Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

[tboltmike]

The tire dealer suggest replacing my 13 inch wheels with 14's to get a better load rating.

My trailer has a catwalk down one side and cannot easily move up without metal mods, no room on bracket adjustment.

Can some sort of block be placed between the spring (leaf) and axle or spring and frame?

Thanks, Mike

 

[rbh]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Ive seen blocks and axles flipped under and spring perch extensions on trailers that get dragged into the bush come hunting season.
just remember the weight should be as close to the ground as possible, center of gravity and all.
rob

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Easier to go between spring and axle. There is nothing wrong with doing that. You probably on ly need about 1.5 inches at most...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Increasing tire size to get a better load capacity is only a valid suggestion IF the axle and springs are rated for the extra load. Load capacity (GVWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is a combination of spring capacity, tire capacity, and axle capacity. The lowest of the three is the weakest link and therefore becomes the GVWR. Putting 1750# capacity tires (2@1750=3500#) is not acceptable on an axle with a 2000 - 2500# load rating. It is certainly acceptable to add the higher capacity tires, but it does not mean you can carry more weight.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Increasing tire size to get a better load capacity is only a valid suggestion IF the axle and springs are rated for the extra load. Load capacity (GVWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is a combination of spring capacity, tire capacity, and axle capacity. The lowest of the three is the weakest link and therefore becomes the GVWR. Putting 1750# capacity tires (2@1750=3500#) is not acceptable on an axle with a 2000 - 2500# load rating. It is certainly acceptable to add the higher capacity tires, but it does not mean you can carry more weight.

Thanks,

This is the trailer that came with the rig. Hope the springs/axle are right. The rig and trailer lilkely weigh somewhere around 3500 lbs.

Mike

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Something else to consider, how will it load/unload with the trailer sitting higher? Before using lift blocks, I would price heavier springs with more curve in them. With weight capacity being the reason you are wanting to go up in tire size, springs with higher ratings may also be needed.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Why does your tire guy want to get you more capacity? Are you currently overweight? Also some 14" trailer tires are darn close to 13" trailer tires for outside diameter.
To check your changes use a tire dimension calculator to determine the height of the tire size being considered versus the current size. Then if the tires you are considering are taller check for needed clearance before you start re-enginering your trailer. Remember since the axle is in the center of your tire any diameter change is actually half the value at the top where fender clearance is the issue. The other half is at the ground.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Make sure 14" tires will fit in your fenders with room to spare for suspension travel.

When I picked up my new-to-me boat I took along a set of 15" rim/tires I had since I didn't know the condition of the existing 14" tires. The 15's wouldn't fit, too wide for the fenders,,, and there wouldn't have been much room for suspension travel, but it looks like you are trying to figure that one out.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Raising the Height of Trailer above Axle

Thanks gentlemen.

The dealer says the 15's are 1 inch larger in diameter.

Mike