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Thread: Wheel Spacers On Trailer

  1. #1
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    Wheel Spacers On Trailer

    I've just changed my trailer hubs to commodore pattern to match the D2. I've tried to fit 265x75 16 tyre on commodore wheels but they rub on the rail. Rather than getting a new longer axle would wheel spacers be okay? Only needs about 10mm. Or would it put too much pressure on the studs? Max weight is around 600kg.

    Cheers

  2. #2
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    This has been discussed elsewhere on the forum I think. Have a browse.
    I think it was ok for trailers.

    I was at a swapmeet the other day and saw some spacers for sale. They are also readily available on ebay.
    TFI 5 Stud Wheel Spacers - 8mm, Pair - Supercheap Auto Australia

  3. #3
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    Would the studs still be long enough to have the nuts engage legally, being at least the same thread length as the stud diameter? eg 14mm engagement for 14mm dia stud
    MY12 RRV 4.4 TDV8 AB, +LLAMS, +e-diff, +ACC stop/go. Produce LLAMS for LR/RR, Jeep GC/Dodge Ram
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    Thanks Mick, I did do a search but I couldn't find anything.

    I'll try again.

    Cheers

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    Quote Originally Posted by Graeme View Post
    Would the studs still be long enough to have the nuts engage legally, being at least the same thread length as the stud diameter? eg 14mm engagement for 14mm dia stud
    Easily Graeme, the studs are about 40mm long and I'm using commodore police pursuit steel wheels.

    Thanks

  6. #6
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    The problem of wheel spacers on a car or trailer is that it shifts the centre of the load outboard creating a negative offset and therefore on the smaller outer bearing of a Falcon or Holden stub axle. Holden stub axles already have a reputation of snapping and spacers can only make the potential more likely.

    On a vehicle (and I assume this includes trailers) spacers are illegal in Australia unless fitted by the manufacturer. Porsche wheel spacers O.K. Land Rover wheel spacers not O.K. So unless you are the manufacturer of your trailer my take is that they are illegal.

    BTW: Are you using standard Commodore hubs (i.e. off a Commodore) or are you using AlKo trailer hubs? The reason is that the AlKo hubs often have the wheel face further out (negative offset relative to the OEM hubs) because they are designed to match their electric brake hub/drums.

  7. #7
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    Homestar is offline Super Moderator & CA manager Gold Subscriber
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    Just do it, you'll be fine IMO. I made 12mm spacers for my Sankey trailer so I could fit new tyres of the style I wanted. The spacing consisted of 4 parts on mine - longer studs, the spacer plate and also another plate so the spigot still stuck out far enough engage the wheel, and the longer bolts for this. I did post some pictures up somewhere - I'll go find them if I can.

    Oh, and my trailer has a 750Kg payload and can gross 1,150Kg all up. I've done thousands of KM with it, sometimes with a decent load in it without issues. Yes, you do technically increase loadings in places (by a knats nut), but personally I don't think many people would often load their trailers to a point where this would be an issue. It also gives to you slightly (by a knats nut) more stability due to the track being increased. The bearings and design of this style of hub are much stronger mind you than Falcon or Holden offerings mind you...

    EDIT - pics below. Spacers are made from 12mm steel plate. I was lucky enough to have free use of a CNC plasma cutter at the time, a very handy bit of kit...

    The bits - showing the longer studs and bolts compared to the old ones.


    Sitting in position - you can see both spacers here.


    All together -


    Now I'll sit back and wait for the flaming...
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

  8. #8
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    BTW: Are you using standard Commodore hubs (i.e. off a Commodore) or are you using AlKo trailer hubs? The reason is that the AlKo hubs often have the wheel face further out (negative offset relative to the OEM hubs) because they are designed to match their electric brake hub/drums.

    Thanks Lotz-A-landies, I bought the hubs from my local trailer shop. They are commodore pattern with Ford bearings. Curiously the studs are 7/16.

    I get what you are saying about the moving the centre of load. But with a maximum total load of about 600kg would it be unsafe?

    The trailer is registered as home built so I am the manufacturer.

  9. #9
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    Thanks bacicat, Great job! But as you say those are more substantial than my $70 (for the pair) hubs.

    And I'm also putting on a much heavy wheel tyre combination than was previously on the hub.

  10. #10
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    Trailer axles are cheap as chips, order a longer one.

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