Re: Auto Rims On Trailer
That depends on which auto rims you intend to use. Be aware that auto rims have either positive offset or negative offset. Boat trailer wheels have zero offset meaning the centerline of the rim is exactly in the center of the tire tread. This is ideal for load handling which is why trailer manufactures use that style of wheel. It places the full load directly between the two wheel bearings. Yes -- many manufacturers use after market wheels. Rear wheel drive cars have the hub offset toward the inside of the wheel while front wheel drive cars have the hub offset to the outside of the wheel. Since rear wheel drive wheels will space the tire itself (and the load) more to the outside, you may run into tire/fender interference so make sure there is plenty of clearance. Is it safe? Sure, but that would again depend on how close the GVW is to the GVWR. Since the wheel offset essentially spaces the load closer to the end of the spindle, there is more leverage so axle capacity would be decreased but someone with more time than me would need to calculate what that value is. It also places more load on the inner wheel bearing. I also think if you look at the aftermarket wheels the trailer manufacturers use you will find they have very close to zero offset so they are actually trailer wheels. All of this is moot of course if the total load is far less than the trailer capacity. It might be an issue if you have a 6000# trailer and you all up weight is 5900#
