Can Trailer Wheels be Used on Vehicle

Updated 06/03/2025 | Published 04/07/2017

Question:

I see that your wheels are listed as trailer wheels. I have a 73 Mustang that uses the 14x5.5inch 5 on 4.5foot wheel. Are your wheels rated for this application?

asked by: Dennis D

Expert Reply:

No, the wheels we sell are specifically intended for trailer applications and are not suitable for use on a vehicle, even if the bolt pattern matches. Trailer wheels differ in their amount of offset, which is the placement of the actual tire tread relative to the wheel center line. Trailer wheels often have no offset while vehicle wheels can have the offset required to correctly position the tire in the wheel well. Use only vehicle wheels on a vehicle and use only trailer wheels on a trailer.

I linked you to a series of helpful articles concerning trailer wheels and tires.

expert reply by: Adam R

Michael D.

6/2/2025

I am curious about the offset and this is probably why so many ask about these wheels for vintage Fords from the 60's era. I have a 66 mustang, the steel rusted steel wheels I have currently, I have measured several times. The dimensions are the same, including the offset. Unless there is a major difference in metallurgy, the metal used in these wheels vs what Ford used in the 60's. One would think, including myself that using these wheels with standard vehicle tires would work great. Ford use to make 5" and 5.5" wide steel wheels with zero to very little offset. No one makes them anymore at that size, they are always wider since everyone wants wider tires or converting to disc brakes.

Robin H.

6/3/2025

@MichaelD I wouldn't doubt the wheel dimensions and offset on the # AM20304 match what you have now. We have seen people put trailer wheels like these on their old trucks and cars. Do they have any issues? Probably not. Is there a difference over wheels from the 60's? I'm really not sure, could certainly be a " they don't make things like they used to" case but I don't know. One way or another we have to tell you that these are only rated for trailer use. In the end it is up to you if you want to use them or not.