked by: Mike M
Expert Reply:
Hey Mike, generally you want at least 4 inches between the tires on a tandem axle trailer like what you have. If you are going to get down to around 2.5 inches you probably would get the tires touching each other when the suspension compresses.
As far as other possible solutions what are you looking to accomplish by going to the larger tire size? Maybe there's a different way to get there.
Continue Researching
- Search Results: metal valve stems
- Search Results: goosebox
- Search Results: reese goosebox
- Search Results: reese gooseneck installation kit
- Video: Install Guide Curt 5th Wheel Custom Wiring Harness - 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended 2" Lift Kit for a Tandem Axle Trailer w/ Axles Below the Leaf Springs
- Search Results: axle lift blocks
- Shop: Terran Industries 4-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long
- Q&A: Will The Reese Underbed System 30183 Create A Ford Factory Prep Package In A 2022 F-250?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Will MORryde Alltrek 4000 Cushioned Equalizer Lift Trailer Suspension
- Shop: Aluminum Viking Series Valhalla Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Black Spoke
- Shop: Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle
- Shop: Lippert U-Bolt and Nut Kit for 4,400-lb Trailer Axles - 3" Wide
- Shop: Lippert U-Bolt and Nut Kit for 8,000-lb Trailer Axles - 3" Wide
- Shop: Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Single Axle
- Q&A: What is the Minimum Space Between Tires on a Tandem Axle Trailer
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Q&A: Lift Kit Solution to Allow Fifth Wheel Trailer to Sit More Level When Towed
- Video: B and W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Q&A: Comparison of Steel vs Aluminum Trailer Wheels?
- Q&A: Can I Add Height By Upgrading Leaf Springs
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: center caps
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Video: What to Know About the K-Source Custom Flip Out Towing Mirrors
- Video: Checking Out the Replacement Shock Mounting Plate for Lippert Gas Shock Kit
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout
Mike M.
5/6/2025
Thanks for the response. I have had so many tire issues over the past 20 years with this camper, numerous blowouts and worn tires. I moved up to load range E tires years ago and I replaced the axles when tires kept wearing fast and unevenly. It's a good camper except for the undercarriage. If there was a shop that could move the axles slightly to accommodate 16" tires, I would look into that.