Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

How much space should I keep between the tire and the sidewalls?

That's almost like asking if CPES is good or not.

Opinions are all over the map. Some of the differences are due to what type of axle you have - torsion or leaf-sprung. With leaf springs, there is a chance for more camber of the wheel/tire, so you need more room. With a torsion axle, there is very little camber, so you can get away with less clearance. I have heard that as the rubber in torsion axles age, and with use, it can result in negative camber.

I have 3/4" between the sidewall and tire - I'm using a torsion axle - and that has worked fine (so far). My tires are extra-wide, and if camber comes into play, I can go to a less wide tire.

Take care,
Tom

Hey Tom, I have a leaf spring's on my longer axle, and was just wondering how close I can get without wearing out my standard HF 12" tires lol. I think Ive got about 2" right now.

2"s is gobs and plenty...I use the "knuckle" rule...if you can push your hand, upto the knuckles between wall and tire, you should be golden..between 1-1.5"s.....
madjack

madjack wrote:I use the "knuckle" rule..between 1-1.5"s.....

**whew**

I'm never going to get in a bare knuckle fight with you!

A knuckle?!
Mine may be a little close.

My 3/4" sides sit against the outside face of the trailer frame rails, so my clearance is pretty tight. When I finished the trailer, I knew that it was close (~3/16") but when I went to repack the bearings this Spring, I realized that the one side has actually rubbed a little.



The trailer saw well over 2k miles since its completion last Spring, and the tire doesn't show any wear on the sidewall so I'm just gonna keep on truckin.

I know... its not ideal, but so far so good.

I have 2 inches between bulge of tire and frame....

Dale