Can Trailer Wheels With Positive Offsets Replace Trailer Wheels With Zero Offsets

Updated 05/04/2012 | Published 05/02/2012

Question:

Hello. I currently have ST225/75/15 tires on steel wheels with zero offset on tandem 6k dexter axles. Im changing to 16inch and already purchased BFG Commercial T/A 235/85/16 tires. Would I be able to use these aluminum rims with .08 offset? I was told I always had to have 0 offset.. It dosent seem to be a big difference and I have plenty of room all around the tires to move up. Thanks in advance.... You guys are always great!

asked by: Leon

Expert Reply:

Most trailer wheels do have a zero offset to evenly distribute the weight of the trailer on the wheels, however, that does not mean all trailer wheels must have a zero offset.

As long as there is enough clearance between the inside of your tire and your trailer frame to accommodate for a negative offset, then you will have no problem using a wheel with a negative offset.

The best way to determine if you will have room is to take the first number of your tire size, which is the width of your tire in millimeters. In this case your new tires are 235 mm wide. The Americana Aluminum Mod Trailer Wheel, # AM22657, has a negative offset of 8 mm.

To determine if the new wheel and tire will fit you will want to divide the wheel width in half, which is 117.5 mm and then subtract 8 mm, which gives us 109.5 mm. You will want to measure 109.5 mm or 4.31 inches in from the mounting surface of your wheel hub. As long as you have plenty of clearance from your trailer frame, then you can use this wheel.

expert reply by: John H