P500 Reversing rear rims/tires ? Tell me how stupid this really is, please...

[SouthParkColorado]

So on a whim I reversed the tires on the rear of my 500. There are times I know I won't be doing 50" trails and I may be on sidehill trails ... Doing this swap I go from 50" to a stable 58" with 10 minutes of work. Driving it for a couple miles didn't feel weird in any way I could actually notice. So if someone can give me all the reasons this is nuts at anytime, anywhere, I'd appreciate it. And if anyone has seen a reversible rim for sale that does what I wish it could, I'd really like that! Thanks.

 

[DG Rider]

So on a whim I reversed the tires on the rear of my 500. There are times I know I won't be doing 50" trails and I may be on sidehill trails ... Doing this swap I go from 50" to a stable 58" with 10 minutes of work. Driving it for a couple miles didn't feel weird in any way I could actually notice. So if someone can give me all the reasons this is nuts at anytime, anywhere, I'd appreciate it. And if anyone has seen a reversible rim for sale that does what I wish it could, I'd really like that! Thanks.


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Isn't there a taper on the lug nut holes on one side? That's usually what centers the wheel. Check your studs/wheels often If you do this, cause I think it will chew them up eventually.

 

[NitroxDiver]

No taper on the back for the lug nuts to tighten against and the shape of the rim will not have the same contact area as the correct side. I think you will have problems keeping the wheels tight and you may damage the lug nuts or studs.

 

[lee]

Go here, look at the pictures.
Then turn the wheels back around the right way.

P500 - Offset Question

 

[SouthParkColorado]

Go here, look at the pictures.
Then turn the wheels back around the right way.

P500 - Offset Question

I saw that post before and decided my P500 wasn't a trailer. And P500 rims aren't built like low cost trailer rims..

And what happened to that fellow at highway speed is a poor example of anything, except drinking and driving. Consider me double warned..

 

[Eltobgi]

How many miles have you ran it this way so far

Also, how about a few pics showing the side and front looking back on the reversed rims.

Thanks

 

[tomcj2]

There is definitely a difference between the two sides

 

[SouthParkColorado]

There is definitely a difference between the two sidesView attachment 131911View attachment 131912

No question! It's the resulting width and the ease of swapping I like. Someone needs to get on the ball and create a flip-it-over adapter for me, ... especially me!

 

[SouthParkColorado]

How many miles have you ran it this way so far

Also, how about a few pics showing the side and front looking back on the reversed rims.

Thanks

Here's a few taken before I returned to stock/narrow config.....

 

[Eltobgi]

Here's a few taken before I returned to stock/narrow config.....


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Hell of an idea! Looks good! Keep us posted on how this works! Thanks for this pics

 

[PBishop]

If this is an option and causes no issues, you can pick up a cone shaped grinding wheel at most hardware stores. This will put your cone shape hole for you luge nut. The old VW bugs ran like this forever when I was younger.