Wheel to frame clearance.

[jss06]

I know this has been covered before but can't seem to find it. I am building a modified version of the Sawtooth XL.

How much clearance should I have between the tire sidewall and the frame of the camper? The wall of the wheel well will be flush with the frame.

Currently I am thinking 1" on each side using dual eye leafs on a straight axle. Wheels/tires are 30x9.5/15 on stock jeep steel wheels. If my measurements are correct that 1" will allow me to use the spare for my LJ on the trailer as well. This would give me 3/4" clearance with 31x10.5/15 on the cast aluminum stock wheels. They have a different offset that makes up for the increased tire width.

Is that sufficent or should I plan on more room? I am trying to keep the wheel wells from taking up too much room in the cabin.

I already have the axle and just picked up the steel to make the frame. So I'm getting ready to start the build.

[PaulC]

John, I use the old 2 finger rule so 1" should be fine. I've never had a prob with that type of spacing even off road.
Cheers
Paul

[Muggnz]

John, I use the old 2 finger rule so 1" should be fine. I've never had a prob with that type of spacing even off road.
Cheers
Paul

that's what people said, when I researched the same question a couple of years ago.

david

[cracker39]

It was how I spaced mine on the Squidget. On the PT, I plan on adhering some molding to the side rails of the frame to cover the lower edges of the plywood skin, so I'll probably have this axle made to give me 1 1/2" of space between the frame and tire sidewall so it will clear the molding by an inch or 3/4 of an inch.

[caseydog]

I have less than 1 inch between my sidewalls and the walls, but I don't have that much unsprung weight moving around. 31 X 10.50 tires on rims are heavy. They will move up and down more than my15 X 4.5 rims and VW Beetle tires. If you have an axle like mine, that could be a problem.

[Wolffarmer]

I have way less than 1 inch of clearance. There are black marks on the cabin walls but take a tire off and look at the sidewall and can't see where it has hit. So I am not worrying about it, until I go to sell it. I have put over 5000 miles on it and no problem. Next one I make will have more clearance but only so the worry warts won't waggle their fingers at me.

Randy ( grumpy as ever )

[jss06]

I have less than 1 inch between my sidewalls and the walls, but I don't have that much unsprung weight moving around. 31 X 10.50 tires on rims are heavy. They will move up and down more than my15 X 4.5 rims and VW Beetle tires. If you have an axle like mine, that could be a problem.

I used a straight 3500 lb axle with 3K lb spring set. There is Zero movement side to side with the bare frame right now. And I have an inch between the tire and wall. Only time will tell if that is enough or if I will have to buy a longer axle for it.

[Woodstramp]

Not to hijack JSS's thread, but saw this topic and.....

I'm trying to build a frame right now. Using a torsion axle. Was out in the yard kind of trial fitting things. Got the main frame rails bolted to the torsion axle and noticed that there was only about 3/4" gap between the tire and the rails.

Reading this thread it seems you guys were talking about spring axles. Would a 3/4" gap be OK for a torsion suspension? Thanks.

[Wolffarmer]

WoodStramp

I think you will be ok. I have about that much with my spring suspension from a VW Rabbit pickup. But it is cutting it close.

Randy

[Woodstramp]

Thanks Randy.

I'm a newbie to TTT's and especially to torsion axles.