Lift Trailer a tad?!?

[mattfish11]

Looking to raise my trailer just 2 inches to get a 14” tire size to fit nicely… Currently have 175/80 R13 tire size and would like to go with a 14”.

What would be the best way to gain just a little more clearance under the fenders?

I thought about moving the springs from under the axle to above the axle – but I fear this will add an additional 4” or so and I think that is too much.

Any suggestions? Ideas?

Thanks!

[CatFan]

Be aware that raising the trailer 2" will cause you to have to back into the water 11.5" further to reach the same level on a standard ramp. The 14" tire will give you more of a height increase making you back in even further. Better pack boots!

[mattfish11]

Be aware that raising the trailer 2" will cause you to have to back into the water 11.5" further to reach the same level on a standard ramp. The 14" tire will give you more of a height increase making you back in even further. Better pack boots!

I've thought about that a bit, too. Being a light aluminum - I don't really have to back in much at all to launch/retrieve. Will another ft make a big difference? Not sure. I would prefer a more substantial tire under my trailer if I can swing it. I prefer Load Range D with Single Axle trailers.

[CatFan]

I've thought about that a bit, too. Being a light aluminum - I don't really have to back in much at all to launch/retrieve. Will another ft make a big difference? Not sure. I would prefer a more substantial tire under my trailer if I can swing it. I prefer Load Range D with Single Axle trailers.

Really much easier to find a load range D in a 13" than a 14".

[mattfish11]

Really much easier to find a load range D in a 13" than a 14".

I was hoping to run Goodyear Endurance. Their 14's are load range D. If I can find decent D tires in 13, maybe I'll just stick with the 13's. Thanks CatFan!

[CJ1]

Raise your fenders OR put longer shackles on. But that will not stop the tires from hitting the fender if you hit a big enough hole/bump. CJ

[Casslaw]

If you really want to raise it 2” get new leaf springs. Yours look decent but it’s an easy way to fpgain ground clearance. What is the difference in the Overall Diameter of your tire and the tire you want to put on?

[Billwwar]

You could change out your leaf springs for 3500# springs.

[Islands]

Quick look on tire rack and it looks like 14" GY vs tire the size you currently have is about 2" dia which would mean you would need 1". Unless you have unusually soft springs, and looking at your pics it looks like you could almost accommodate that increase with what you have. If needed spring shackles should take care of the rest. Make sure you check the width increase too

[rocket man]

2 inch longer shackles will give you that inch.

[OnTRAK]

You could change out your leaf springs for 3500# springs.

I agree. I don't know the age and weight of your boat and trailer, but the leaf spring in your first picture looks like it is sort of flat and losing its original arch.

[billnorman1]

I agree. I don't know the age and weight of your boat and trailer, but the leaf spring in your first picture looks like it is sort of flat and losing its original arch.

A 14 inch rim is only 1/2 inch taller than a 13 inch. I'd say it all depends on the tire size. I doubt your present clearance is less than 1/2". As a rank amateur I'd say go with a 14 use-as-is, worst case extend shackles slightly. If it hits raise the fenders.

[Casslaw]

The rim size doesn’t matter, only the overall diameter of the tire. If the new tire is 2” taller than you will have 1” in height to accommodate for. The shackles are the easy way if they don’t fit as is...but they probably will. I suggest getting 1000lb heavier springs simply because yours aren’t arched that much and may be old; but I have no idea how old your set up is or the weight.

[272]

Tiresize.com shows you have some options to upsize to a 14” wheel and retain the same 24” diameter tire but they are wider than your current setup. Could you fit a wider tire?

[Triton420]

Get 15’s. Use tire size calculator to keep tire height 26-26.5”

[joebone1]

move your fenders up instead.

[SoonerFan]

I went from 14" to 15" and couldn't tell the difference in space between the fender. It's been several years but if I remember right, the 15'' tire was only around ½" taller...certainly not enough to matter. If I were you, I would go by the tire store and measure the tire you are going to use. I think you'll be happy to learn that you won't have to modify your trailer at all.

IMG_2832.JPG
14"

IMG_2855.JPG
15"

[grayline]

Raise your fenders OR put longer shackles on. But that will not stop the tires from hitting the fender if you hit a big enough hole/bump. CJ

A 14 will fit easily and it being a tin you don't have the weight enough to fles the springs .My nitro had 15" and I went to 17 " they look perfect and have never bottomed out

[Offshore 1]

I did this to my trailer years ago. Magic tilt tandem axle trailer that utilized 13" wheels.... I contacted magic tilt and they said that the centralizer was the only thing different between trailers using the 13" vs 14" wheel. I purchased the centralizer... the support bracket may need to be changed as well, I opted to drill out a hole for them instead.

Another option if it hasn't been mentioned is to duplicate the circumference of your current combination with a 14" wheel.... would be a lower profile tire.

[Ed R]

Use this tire size chart to find a 14" or 15" tire with the same, or close specs as your 13" tires. After opening the chart page. click on the the 175-80X13 tire, then click on "alternate sizes".

https://tiresize.com/chart/