Options For Raising The Deck Height On A Kayak Trailer

Updated 05/04/2026 | Published 04/29/2026

Question:

Have a kayak trailer , presently tires used are 165-65-8- 5 lug , wanted too add a few inches height feel it sits too low . have 3 inches of clearance from top of tire too fender well , what size would you recommend ? highway speeds , thanks Alan

asked by: Alan B

Expert Reply:

Hello Alan, thanks for reaching out. Honestly, I really can't recommend doing a larger tire with that setup. Main reason being the 3" between the tire and the fender is really the minimum recommended clearance. Going with a larger tire will reduce that clearance and you'll run the risk of the tire rubbing on the fender. You'd have to relocate the fender for that to be a practical option for lifting the trailer.

A better way to raise the deck height is with an over-under kit. Assuming your trailer uses double-eye leaf springs with the spring pack positioned under the axle, you can use an over-under kit to flip the spring pack to the top of the axle. This will lift the trailer the diameter of the axle plus the thickness of the spring pack. The kits are sized off the axle diameter so assuming you have a 2-3/8" diameter axle you can use the following:

- Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00

Just confirm that axle diameter and you'll be good to go. This is going to be the best/easiest way to lift the trailer without any drilling or welding.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
(click to enlarge)

Alan B.

5/1/2026

Thanks for getting back Get what your saying

Dustin

5/2/2026

@AlanB Using this spring-over-axle kit, I was able to get more than enough clearance to use commonly-found 205x75ST15 tires on my 4X8 trailer. With the larger tires and this kit, the trailer has a large amount of ground clearance.

Mike P.

5/2/2026

@AlanB, the Dexter over under kit can be used without welding, but welding is suggested for heavy duty use. I did an over/under conversion on a 3000 lb utility trailer and ran it without welding for almost a year. I did have the new seats welded eventually, but only because the trailer was at the welding shop for a different weld job. On something as light as a Kayak trailer I wouldn’t worry about welding. That being said, the suggested kit is only for Dexter axles, so you will need to verify that’s what you have on your trailer.

Dustin

5/3/2026

@MikeP This kit worked well on my 3500 lb Rockwell axle under my 4X8 high-side trailer.

See All (5) Replies to Alan B. ∨

Warrens

5/2/2026

I'm happy with my springover conversion. Using a spring over kit requires welding the new spring seat to the top of the axle. Easy enough if you can weld. You'll gain the thickness of the axle + the thickness of the spring pack + an inch for the spring seat. You'll need to adjust your hitch rise/drop to compensate.

Jesse M.

5/4/2026

@Warrens Hey Warren! Thanks for the tips. I appreciate you sharing that!

Apidologist

5/2/2026

Trailer upgraded with Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00 and trailer suspension shock absorber kit. Accommodates a larger tire profile. https://photos.app.goo.gl/R1yQq9sh4S3RHngEA Swap out old trailer suspension for new over-under suspension is an easy undertaking, using a few wrenches and a torque wrench. Trailer elevated and blocked, axle placed on stands. Note: Trailer is used for farm to haul 30 bales of hay up winding mountain backcountry roads.