Tire clearance on 2027 with 14" tires

[trailbiker]

I have a 2006 model 2027. I took the wheel covers off today and I notice that even with the stock ST 14 215 x 75 tires there is only about an 1 inch of clearance between the top of the tire and and the wheel well. I do not have any water in the tanks or extra stuff in the trailer right now.
I don't see and indication the tires are rubbing, nor have i noticed any bottoming out when towing. How much clearance should there be between the tire and the top of the wheel well? I would appreciate any info on this.
'

[Dave99gst]

I was getting ready to post a thread sayings basicly the same thing - Ive got a 2001 2720SL and im about to replace the tires on it - Guess Ill be sticking with 14's

[commodor47]

From the Dexter Axle Website - "Allow 3" bump clearance from full load."

http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/...talog_6-11.pdf

Scroll down to page seven . . . I've also attached a screen shot of the same information.

You might consider adding a lift kit to gain additional clearance. We had a problem with our wheel wells on one of our trips from AZ to FL. Several longitudinal cracks opened up in both wheel wells and allowed water to enter the area above the wheel wells . . . where my wife had stored extra paper towels and toilet paper. Yep . . . neither were of much use after that episode. We had our dealer install the lift kit . . . problem solved. TM did change the Torflex angle on their units but the date of the change eludes me. The axle change allowed for more bump clearance and for the 15" tire installation (which I believe is the norm with all new units).

Dick

[Dave99gst]

Whats a bit irritating for me is mine was just at the factory for a tuneup/once over - you would think it this was a problem they would have said something.

This just doesn't seem right. If you have the standard Drexler and 14" wheels, there should be about 3" of clearance. TM changed over to the lifted axle sometime during the '06 model year, so if you have the newer axle you should have more clearance. Either way, seems like you should have much more clearance than you have. I wonder if something is broken???

[trailbiker]

I called TrailManor today to see if this is a problem. I do not see any signs that my tires are rubbing and it is not clear to me what 3" bump clearance means. Suspension link moves in an arc not up and down so can't really tell what would happen when it goes over bumps, however, It doesn't look like there is enough clearance.

[Dave99gst]

Originally Posted by Scott O

This just doesn't seem right.

x2 -- I dont understand it either.

[Bill]

I'm not much help here, but the same part of the Dexter Axle web site says that the suspension can compress a maximum of 1 inch. As I imagine you've seen in an earlier post, I called the Application Engineer at Dexter Axle and asked why they call for 3 inches of clearance. They had no answer, and just mumbled a bit. I later got confirmation of the mumbling by email. So I still have no idea why they call for 3 inches.

I should be clear that the mumbling did include some semi-meaningful words like "production tolerances", but didn't really come close to answering the question.

and TrailBiker -

The wheel does move in an arc, as you said, but the segment of the arc is so short that it is really a straight line.

Bottom line, I am surprised that you have so little clearance. Is it the same small amount on both sides? As Scott mentioned, it is possible that something is broken, though I think it unlikely as long as the axle is attached to the frame solidly and squarely. But mismatched clearance would be a good indicator of something amiss. One thing you can be sure of, though, is that you can't make the switch to 15-inch wheels and tires unless you add a lift, since they are almost half an inch larger.

Bill

[trailbiker]

One inch travel?? I am glad i don't travel inside my TM. That sounds really wrong... I just order some 195R14 kumho radials. Should be about the same diameter as Marathons that came on the trailer, but I am still wondering about this clearance issue. No word back from Eddy at TM yet.

[Dave99gst]

Its the same clearance on both sides for me --- Ed Lytle is on vacation till Friday