Wheel spacers on a trailer

Well, I can see the earlier respondent's point about the forces on the wheel bearings. That's why there's a spacer on the front hubs of a dually truck, rather than mounting the wheels "dish out" and just being done with it. Keeps the tire pretty well centered between the front wheel bearings.

1" to 1-1/2" was what I was originally looking at, but now that it's only about 1/2" I'm much more confident in my own engineering knowledge and skills.

Tinner beat me to it. Wheel spacers are fine. They are legal in NHRA in car that go over 200 MPH. We used them in circle track racing where the side loads are tremendous with wide slicks. We even used to run rims with crazy scrub radius's and we never had bearing problems. Put them on and go have fun.

Just my .02...I wouldn't be at all afraid to use spacers...wouldn't be any different than using an offset wheel. Spacers are used all the time on different projects from offroad 4x4s to on road daily drivers. No heavier than your trailer is and the rating of it...no problem.

What about some fender washers between the hub and rim if you have enough stud length? It sounds like you are pretty close without needing too much more.

BTW, the 13" tires were delivered yesterday. I ordered them before asking the question, because I had other uses for them if not this.

They fit, and clear by about 1/2"

Would a 3/8" to 1/2" wheel spacer be disastrous if I monitor and maintain the bearings on a trailer loaded to 1/2 capacity? The rims really need it to be centered on the hub.

Yes, that's exactly what it is.

gbopp wrote:

IDoMyOwnStunts wrote:
1750 lb axle? Wow, that's light.

It's probably more than sufficient for a 4x8 utility trailer.

Yeah, just was surprised and wasn't thinking about it. Had a brain fart. I have a similar size trailer and mine weighs 995 unloaded but my axle is rated at 3500 lbs. But I haul gravel and bark dust with it, so it needs the extra strength. It's not a dump trailer though. OP's trailer must be one of those small frame trailers for hauling plywood or a lawn tractor. You're correct. That axle would be fine for that trailer.

Cheaper to stick with 12" wheels. They've been working fine for me so far. No reason they won't continue to do so.

I know of some one who has done this with a teardrop trailer, but the other replies are correct it changes the dynamics and I for one would not want to. I do however have one so I can use the spare from the TV on the trailer.
A more substantial axle might be the best choice.

That axle or a 2000 is common. I've run a cheesy little utility trailer for 30 years that has 12's. I've replaced the tires, wheels a few times and bearings one time. Go with the highest rated tire and regular bearing maintenance.

It's about time to junk the trailer and I don't think I have ever had a flat tire on it.