Trailer wheel spacers?

clearlakejay · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2014 11:59 pm

Hi guys!

I have clearance issues on both sides with tires rubbing on the slanted Four Winns fenders.

It got so bad that I had to replace the tires

I am running Goodyear Marathon 225/75/15s. I run them at max pressure 65psi.

I don't want to damage the new tires the same way. Does anybody run with spacers?
And if so, can u tell me what size?

I think I need like 1/4" or 1/2".

Thanks for any help!

DaleG · **Posted:** Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:02 pm

I have not heard on anyone running wheel spacers on a trailer. I guess it would be possible. Most trailer hubs are not hub-centric so a simple spacer should work. Spacers do increase the wheel bearing loads a bit, so if you do I would watch that. I use a simple infrared gun to monitor mine.
I am questioning that tire size -- are you absolutely sure that is the proper size? -- and 65 psi seems high if not needed by the tire load ratings/axle ratings . A lot of boat trailers run 14 inch wheels, which might change the clearance. My tandem axle trailer of about that age does, (not a Four Winns trailer) and with 3500 lb axles the tires can support that weight at about 55 PSI. Are the wheels original also???

ric · **Posted:** Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:08 pm

Why didn't you just install 205/75-15 tires and solve the problem?

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Aug 20, 2014 11:21 pm

That is odd, did someone change the OE wheel and tire size?

clearlakejay · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2014 11:11 pm

Hi guys. Sorry, I have been busy.

Anyway. I have a stock FW trailer. Model year is 2000. I had to replace the tires because the old ones were badly worn on the inside sidewalls. Both sides were rubbing on the wood fender backing.

So I looked at my trailer for tire specs. It called for 225/75/15. Load Range D. 65 psi

So I ordered to aluminum spoke rims from Sturdy Built Trailers in Florida.
And I ordered the above size Goodyear Marathons from Tire Rack.

So, I am still having rubbing issues. It looks like they need a spacer to pull the rim away.

I did not go with a 205 tire because they only had them in Load Range C.

Could it be worn leaf springs? Just guessing though.

Suggestions?

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

Post some pics. I am wondering if you have a bent axle.
And I am curious where the wood fender is. I would think it would be a metal fender and the only wood on the trailer would be to support the boat.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Fri Oct 10, 2014 2:25 pm

buy the correct wheels.. you can loosen the bolts on the fender and kick it a half inch or so towards the boat and not oil your tires

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Fri Oct 10, 2014 8:01 pm

You have an axle problem. Putting spacers on would be like putting a bandage on cancer.

You have an extreme camber issue. It's too negative. It needs to be slightly positive to position the load correctly on the tires and also position the majority of the load on the inner wheel bearing.

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 12:02 pm

I agree there is an axle problem. Take trailer and have axle aligned. Any good trailer shop can do this.

Had ours done for approx $75, dramatically increased tread life.....

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 12:02 pm

I agree there is an axle problem. Take trailer and have axle aligned. Any good trailer shop can do this.

Had ours done for approx $75, dramatically increased tread life.....

clearlakejay · **Posted:** Fri May 22, 2015 11:25 pm

Hi guys. It took awhile. But the trailer tire rubbing on the inside fender has been solved. I took it to a Spring Shop. They re-arced the old leaf springs. They also added a leaf to stiffen it up.

He said they lifted the trailer up by 2". Now there is plenty of room for the OEM tire size in the fenders

I hope this might help anyone else having this issue.

www.iFourWinns.com

Trailer wheel spacers?

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