How Much Distance Should I Have Between The Tire And The Trailer Frame?

Question:

Hi. I have a new to me trailer that needs its axle replaced. The trailer is a 1991 Calkins galvanized trailer. The axle seems too short for the trailer frame which is 40” in width. The hub face to hub face measurement of the axle is about 48”. Spring center to center is about 38”. The attachment points can be moved about the trailer, they’re bolted not welded. The spring type is the hook end with radius. Spring leaf measurement is about 24 1/2” in length. This is with the boat on the trailer and not jacked up. The problem is, there is only about a half inch of clearance from the tire to the trailer frame on both sides. I am assuming this is not safe. I don’t think there is any running but this boat is not fully outfitted with a motor yet. I would like to get about 2” of clearance or whatever recommended distance is from the frame and tire. So my questions are: 1. What axle length would I need? 54”? Anything close to this in your product line? 2. Or is there a hub with a longer face that will give me more clearance instead of replacing the whole axle and leaf springs? Nothing is wrong with the axle and leafs. 3. OR can I add a spacer to push the tire out more from the frame? I’m newish to trailer maintenance and have not worked with axles yet. Thanks for your time.

asked by: Taylor

Expert Reply:

I can certainly point you in the right direction. I will start by saying that our "rule of thumb" is that we want at least 1" of clearance between the tire and the trailer frame. With the hub face currently at 48", you will want to go with an axle that is at least 50" hub face, if not a bit longer. 54" would be acceptable, but we would not want to go longer than that.

Unfortunately, we do not offer any axles that will be close to this size. Our shortest round tube axle is 60" hub face. We do offer axle-less options, like the Timbren # A12RS440, which could be used for this application, but I understand if this is not what you are looking for.

There is not any kind of hub with a longer face that you can use to gain clearance. I have seen some folks use wheel spacers for this purpose, but that is not something we recommend using. Your best bet would be to find a slightly longer axle.

The 24-1/2" long slipper springs are fairly standard. We have the 3-leaf slipper spring # e99SR which would be a suitable replacement.

expert reply by: Jesse M