Tire Clearance problem Desert Fox 30-5J Toy Hauler

[WWomack]

I have a tire clearance issue and was hoping someone with Toy Hauler type trailer or experience in this could help me out. The trailer is a 30’ fifth wheel Toy hauler that is 9600 lbs empty and has a gross weight of 14K.

Problem: The tops of the tires have rubbed and penetrated thru the top of the inner fender well. I have measured the clearance between the top of the tire and the fender well. I have 1.5 inches of clearance. All the tires have contacted the fender wells but only one has rubbed thru. So while traveling down the road and a bump is hit the tire gently rubs the top of the fender well plastic. I have not modified the rig and it has 235 85 R16E Uniroyal tires that it came with new.

I have it at a repair shop and thankfully the manufacturer is taking care of this and a few other small issues. The customer service rep and I spoke about the problem. He gave me a measurement of 5 inches for the hangers that the leaf springs are attached too. Mine measure 4 inches and the frame shop at the manufacturer believes that is where the tire clearance problem is. The remedy was to cut off the old hangers and weld the longer hangers in place. But between the manufacturer and the repair shop tech they came up with another fix (easier). They will place the springs on top of the axle (Flip the axle), effectively lifting the rig 3 to 4 inches. I was unsure of this repair but here I am?? I guess if it’s not right and the rig is too tall or handles unsafely I’ll approach that as it unfolds. I didn’t think another inch of clearance was going too help all that much (1”longer spring hangers) but 3 to 4 inches more is that excess?? That will give me 4-5.5 inches of clearance between the tires and wheel well. My concern is this repair going to be safe? The trailer is tall enough now (it’s huge). Is the spring on top of the axle OK? There must be a reason when they manufacture these units, they place the axle on top of the springs on these rigs? Any down side? It tows great now except for HOLES IN THE FENDER WELLS!! What to do? Possible problems with axle alignment are other concerns I have. Rear cargo door too high.

I came up with a few ideas but once again I’d like some input so as to get the best fix. Shorter 245 75 16E tires which have the same load capacity of 3040 lbs each. They are 1.5 inches shorter but if the springs settle am I going to be in the same position I am now? I thought that after the axles were flipped if the rig was still too high, they could drill lower mounting holes in the spring hangers there by lowering the unit by 2-3 inches? I guess I would like to see 3 inches of clearance between the tire and top of the wheel well when they finish.

Here is how I load it when we travel. ¼ tank of water, grey and black tanks empty. Food and clothes for my wife and I for maybe a week to 10 days. 2 big 4 wheelers 660 and 800. Honda EU 2000 and sorted stuff. Full tank of gas and water when we get there.

I’m glad the manufacturer is honoring the warranty but I’m unsure of the fix. I’m one year into the two year warranty.



Any help, comments, ideas are appreciated.