Technical How Strong are trailer rims?

So I've had chrome smoothies on my Model A for a few decades, but I've never been happy with the way the rims stuck out from the fenders, due to the width of the rear axle I found to use under it. Changing the rear axle out (and all the suspension components) isn't in a social security budget. So I found and polished a couple Ranger 8 hole aluminum rims that have about an inch and a half better offset; plus going from 275/60R15 to 255/70R15 will get me another half inch. The issue is getting front rims to match. I found a pair of aluminum 10 hole trailer rims that are close in appearance for $150 on Amazon. They say they're rated for 2200# each, and my whole car weighs 2500. Anyone have any experience using these on the front? It has a 4" drop tube axle with 67 T-bird disc brakes. https://www.ecustomrim.com/products...x6-15-x-6-5-lug-4-5-center-modular-design-rim

 

Ewwwwww
Sorry
But there’s better wheels out there

 

You have to make sure that the width
of the trailer rim is adequate for
the width of the tire that you are
putting on it - I would check with
a local tire shop that you trust
or whoever will be doing the
mounting balancing.

Jim
Transporting To Travel
Traveling To Share
Stories From The Road

 

They're 6" wide, same as I have on the car now.

 

15x6 steel wheels are $90-130 new

 

On the off chance your Model A still has mechanical brakes be sure to allow for the fact that these drums are at two different levels where you mount the rim. See: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/40-ford-wheels-on-a-model-a.750368/#post-8330045

Charlie Stephens

 

Do not use trailer wheels, they are not designed for automobile use.

 

I have steel wheels now. I'm looking for aluminum to match the rears.

 

It has '67 T-bird disc brakes on the front.

 

What's the difference though? They're both round, have 5 bolt holes, and hold air. I can see the difference with tires.

 

A Cragar SS wheel of the same size and application is rated at 1580 lbs. You take it from here.

 

I don't agree with this at all. Trailer wheels will have a higher load rating than car wheels and will be ok to run.

Tires is a different thing all together. Trailer tires have a much stiffer sidewall and will give a harsh ride. They are also usually designed to be pulled in a straight line and are not really suited for the steering/braking job on the front of a car.

 

Trailer wheels are plenty strong, IMO. Take a look at a loaded tandem trailer turning on pavement. Lots of side load, dragging the tire along rather than rolling as it would on a steered spindle. Bad enough with trailer tires, which have a slight crown on the tread. Now guys like me use auto/truck tires with a nice wide sticky tread. That really loads the wheel in a turn. Now, concentric rim/tire mounting surface/lug bolt circle etc may not be held to auto tolerances but strength shouldn't be an issue. Again, IMHO.

 

I have to agree with the last two posters. If you can live with the appearance, I don't see any reason not to use them.

 

This is the rim. I can get two for $150 w/ free shipping from Amazon.

 

What is the load rating ???

 

Are you talking about just the "rim", or the whole "wheel" ?

Mike

 

2200 lbs each.

 

The rim only, and I'll mount my existing automotive tire on it. No "trailer tires" involved.

 

I'm guessing your Model A is not 8800 lbs, so you will be fine.........

 

Yes, I know what you are saying is correct, but do we really have to ??? It won't help this thread.

 

An aluminum trailer wheel will probably be fine. A wagon type steel trailer wheel is cheap junk these days. You may find issues with balance and runout though. They are not built to the same QC standards knowing people don’t ride on trailers generally

 

There was an old thread on pirate4x4 about this. The consensus was that they're as strong or stronger than any equivalent automotive rim at the expense of weight and fit and finish.

 

LOL! Thank you, Mike.

Ben

 

Trailer wheels have ZERO OFFSET . Not desirable for cars. Here's some good info.
Can Trailer Wheels be Used on a Passenger Vehicle | etrailer.com

 

Not an issue. It’s lawyer talk. There’s 1000’s of car’s running around with passenger car wheels with offsets that differ from factory specs.

 

Like I said, "If you can live with the appearance....".

 

Maybe he can fit some wheel covers....maybe.....please......please fit wheel covers!!!

 

Trailer wheels are designed for higher side loads and higher load carrying capacity things that are capable of destroying automotive wheels. As far as using wheels with a 2200 lbs weight limit on a vehicle that has a weight of about 2200lbs I’d say it’s a little overkill but it should work out well.

 

I don't think the OP ever asked for an opinion on the style of the wheels , only if they were deemed usable .