How Can I Raise My Utility Trailer to Gain More Clearance for My Bigger Tires?

Updated 01/02/2026 | Published 12/28/2025

Products Featured in This Question

5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(2156)

$75.74

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(804)

$94.74

Question:

We have a trailer we use to haul our construction equipment out of and the tires have always been close to the fenders from day one. And tires never last long so we decided to put brand new 14 ply tires on it and now it’s even closer to the fenders. Wondering if new springs with higher lb capacity would fix my issue . My pictures show with weight on them and then with out weight jacked up . I’m getting 25 inches center to center eye on leafs. Would 6000 lbs work or should I go higher like 7000.

asked by: Shawn H

Under Trailer
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Leaf Spring Under Axle
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Trailer Axle Tag
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Tandem Tailer Tires
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Leaf Springs Under Axle
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Tandem Tire Wheels
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Expert Reply:

Hello Shawn,

Thanks so much for including the pictures, they really help.

I have a solid solution for you, and it’s actually not going to be going with higher rated leaf springs. The best fix here is installing the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00.

What’s going on is your axle is currently mounted under the leaf springs, which is why the tires have always been close to the fenders. When you upgraded to 14-ply tires, the larger size and stiffer sidewalls just made that clearance even tighter. Moving up to 6,000 lb or 7,000 lb rated springs usually does not add lift unless the old springs are worn out. Those higher rated springs are designed to carry more weight, not raise the trailer, and they can make the ride much stiffer.

The over-under kit works by moving the axle to the top of the leaf springs instead. This raises the trailer about 4 to 5 inches and gives you plenty of tire-to-fender clearance without changing how stiff the suspension feels. It’s a very common solution for equipment trailers like yours. I attached a video where Kevin does a great job going over how it works.

You will need to order one kit # K71-385-00 per axle, so order 2 sets for your tandem axles.

What kind of construction work do you do? I see Kitchens on the side of your trailer, I used to do quite a bit of tile work mainly kitchens and bathrooms, but I traded in my wet saw for tailer parts =)

expert reply by: Kate F

Over Under Kit Installed
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Duane

1/1/2026

You don’t need to buy anything. Take the u-bolts off and jack the trailer up and roll the axles over so spring pad is on top and put the u-bolts back on.

Kate F.

1/2/2026

@Duane I get where you are coming from Duane. The only reason why I suggest getting the kit is that it is never recommended to re-use your u-bolts since they stretch over time, and not to mention that in some cases it is impossible to remove the u-bolts which results in having to cut them off.