What is the Offset of a Trailer Wheel

Updated 08/13/2012 | Published 08/09/2012

Question:

What is the meaning of this and how impotant is it to choose one over the other?

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Trailer or automotive wheels can have a positive or negative offset. The offset refers to the distance between the mounting surface of the wheel that touches the hub and the center line of the wheel, as shown in the diagram I have edited for you.

A positive offset will move the tire closer to the trailer, while a negative offset will push the tire further away.

Most of the trailer wheels we offer, including the Americana Aluminum Mod wheel you referenced, part # AM22327, have a zero offset, which means that the the mounting surface is on the same plane as the center line of the wheel. This is done to equalize the weight of the trailer load.

expert reply by: Mike L