Wheel spacers

[Erik D.]

Hi All,

While reading through a LR magazine, I came upon an add for "wheel spacers" from Scorpion-Racing. They widen the track abit and thus lower the center of gravity. The idea seems ok. Does anyone have any knowledge about this?

Erik D.

(also posted in the 4x4 section)

[kitmax]

Hi Eric
Wheel spacers?
Never used them...
Don't like them...
Consider the extra strain on the wheel bearings... great risk for very little gain.
To lower your centre of gravity, store roof-rack items inside, ie fuel and water; this will pin you to the ground!
Regards kitmax

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Kitmax - Traveller
Desert Pictures at
http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit03ph...velgallery.htm
homepage http://www.kitmax.com

[A.B.]

Kitmax is right! They’re not worth it. At best they will shorten the bearings life, at worst then will simply overload them. They are mainly used to fit oversized tires to prevent them from rubbing at full turn. They do not actually lower the center of gravity, they just widen the vehicle to tipping it sideways is more difficult. Rally racers use them for better stability in high-speed turns, but then again, they can change the bearing after every race.

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A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com

[karellevrau]

Originally posted by Erik D.:
Hi All,

While reading through a LR magazine, I came upon an add for "wheel spacers" from Scorpion-Racing. They widen the track abit and thus lower the center of gravity. The idea seems ok. Does anyone have any knowledge about this?

Erik D.

(also posted in the 4x4 section)

Hello Erik,

what kind of Landie do you have? Use a steel disco-rim on a series to widen the track. If you have a defender don't use the spacer : why should you ; the track is more then wide enough.

If you want a really wide track ; buy a Hummer.

LR-greetings,

Kar El

[Erik D.]

Thanks for the input. Sort of what I was worried about and thus thought best to ask.

Erik D.

[Pete Sinclair]

I have to agree with what has been said by everyone . . . .but . . . .I have fitted the Scorpion spacers to a Sankey Trailer. I'm carrying 2 roof top tents on the trailer and wanted to widen the track to reduce the risk of it flipping over. I've also fitted Wolf wheels and BFG 235.85.R16 tyres to the trailer so that spare wheels are interchangeable between vehicle and trailer. Fitting the spacers wasn't straightforward. First, I had to have the centre hole of the spacer skimmed out, and then I had problems with threads and lengths of studs etc. but I got there in the end. The trailer won't be carrying a huge amount of weight, but I will be fitting new bearings before we set off again just to be sure. Details of all the modifications I've made are on my website http://www.a2b.uk.net

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Pete Sinclair. Botswana or Bust