Wheel Offset And Backspacing Of The Dexstar Mini-Mod 16" Wheels

Question:

In the Q and A you state the backspacing is 3.5inch for the AM20794 wheel. Does that mean it is .5inch offset or is the backspace actually 3. Dexstar has the 017-309-xx with 3960 lb capacity. Is this your AM20793? Can I get this wheel in silver or just white? Thanks

asked by: Pali W

Expert Reply:

Backspacing and offset are terms used to look at the same thing in a different way. Backspacing is described as the distance from the center of the hub to the inside edge of the wheel at the bead seat whereas offset is the distance from the center of the wheel to its mounting face. On a wheel with a zero offset, the backspacing will be slightly larger than half of the width of the wheel because the wheel width is measured from bead seat to bead seat (see photo). It is not the overall width of the wheel. The extra 1/2 inch in the backspacing is accounting for the additional lip on the inside edge of the wheel.

A negative offset will cause the wheel to move further outward creating a wider stance. A positive offset will result in the wheel being pushed back closer to the frame rail creating a more narrow stance.

The Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel part # AM20794 has an offset of 0 and backspacing of 3-1/2". Therefore, the hub face is located in the center of the wheel with a surface that extends outward 3-1/2" from this point. The Dexstar Wheel part # AM20794 corresponds to the Dexstar part # 017-310-xx which is a mini-mod with 0 offset. The part # 017-309-xx represents the 1/2" offset of this same wheel. Both offsets are available in silver and white finishes. For the 0 offset use part # AM20785 for white and part # AM20794 for silver. For a +1/2" offset, use part # AM20793 for white and part # AM20797 for silver.

I have attached an illustration to better show the backspacing and offset calculations.