There are several qualities an off-road wheel should have that differentiate them from wheels used for other motorsports and driving styles; before we get into our top five list, let’s take a closer look at exactly what these traits are.
Dependability
First, and most importantly, is dependability. Off-roading takes you to some remote places, far removed from tire shops and tow trucks. If you have an issue on the trail, like breaking or bending a wheel beyond repair, you better hope you have a spare tire! As a result, it’s imperative to select a dependable wheel; something you can count on that isn’t likely to crack, bend, or break under the pressures of off-roading.
Common Constructions
When it comes to dependability, it’s best to pick a wheel that’s manufactured from premium alloys. The three most common constructions include cast aluminum, forged aluminum, and steel, and while we don’t prefer any one material for off-roading, they each feature unique benefits.
Steel wheels, for example, are highly durable; however, they trade this strength for heft. Steel wheels are undoubtedly the heaviest on the market, and all that unsprung weight can impact off-road performance, especially at higher speeds.
On the other hand, cast aluminum wheels are far lighter than comparable steel wheels; however, the loose grain structure of cast aluminum means that the alloy is less durable and more susceptible to cracks under extreme impacts.
Forged aluminum wheels are the best of both worlds, offering exceptional strength and low overall weight. You may be wondering what the downside is; well, check the price tag. Forged aluminum wheels are far more expensive than cast aluminum or steel, making every nick, rock rash, or bend hurt that much more.
Variable Sizing
Next on the list is variable sizing; after all, what good is a strong, lightweight, and budget-minded wheel if you can’t bolt it up to your ride? When shopping for off-road wheels, it’s best to find an option with several sizes and offsets in the lower-diameter range, allowing you to choose the wheel that best suits your setup.
Note: When selecting a size, be sure to factor in clearances on your bumpers, sliders, fenders, and suspension components.
Low Weight
As we touched on briefly before, lightweight wheels are typically preferred for off-roading, as heavier wheels add unnecessary unsprung weight that can seriously hamper off-road performance. While weight is less of a concern on low-speed wheelers like crawlers, the effects of heavy wheels will become increasingly more evident at higher speeds.
Pricing
For the most part, we’re all working off realistic budgets. Now, that figure may look different to everyone; however, as a rule of thumb, we’d recommend outfitting your off-road rig with wheels that aren’t outlandishly pricey. Price doesn’t always reflect quality; sometimes, all it reflects is how much more it’ll hurt to bend your $1,000 forged wheel than an $80 steelie!
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