My Tires are Hitting My Wheel Well on My 40’ Hotshot Trailer Suspension How Can I Get More Clearance

Updated 02/16/2026 | Published 02/02/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Equalizer for 2" Wide Slipper Springs - 12" Long - 7/8" Center Hole

(170)

$77.91

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(807)

$92.55

Question:

Hi, I have an issue with my 40’ hotshot trailer I don’t have much clearance from my trailer tire to the deck of the trailer, only have about 2 finger of space. Can that be because of the equalizers? And maybe the slipper springs? I have 2 7k axels on it but both sides are the same. Front and back tire are the same.

asked by: Jonathan B

40’ Hotshot Trailer Suspension
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you so much for the pictures, they are always incredibly helpful. Based on the tire mark in your wheel well, I am honestly glad you have not had a blowout already. I completely understand why this is concerning, especially on a hard-working trailer where downtime is not an option.

I have a great solution for you. Since you have 7K axles, that tells me your axle tube diameter is 3 inches. You will want to order 2 sets of the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00, as you will need one kit per axle. This kit moves your leaf springs from under the axle to over the axle, which creates about 4 to 5 inches of additional ride height. That added clearance helps prevent the tires from contacting the wheel wells and greatly reduces the risk of a blowout, even when the trailer is fully loaded.

Clearance issues like this usually come down to how the suspension sits and how the trailer is loaded, not a defect with the trailer itself. Whether your trailer uses equalizers or slipper springs, this is a true bolt-on fix that fits right the first time and is built to last. Most importantly, it gives you real clearance when the trailer is loaded, not just when it is sitting empty.

It does look like the leaf spring on the right side is starting to flatten out a bit. If you can provide the C measurement shown in the attached picture, measured with the trailer unloaded and the weight off the suspension, I would be happy to help you find the correct replacement springs. That way, you can swap everything out at the same time while installing the over-under kits.

What are you hauling most often with this hotshot rig? Do you have any big runs coming up?

expert reply by: Kate F

C Measurement for Slipper Spring
(click to enlarge)

Harry S.

2/7/2026

I see your axles are very close to the frame and should not be, in my opinion. Spring hangers may be wrong size or worn out. Front and rear hangers on my 14K trailer keep the springs 3.5 to 4.5" from frame. See specs for proper spacing. If the spring ends (not the eye end) can clear the keeper bolts in the rear hanger and equalizer front, then the hanger and/or equalizer are worn out. My trailer is used heavily and needs inspection/repairs every 6 months. The equalizers, rear hangers and eye bolts/bushings are common worn parts. From your pictures, it looks to me like your equalizers are worn out. There is just a piece of bent metal welded inside the front of the equalizer. They wear out quickly. I grease mine, but they still wear fast, For a normal suspension overhaul, I replace the 3.5" bolts and plastic bushings, equalizer and 7/8" pivot bolt with grease zerk, and weld a new piece of metal in the rear hanger if it's worn thru the existing tube above the spring. One more thing, the trailer should ride with the front slightly higher than the rear. Usually 1-4" higher, Otherwise, the equalizer won't be positioned properly and you may experience fish-tailing, as there will be more pressure on the front axle. Hope this helps.

Kate F.

2/9/2026

@HarryS Thanks for taking the time for such a detailed response Harry. The over under kit will help get his axles away from the frame quite a bit =) Good eye on the equalizer.

Jonathan B.

2/13/2026

@HarryS Thank you for that information and for taking the time to respond. I came to the conclusion that it was both equalizers, I did order them but haven’t had the time to install. I will definitely put pictures of them once installed. Again thank you for the info!

Jonathan B.

2/13/2026

I got another question, if I do the flip conversation I definitely know that it will be higher, my question is, is it save to flip? I’m scare that the u bulls will brake since all the weight will be on them? What do you guys thing, should I do it?

See All (5) Replies to Harry S. ∨

Matt

2/8/2026

I agree, looks like equalizer is worn or even broken, could even be a broken spring on slipper side. A close up picture of the equalizer would be good. Fully loaded the tires should not hit with the correct size tires.

Kate F.

2/9/2026

@Matt Yes, that tire mark is quite concerning. Just glad he is getting it fixed before a bigger issue =)

Chuck

2/8/2026

Looking at the equalizer in your photo, you can see the slipper side of your right spring is sitting well above the bolt. There is a "wear bar" that is about an inch or so tall inside the equalizer. It keeps the leafspring from rubbing directly on the equalizer itself. Same for the welded on hangers towards the rear set of springs. I recently replaced mine as the were broken and the bolt holes were also beginning to wallow out. Not to mention the bolts themselves had 1/4" notches in them as well. After replacing the equalizer and bolts my trailer gained about 2 inches in height. Running hotshots, our trailers take a lot more abuse and need maintenance more often.