If you’re planning to replace your RZR’s wheels with 5 2 offset RZR wheels, there are multiple factors you must consider first. This includes the original size of your wheels, the model of your RZR, and the backspacing among others.
Choosing the wrong set of wheels can severely hinder your side-by-side’s performance. The wrong wheels can also cause the vehicle to roll or tip over, especially if they’re too tall or too small.
This comprehensive guide of 5 2 offset RZR wheels aims to help you choose the right wheel size for your RZR. Is 5+2 the right offset size for you? Let’s find out!
What Are 5 2 Offset RZR Wheels?
5+2 offset RZR wheels, also known as 38 mm offset wheels, are motor wheels that stick out roughly two inches from the mounting plate to the outer bead, and approximately five inches from the back or inner bead to the mounting plate.
5+2 offset RZR wheels influence the performance of your machine in various ways.
For one, the perimeter of your vehicle will receive a higher degree of clearance. This not only helps you drive your RZR through tighter trails but also creates a better fender clearance.
And since 5+2 offsets add to the stance of the original wheels, the vehicle’s center of gravity will be lowered, resulting in better stability.
5+4 offsets also give you better control and a tighter grip when driving rough or uneven terrain.
Important Notes Before Getting a Wheel Offset
5+4 offset wheels contribute to a vehicle’s sporty look without changing much of its original feel. But before you go replacing your old wheels, there are several important notes to keep in mind.
Firstly, the diameter of both the tire and the wheel assembly must remain as close to the original as possible. If it doesn’t match, you might damage the vehicle’s odometer and speedometer settings.
Next, if the balance wheels are larger than the original wheels, you need to downside the profile of the new tires to keep the same diameter and vice versa. The new wheels must also be proportionate to the weight of the side-by-side. This process is aptly dubbed “minus-one” sizing or “plus-one” sizing.
What Happens If You Install the Wrong Offset?
Installing the wrong offset to your vehicle can not only damage the suspension of your machine but also pose a real hazard to your safety.
Too much negative offset will cause the new wheel to sit too far inside the wheel well, forcing the inner edge of both the tire and the wheel to grind against the suspension. This will likely damage the inner flange of the wheel and also rip the sidewall of the tire.
With enough wear and tear, the new wheel might blow. You may lose much of the rear-wheel traction, as well, which greatly affects the sensitivity of the vehicle.
On the other hand, too much position offset will push the wheel towards the suspension. This has the potential damages the tires and affect the control of the vehicle, making it difficult to stir.
Ideally, the new offset shouldn’t be more than five millimeters away from the original machine’s offset to prevent this issue
How to Measure Offset Wheels
In some cases, the printed digits on offset wheels are difficult to read or decode. So if you’re unsure of the measurement, don’t worry; it’s fairly easy to figure out.
The term “offset” describes the space between the hub flange to the middle of the wheel, specifically between the mounting beads. But since you can’t measure the beads while the tire’s on the wheel, you’ll have to measure the offset from the tire’s side.
Here’s how:
- Place the wheel assembly on the ground and position a straight edge along with the tire.
- Calculate the centerline of the wheel by measuring the space from the straight edge to the floor and dividing the given result by two. If the resulting number is smaller than the measurement of the side-by-side’s hub, the offset is positive. If it’s larger, the offset is negative.
- Using the same straight edge, measure the hub flange. Deduct the lesser number from the bigger number to give you the offset wheel size. Again, if the centerline is less than the given hub measurement, this is a positive offset and vice versa.
Factors to Consider When Buying 5 2 Offset RZR Wheels
When buying 5 + 2 offset RZR wheels, there are three main things to remember.
First thing’s first: if the 5 + 2 Offset RZR Wheels are about the same width as the old wheels, the new offset should be within five millimeters of the old offset in both directions.
If the new offset is substantially different from the old offset, stick with a negative offset or a reduced positive offset. This ensures that your new offset doesn’t rub against the brakes, suspension, or vehicle body.
For wider wheels, make sure to calculate the backspacing first. Doing so helps you determine if the 5 + 2 Offset RZR Wheels are suited for your side-by-side. It also allows you to compare the offset and the backspace of the wheels to the base wheel.
Backspacing is the combination of the offset and with of the wheel. Use this formula to calculate the backspacing:
- Backspace = (Rim’s Tire Width + 1)/2 + (Offset / 25.4)
If you’re not big on numbers (like me), you can pull up an online calculator that will do the calculating for you. You just need to measure the tire’s width and offset.
Conclusion
5+2 offset RZR wheels add a higher degree of clearance around the perimeter of your vehicle. They also improve the stability of your side-by-side thanks to their wide stance.
Before replacing your vehicle’s wheels with 5+2 offsets, you need to ensure there’s proper spacing in the vehicle’s original offset and backspacing. You can measure the offset with the formula above. Without the right offset, you’re risking premature tire wear, suspension damage, and maybe even injury.