A high-offset belt tensioner has a base having a pivot tube that defines a first axis of rotation, an arm having a pivot tube-receiving body rotatably seated over the pivot tube and having a pulley pivot tube that defines a second axis of rotation. A torsion spring is seated around an exterior surface of the pivot tube-receiving body with a first spring end attached to the base and a second spring end oriented and seated in the pulley pivot tube. A pulley is seated on the pulley pivot tube and rotatable thereabout. A dust cover is seated on the pulley pivot tube juxtaposed to the pulley and a first end of the pivot tube is deformed toward the dust cover to retain the pulley without the use of a pulley bolt.