Hub-Centric vs. Lug-Centric: Why Cheap Wheel Spacers Are Dangerous on a RAM 1500
Share
You want your 2009–2018 RAM 1500 to have a wider stance.
Maybe you’re rubbing your control arms with new 35-inch tires, or maybe you just hate how tucked-in the factory wheels look.
You see spacers on eBay for $40. Then you see high-end spacers (like BORA or Titan) for $200.
Why the price difference? It’s all about the Center Bore.
The RAM 1500 uses a 77.8mm hub lip to center the wheel and carry the truck's weight.
- Hub-Centric Spacers: Have a machined 77.8mm hole that fits tight. The weight rests on the hub. Safe.
- Lug-Centric Spacers: Have a generic, large hole. The weight rests entirely on the wheel studs. Dangerous.
If you tow or off-road with lug-centric spacers, you risk shearing your studs off.
In this guide, we explain the physics of wheel spacers and show you how to check if your factory wheels have the "pockets" needed for a bolt-on installation.
Compare Spacer Types
Safe Stance or Risky Business?
|
Spacer Type |
Bore Size |
Safety Level |
Best For |
|
Hub-Centric (BORA/Titan) |
77.8mm. Fits RAM hub perfectly. |
High. (OEM Standard). |
Daily Driving / Towing. Eliminates vibration. |
|
Lug-Centric (Generic) |
Universal. (Too big). |
Low. (Vibration risk). |
Avoid. Puts shear load on studs. |
|
Slip-On (Thin) |
Variable. (1/4" or 1/2"). |
Low. (Shortens stud thread). |
Minor Clearance. Only use if you have extended studs. |
|
1.5" Thickness |
N/A. |
Medium. (Check studs). |
Stock Wheels. Converting +19mm offset to -19mm. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Wheel Spacers)
Are wheel spacers safe for towing?
Yes, IF they are Hub-Centric and installed correctly.
High-quality spacers are made from the same aluminum as alloy wheels and use high-grade steel studs. The danger comes from buying cheap "universal" spacers that don't center on the hub, causing the wheel to wobble and snap studs. If you buy a Hub-Centric (77.8mm) spacer and torque it to spec, it is as safe as an offset wheel.
Will I have to cut my factory wheel studs?
Possibly.
If you install a 1.5-inch spacer, the factory studs (which are about 1.5–1.6 inches long) might poke through the spacer surface by a tiny amount.
- Scenario A: Your wheels have "pockets" (empty space) on the mounting pad between the holes. No trimming needed.
- Scenario B: Your wheels have a solid flat mounting pad. You must trim the tips of the factory studs so the wheel sits flush.
What size spacer do I need to fit 35s on stock wheels?
We recommend 1.5-inch spacers.
Stock RAM 20-inch wheels have a +19mm offset. Adding a 1.5-inch (38mm) spacer changes the effective offset to roughly -19mm. This pushes the tire far enough away to clear the Upper Control Arm (UCA) but keeps the tread mostly under the fender flares.
Get the stance. Keep the safety.
Use verified Hub-Centric spacers to fix your rub. Shop our collection of 2009–2018 RAM 1500 Wheel Spacers.