ATV Wheel Spacers Pros and Cons 2023

Every driver has a different style of modifications they intend to do with their vehicles.

Whether it concerns preferences that have to do with the beauty of the car or the vehicle’s functionality; everyone looks for something different. This goes for the ATV wheel spacers.

It is very vital that you make the right decision about ATV wheel spacers for you.

We’ve been able to gather the necessary information to help new wheel space buyers make the best decision. This article will inform you of the possible advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons), whether you want to use them or not, coupled with some life lessons you need to learn.

Why should I use ATV wheel spacers?

The ATV (All Terrain Vehicles) uses wheel spacers to adjust the spacing of the wheel. There are some options for wheel spacers, with some having different width capacities to increase the spacing to varying degrees.

The average thickness range that you go for is between half an inch to about three inches; this also means that you can elevate track width to close to 6 inches.

Most persons prefer to use the ATV for several reasons, from high stability to aesthetic purposes.

The main purpose of the spacers is to change the ATV’s wheel spacers, so it will give it a better clearance and broader stance inside the wheel wells.

Let’s find out various riding conditions that would be of benefit to having the wheel spacers installed. If you are sure that you need wheel spacers; these pros will tell you how to select and also install them.

Pros of the ATV Wheel Spacers

More Clearance for Installing the Tire Chains

Having clearance problems when you want to install tire chains is a common reason for getting wheel spacers. It is the major reason why people get a set of spacers for their ATVs.

Most ATVs are not designed to be used with chains. So when you want to install them, you might encounter issues with the chains and it might damage some components on the ATV.

Your front wheels will be the most affected because they turn. You also have the inner fenders, brake lines, and suspension parts that may also not agree with the chains. The back wheels usually have enough space because they don’t turn and you can apply the thumb rule stating clearance is proper clearance.

But even for the rear wheels, you can discover that the chains come in contact with the muffler or any component close to the wheel.

Placing a set of wheel spacers is meant to give your wheels the appropriate clearance you need.

You might need 1-2 inches thick spacers. Sometimes, the best way to find out the right wheel spacers you need is to use the chain with the stock wheels and calculate the clearance you need.

We recommend that you go for about 1-inch clearance all around your tires.

Higher Stability on Rough Terrain or Steep Slopes

When the winter is over, it won’t be possible to easily drive on some terrains with steep slopes where you need to keep at a certain speed in order to climb. Climbing on a steep hill can cause a lot of things to go wrong. You can hit a rock, bum, or even flip your ATV to its sides.

Without your wheel spacers, your ATV can’t stand there for a long period, it can begin to roll down the hill.

This happens to a lot of people. Another benefit of the spacers is when you are engaged in some low-speed technical drive on bumpy terrain. You have to know that a wider wheel gives you higher stability in extreme road conditions.

High Safety

We’ve established that stability is guaranteed, and this means that you will have a safer ride.

Wheel spacers might not all come cheap, but they are very functional. Instead of getting a new set of rims, spacers are an affordable option to solve your problem anytime you have clearance issues.

Improves Aesthetics

Although this is a personal preference, almost everyone would agree that wheel spacers actually add to the beauty of your ATV. There are riders that prefer an aggressive look when increasing the wheel stance of the bike.

Works Great on Paved Roads

In some areas, when you drive at high speed on paved roads with an ATV, there’s a chance that the machine can flip due to traction and track width. When you have the wheel spacers in there, you will feel more stable, even during turns.

There is a significant difference when riding without spacers and with spacers. But on gravel terrains, you might not need them. Some ATVs are made to withstand sharp curves.

More Clearance when Installing Big Tires

Trying to install bigger or wider tires on the ATV is more challenging when you don’t have enough room to work. You might run into various obstacles during installation.

One of the ways to solve this problem is to get new rims, but if you want to stick with your old one and save cost, simply buy wheel spacers. So your new wheels can fit appropriately.

Cons of the ATV Wheel spacers

Numerous benefits are tied to installing new wheel spacers on your ATV, but there are some downsides you need to know as well. Getting just the right spacers will really help you save money.

ATV Becomes Harder to Steer

The reason for this is quite simple. When driving, the wheel’s center is aligned with the pivot point in the ball joints. When you turn the steering, the wheels also rotate.

But when you have the spacers installed, you won’t rotate just the wheel. You are moving the wheel spacers back and forth also; forcing it to swing.

The strain in your power terrain and excess movement can lead to early damage. Even bikes with power steering will find it tough with the spacers installed.

Increases Wear On Suspension and Drivetrain

Driving your tires away from your axles will increase the strain on your wheel bearings, axles, ball joints, and any other component of your bike’s suspension and drivetrain. The more you offset the wheels, the more momentum you get. This works for both the offset rims and spacers too.

This is why it is important that you get the spacers that would give you the right amount of clearance you need. If you do that, you don’t have to worry about wear or tear.

ATVs Becomes Very Wide

With an increase in the AT stance, you might not fit so well in the ruts on muddy terrains where others would ride stock.

Your wheels will most likely brush off the track edges and on the rocks where the others are going to fit. This will make it very difficult for you to drive your ATV, and you might end up damaging your wheels.

ATVs might not Fit all Trailers and Truck Beds

Ensure that your truck or trailer has enough room for a wider ATV. Most people ignore this point when they want to install their wheel spacers. You must get the measurement right before you buy any spacer. 

Wrap-up

Buying a wheel spacer for your ATV is definitely worth it when you intend to widen the machine to accommodate bigger tires or wheels.

You can avoid most of the downsides when you get the correct spacer that your ATV should have. You should always feel very stable when driving on any terrain and that’s what the wheel spacers offer.