Are Wheel Spacers Safe? The Truth About Hub-Centric vs. Lug-Centric for F-150s
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Mention "Wheel Spacers" on any F-150 forum, and you will start a war.
Half the people will tell you they’ve run them for 50,000 miles with zero issues.
The other half will tell you your wheels are going to fly off on the highway.
So, who is right?
Actually, both of them are. Wheel spacers are perfectly safe—until you buy the wrong ones.
The market is flooded with cheap, "universal fit" spacers that place all the weight of your truck on the wheel studs. These are the ones that fail.
To safely widen the stance of your 2015–2020 F-150, you need Hub-Centric spacers.
In this guide, we explain the physics behind safe spacers, the "87.1mm Rule" you must follow, and the critical installation step (checking for stud protrusion) that prevents catastrophic failure.
Compare Spacer Types
Why "Universal" Spacers are Dangerous
|
Feature |
Hub-Centric (What We Sell) |
Lug-Centric (Cheap/Universal) |
|
Fitment |
Tight. Machined to 87.1mm bore. |
Loose. Large hole fits many trucks. |
|
Weight Load |
On the Hub. Strongest connection. |
On the Studs. High risk of snapping. |
|
Vibration |
None. Perfectly centered. |
High. Hard to center perfectly. |
|
Material |
6061-T6 Billet Aluminum. |
Cast Aluminum. Porous/Brittle. |
|
Safety |
High. Safe for towing/off-road. |
Low. Street use only (if that). |
Frequently Asked Questions (Wheel Spacers)
Are wheel spacers safe for towing?
Yes, IF they are Hub-Centric and torqued correctly. High-quality spacers made from 6061-T6 aluminum (like BORA) are stronger than the alloy wheel itself. The danger comes from buying cheap, cast aluminum "universal" spacers that leave a gap around the hub. We only sell hub-centric spacers rated for truck use.
Do I have to cut my factory studs?
It depends on the spacer thickness and your wheels.
- If your factory studs are longer than the spacer is thick, they will protrude.
- Check the back of your wheel. Does it have empty "pockets" between the lug holes? If yes, the protruding stud can hide in there.
- If your wheel is flat on the back (no pockets), you MUST trim the factory studs so they don't hit the wheel. Failing to do this will cause the wheel to fall off.
What size spacer do I need to be flush?
On a stock 2015-2020 F-150 with factory fender flares:
- 1.25-Inch to 1.5-Inch usually brings the tire perfectly flush with the fender.
- 2.0-Inch usually provides a slight "poke" (tire sticking out ~0.5 inch).
Get the stance. Keep the cash.
Push your wheels out safely with Billet Aluminum spacers. Shop our verified collection of 2015–2020 F-150 Hub-Centric Spacers.