Spare tire options - use on trailer AND Ranger?

[muzicman0]

I have a 2025 Ranger Lariat with the 18 inch aluminum wheels.

I also have a small Hiker Trailer for camping.

Both have the same lug pattern.

The Hiker requires a 0 offset rim, and by my research, the Ranger comes with (from searching Google) a 53-57 mm offset.

My question is, is it possible to use a 0 offset rim for a spare for the Ranger? Then I could use the same spare for each.

Hiker Trailers recommends a 235/85 r16 with zero offset and a 6x5.5 lug pattern. Would that work as a spare for the Ranger?

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[superj]

probably would work since its a thin tire and the offset is zero. only way to verify is to actually try it though.

it will stick out a good amount from the wheel well. it will for sure work on the back but the front is the questionable part as it may rub when turning. the offset of zero versus the original means rim will mount roughly 2" inches farther out then your stock rim mounts. what is the width of the spare rim? 6.5 or 7? something thin? if so, it really may work but if its an 8 inch wide rim, it will still work but tighter turns will almost for sure rub

 

[John E Davies]

Have you considered changing your trailer wheels to match your Ranger? Buy a set of Ranger or Bronco takeoffs, and add 2” spacers on the trailer axle. This will make the tires fit correctly under the fenders, and there will not be any serious negative effects to your trailer bearings, since there won’t be any additional “poke”.

Your Ranger spare will fit the trailer and your trailer wheels will fit the Ranger…. Of course it will be way simpler and cheaper to just carry a 0 offset spare wheel and tire for the trailer… but it won’t look as cool.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[superj]

that would definitely be better for the truck in case of a blow out.

 

[muzicman0]

Have you considered changing your trailer wheels to match your Ranger? Buy a set of Ranger or Bronco takeoffs, and add 2” spacers on the trailer axle. This will make the tires fit correctly under the fenders, and there will not be any serious negative effects to your trailer bearings, since there won’t be any additional “poke”.

Your Ranger spare will fit the trailer and your trailer wheels will fit the Ranger…. Of course it will be way simpler and cheaper to just carry a 0 offset spare wheel and tire for the trailer… but it won’t look as cool.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

Hiker (the manufacturer of the trailer) says that that much of an offset would be too much strain on the suspension. That was my first thought as well.

 

[John E Davies]

Hiker (the manufacturer of the trailer) says that that much of an offset would be too much strain on the suspension. That was my first thought as well.

There will be no extra strain on the hubs other than the weight of the spacers, the tires will remain in the same location (centered over the spindle and bearings) but NOT using the spacers would definitely weird it out, plus the tires would hit the fenders and frame.

Does your trailer have steelies? Putting alloys on will compensate for the spacer weight. A Bronco wheel will be 24+ pounds.

If you want some extra peace of mind, service the hubs and replace those crap Chinese $5 bearings and seals with some genuine Timken parts. Be wary of the source, there are lots of counterfeits..

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[muzicman0]

The tires may be in the same place, but the 'connection point' would be 2 inches further out, so I would think that would adjust the leverage point.

I am pretty sure they are already alloy rims. Not 100%, but I am not an expert when it comes to rims. Heck I didn't even know offset was a thing before Google told me!

 

[superj]

thats crazy that spacer would strain the suspension too much. that would worry me about what will happen during normal loaded use if i hit a pot hole suddenly and its stock.

 

[muzicman0]

thats crazy that spacer would strain the suspension too much. that would worry me about what will happen during normal loaded use if i hit a pot hole suddenly and its stock.

I have no doubt it is CYA from them, but the flip side is if something does go wrong, I wouldn't want to void any warranty. The trailer is designed for 'light off-road'.

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