What is the Minimum Clearance Allowed Between a Trailer Axle and the Trailer Frame?
Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 08/08/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
i am building a car trailer, i want to stay low to the ground. i am using leaf springs and 7k Lippert axles and springs. How much clearance do i need from the top of the axle to the trailer frame to go underslung?
asked by: Cody
Expert Reply:
Hey Cody!
You want to maintain a minimum of 4" clearance between the axle and your trailer frame to account for suspension flex in the leaf spring.
How far along are you in the planning process? It sounds like you're trying to keep the ramp from being too steep when you're loading your vehicle. We've got Race Ramps like the part # RR-TR-4 that can assist with that as well!
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 23-1/8" Long
- Trailer Leaf Springs
- Double Eye Springs
- 9/16 Inch Eye
- Nylon Bushings
- 3500 lbs
- 1-3/4 Inch Wide
- 3 Leaf
- 23-1/8 Inch Long
- Standard Grade
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Valterra RV Water Inlet: The Breakdown
- Video: Valterra RV City Water Inlet Review
- Shop: Valterra RV Water Inlet - City Water - 2-3/4" Metal Recessed Flange - Brass FPT
- Shop: RV City Water Inlet w/ Brass Check Valve - 1/2" MPT - Plastic Flange - Recessed Mount - Black
- Shop: JR Products Electric Cable Hatch for RVs - 5-1/8" Diameter - Black
- Q&A: What is Recommended Clearance between Trailer Axle and Frame
- Q&A: Angle Of Shackles On Trailer Appear Wrong When Installing Leaf Springs
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Shop: B&B RV City Water Inlet - Plastic Check Valve - Recessed Dish Mount - Black
- Shop: Valterra RV City Water Inlet - 2-3/4" Metal Flange - Brass FPT
- Search Results: leaf springs
- Shop: etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 2K Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long - Dacromet
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: rv air conditioners
Jon G.
9/2/2025
Hey Cody, Did you find the 4-inch clearance recommendation helpful for your trailer build? I'm curious to know how your project is coming along and if the Race Ramps were a good fit for your needs. Let me know how it's going, as your experience could be valuable for others working on similar projects!