Mind The Gap

[Colorado_Carter]

I am stuck, maybe just nervous about moving forward. I started my build months ago, but have been stuck on tires. I have most of my supplies in (doors, lights, etc) it's time to build. I wanted to license the trailer beore I did the build, I figured it would be easier.

The plan is to have 20570R14 tires on a 14x5.5 rim (I'm flexible on this). The problem is the gap, I borrowed the exact tire and put it on. Hopefully the pics and digram explain it well. I have a 2" gap between the tire and the trailer which leaves the outside of the tire at 10". I don't necessarily have an issue with these measurements but I could only find one fender to work (also ok). The fender is 11" (lilbear) which leaves a 1" outside gap.

Is this set up good as is and I should run with it? Does anyone see a issue with it or have some advice?

I have been trying to find a wheel with a 1" offset to narrow the gap, but I haven't had much luck. I also don't know that this is a wise decision with a flexride axle.
Am I nuts trying to find a 1" offset trailer wheel (not that I really found anything)?

[bobhenry]

I have seen several units on here who have added a backing plate to the flexride axle shaft and let the fenders float with the tire. This allows you to tighten up the space between tire and fender. This minimizes the road spray and crap that would otherwise end up on the sides of the trailer.

[aggie79]

Grant's fenders are 11" from the mounting flange to the outside of the fender. Along the wheel arch there is a "rolled edge". I believe it is around 1/2" thick or so. This reduces the clear opening distance to 10-1/2". If you're at 10" to the outside of the tire, it would leave you with a 1/2" gap between the fender and the tire which is about right.

I need to check, but I believe the distance from my sidewalls to the outside edges of my tires was 10".



I'd call or email Grant and discuss your situation with him.

[Woodbutcher]

What style trailer are you building? Also what is the width of the body of the trailer? If you are doing a Woody style the "Woody framework will push the fenders out another 3/4" Also a torsion axle only moves up and down so the gap between the fender and tire will remain the same as the suspension moves.

[Colorado_Carter]

The trailer width is 63.5", as far as style? The exterior will be 9/16 plywood with either aluminum or filon covering. I included the plywood into the measurements already, I didn't think the skin would add too my much to the equation.

[grant whipp]

That's the problem with trying to use standard trailer-type wheels ... no choice in offsets! I always go with automotive wheels & mfgs. where I can choose the offset that suits my needs (yes, sometimes I have to shell out a few extra bucks to have them custom made). But, in your case, Carter, the 2" space between the tire & wall is fine ... and depending on which fender of mine you are considering, you'll have adequate clearance & spacing between the fender and sidewall of your tires, and they'll look just fine ... ...!

Continued Good Luck, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[Colorado_Carter]

Thanks Grant, I appreciate it.

Thats the plan then-kind of a relief.

Doug

[CliffinGA]

Doug be glad your doing this now! I built mine and had the 12" wheels and tires that came on it dirung the build and on the first trip. Adter the trip I decided I wanted to go with 14" wheels and tires to raise it to same height as the tow vehicle at the hitch, well lets just say thats a costly mistake as I just spent $130 to get billet aluminum wheel spacers adapters to get the wheels off the trailer because its with in 1/8th from touching the side and thats not even including the fender!

Cliff