How to Determine Wheel Offset of Trailer Wheels

Question:

I need a spare rim for my trailer, how can I tell what the offset is if any on the existing rims?

asked by: Mike L

Expert Reply:

Most trailer wheels have a zero offset. This is because a zero offset allows the wheel to handle the maximum load by distributing the the load equally to both sides of the wheel.

To determine if your trailer wheels have an offset, you will want to remove a wheel from your trailer and measure from the mounting surface of the wheel, where the wheel mounts to the hub, and measure to the inside bead and to the outside bead. The difference will give you the offset.

If you are unable to determine the offset by measuring, then you should be able to contact your trailer manufacturer for that information by providing them with your trailers serial number. Some trailer wheel offsets can be as small as 5 mm which may be difficult to see with just a ruler.

expert reply by: John H