Comparing Positive and Negative Offset Wheels

Published 06/12/2018

Question:

How does one determine the offset on a wheel and if it is a + or - offset? Thanks

asked by: Tommy

Expert Reply:

Most trailer wheels have a zero offset, meaning that the place where the wheel touches the hub face is exactly centered between the front and the back edge of the wheel. This allows the weight to be perfectly centered on the wheel for the most load bearing.

The Americana Hub-Piloted Steel Wheel w -0.5" Offset - 17-1/2" x 6-3/4" - 8 on 6-1/2 - Gray # AM22704 with a negative offset will have the center of the wheel 1/2 inch further from the trailer frame. I've attached a video of the Dexstar Conventional Steel Wheel with Offset - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Black # AM20404 which has a positive offset of +0.5 inches which shows it will be closer to the trailer frame because the center was pushed out which moves the tire further in.

expert reply by: Jason S