How Much Clearance Should Be On Top Of Trailer Tires

Updated 06/22/2026 | Published 06/18/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle - 3-1/8" Lift

(862)

$309.84

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(853)

$75.93

Question:

After getting new tires on my 2013 Forest River Vlite by Forest River I noticed i only have about an inch between the tire and the wheel well. I have asked alot of questions to the RV service dept, tire company and mechanics and have been told different answers that it is not enough space and that its normal spacing. I am wondering what etrailer thinks and what can be done if I need more space?

asked by: J R

Tire Clearance
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi JR; we recommend 3" of space on top for suspension travel, although some trailers end up designed with a little less. I would say that 1" is not enough, and it looks like the tire has been rubbing in that picture which you definitely don't want. Did you move to a larger tire size? More often than not that is the problem.

If you had fenders you could remove or remove them, but that isn't possible for your setup. Is that a torsion axle or do you have leaf springs? The # K71-725-02 you looked at is designed for Dexter Torflex axles, specifically #12. If you have a Torflex you need to make sure you select the right kit based on the axles. If you have a #12 this will work, if you have something else let me know in the comments.

If you have leaf springs, and they run under the axle, you could use an axle flip kit like # K71-384-00 (for 2-3/8" diameter axles) and raise the trailer. This would lift the trailer by the axle diameter plus the height of the leaf spring stack.

expert reply by: Robin H