Thought I'd throw this out to the smartest group of people on the net for some feedback.

I'm looking to increase clearance on my trailer (I take my boat off-road in Canada and could use some more height). I was thinking that the best way to do it was to increase the axle size, then increase the tire size.

What thoughts do you all have on this approach?

SPTRIX

Leaf spring or torsion axle? If leaf spring, maybe the springs are currently attached under the axle tube, and could be re-located above the tube?
HRG

HRG"s method would give you more ground clearance, plus more fender clearance if you decided to go with bigger tires also. Keep in mind if you do decide to run the springs on top of the axle, you will have to weld new spring pads on the top of the axle. Your axle should have a bow in it, with the high point on top of the axle. If you just roll the axle, you be wearing your tires out.

Keep in mind as well that the more clearance you have on you trailer the further you are going to have to back into the water for launching. I had a boat with a trailer that had been "jacked" about 4" for offroad clearance and on some ramps I almost had to dunk the ball to float the boat. It was a total pain to launch this boat by myself, I usually coudn't do it without getting wet up to my thighs.

Thanks for the tips, guys. Much appreciated.

It is a spring trailer.

I hadn't thought about the loading/unloading issue. That's certainly something to consider.

Feel like I need two trailers:
* one for here in MN
* one for Canada

SPTRIX

If you go the route of 2 trailers ... you may want to consider the one you modify for more clearance has a shallow water launch system.

Morton

I'm not familiar with the shallow water launching system. Can you explain what it is?

Thanks.

Look at the easy launcher trailers ...
There is an extra center roller near the rear of the trailer that is cable actuated.
You just hook the winch to the cable eye and wind up the rear roller to push the boat off if the water is to shallow to float the stern.

Shallow launching / recovery is another reason to have your bunks lubed with silicone for winching the boat back on to the trailer.

Morton

I raised my trailer years ago on my last boat, doing it the way HRG explained. It was the best thing I did, silicone helps. I was bottoming out on the back roads of Canada before I did this. You do need to weld a new plate on top but I have a welder and this was not a big deal to me. When you have farmed you learn how to fix everything. I no longer have this unit but it served me well for 18 years.

Paul