The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Dexstar wheels safe or not? 1954 3604

So the question comes from reading a post on another site implying that the Dexstar AM20766 wheels I have are not rated or designed for "turning" . The other question that comes up is about the wheel centering on the hub since the Dexstar wheels pilot diameter is larger than the wheel hub so the tapered lug nuts do the centering. I would like to hear other peoples input on using these "trailer rims" .

Will they bolt on- - - - -yes. Are they "safe"- - - - -maybe. Would an ambulance chasing legal beagle be able to take everything you own in the aftermath of an accident if he can prove you were running anything not technically "correct" for its application- - - - -probably! I'm pretty sure John and Peggy wouldn't appreciate anyone on the forum saying anything about questionable "safety of operation" parts that could be construed as an endorsement of their use!

JMHO!
Jerry

There's a reason that different wheels are made for cars and trailers.

What you read on another site "implying" that Dexstar wheels are not rated for turning is pretty namby-pamby. There's no implication about it. They are definitely NOT rated for turning.

Trailer wheels have zero offset (distance between mounting surface and wheel centerline). Most car wheels have a positive offset that puts the centerline of the wheel closer to the frame. Trailer wheels are designed to handle vertical loads. Car wheels handle vertical and horizontal loads.

Ron, you only need to see the aftermath of one wreck at highway speed caused by a wheel failure---especially if it happens in a turn (and the one I saw did). Fortunately---if there is a fortunately about it---the one I saw involved only one vehicle and the driver. But it was just as gruesome as you would imagine a sideways rollover wreck to be. This was in the early 70s and there was no retaining rail to keep the vehicle on the road...no poles, no rail, nothing as it was a smaller state road. The speed limit was still 70. Whether it was a Dexstar wheel, I don't know but I recall the patrolman saying it was caused from using unsafe wheels.

And not that I saw it personally but a few years ago a friend in NM lost a relative to a wheel failure. Vehicle was a Jeep and wheel was not stock. Same thing...wheel broke and Jeep rolled over. This time it went through a barbed wire fence and ended up in a rocky field. Driver was wearing a seat belt but the Jeep was open and it didn't matter. The fellow told me the state patrolman said it would have been quick...maybe 5 to 10 seconds. No time for regrets there.

One of the folks here (Bill Hanlon) had a wheel fail not long ago. He posted pictures of it. It was not a trailer wheel but a wheel designed and made by a reputable firm as I recall. Seems the inside broke loose from the rim and I want to say he heard it making noise as he was driving. Maybe he'll show up and fill in the blanks.

Interstingly enough I purchased and installed 4 of the Dexstar AM20766 with the .5 offset to clear the tie rod ends on the front, based on more than one recomendation on "Stovebolt". Looking back on the webpage (etrailer.com) based on reviews with photos, there are multiple AD Truck owners using these "conventional steel wheels" on their trucks. I'll be making a couple of calls Monday to both e-trailer and Dexstar to see if I can get a better understanding of the appropriate use of these rims. If you wish take a look for yourself on their website :

www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Dexstar/AM20766.html

Dusty, that company seems to be selling those rims as automobile rims rather than trailer rims. (they provide a fitment menu with year, make, and model of automobile).

I would call Dexstar directly and ask them if those specific rims are designed for use on automobiles

Otto , I hear ya! I'm a bit confused as to why e-trailer would so boldly put up the customer reviews. Anyway, I'll be sure to post what I find out from the manufacturer and the distributer.

Dexstar's website makes no mention of their tires being suitable for use on automobiles. I wouldn't use them without explicit confirmation from Dexstar that they are safe for automobile use.

I'd also mention e trailer's site and see what they say.

Trailer wheels have been used on pickups for many years. As for turning, trailer wheels take a lot of twisting on tridem and even tandem axle trailers. The 8 hole wheels are patterned after Ford 3/4 ton wheels. But Dexstar is not going to recommend them for on a pickup. Nor will any else but a fool. You have to make up your own mind.

To satisfy my own curiosity, I contacted DexStar directly. I received an email which I will copy and paste here when I'm able to get onto my computer. It's too much of a pain in the neck to do it from my shoe phone.

Basically I was told explicitly not to use those wheels on any vehicle (see below). They are not rated at all for use on any vehicle, including antique trucks. I was also told that they will be contacting e-trailer with the same warning.

"Patti Bowen <[email protected]>


Good Morning, Thank you for bringing this to our attention, we will contact Etrailer accordingly, as the Dexstar steel Conventional style wheels are NOT rated for automotive use and such use would void any warranty.

Please do NOT use any wheels rated for Trailer Use Only, as stamped on our wheels, on your automobiles. We have had a lot of similar inquiries when it comes to older trucks as well, also not rated or tested to be used, even on old 57 Fords.


Thank you for reaching out!!


Patti​​​​ Bowen
Sales Manager
Dexstar Wheel
Div. of Americana Development, Inc.
574-970-6407 Direct
574‑295‑3535, ext. 2350 Main
574-522-5208 Fax"

This is confusing to say the least. The stated reason for not using LT tires on trailers is the issue of side loading on tandem or tridem trailer applications. Trailer tires are designed to withstand greater side loads than LT tires.At least this is what I've read over many years. I have two heavy, tandem axle trailers and both are equipped with trailer-rated tires, one radial and the other bias. No risk management department is going to allow the company to recommend anything in these litegious times. Basically, you're on your own if you deviate from factory fitment.

I'm back ........
Otto - I too spoke with the Kenda Corp ( Dexstar ) folks in Marshfield.......very similar response , back of wheel, band should be stamped Made In USA , DOT Specs, Trailer Use Only. Slightly different response from eTrailer.........but it's no longer relative, so bottom line........only use on trailers.

I’m not going to offer an opinion on the trailer wheel issue. The manufacturer has spoken, and I don’t have a dog in that fight.

However, I would like to point out that there is a greater-than-zero chance my original 16x4.5 GM wheels experience a failure.

And some greedy lawyer could likely make a case that my 70+ year old wheels were not designed for modern highway speed, use with radial tires, etc.

That's true but there's no need to make it easy for them by installing a wheel that is stamped specifically for trailer use only.