Off-roading has come a long way over the last few decades. It has become more than a passing fancy of people who own high-end SUVs; nowadays, off-roading is a way of life for many.
When you have the best off road wheels, your adventures over even the most inhospitable of terrains become memorable!
Off-road driving is a critical test of not merely the vehicle you are driving but also your skills as the person holding the steering. You require practice, patience, the right vehicle, proper tires, and excellent off-road rims which will not land you in trouble.
Ever.
However, if you are a relative newcomer to the world of off-roading and pushing the boundaries come what may, you will require exceptional wheels. And with so many famous brands like Fuel Wheels launching new models of off-road capable rims every year, it is essential that you know how to select the best wheels of the lot.
This is why you need to quickly go through this blog!
How do I select high-end off-road wheels?
Here are some important pointers.
- The material: All aftermarket wheels are manufactured either of steel or aluminum. Steel off-road rims were pretty popular until advancements in aluminum alloys came along and upended the market.
Steel rims are extremely durable, can withstand the worst terrains you can possibly imagine, and are relatively easy to maintain.
They are also rather inexpensive.
However, steel wheels are heavy and add a lot of extra weight to your 4×4. This single factor is a major deal-breaker since fuel savings should be on the top of your list.
Compare this with aluminum rims. These are lightweight, come in a mind-boggling array of styles and designs, and are generally regarded as durable and tough.
The latter factors gain even more credence when you purchase heavy-duty aftermarket Fuel Wheels, Enkei or Vision Wheels.
If you are going all-out in your quest to conquer untamed terrain, please consider purchasing forged aluminum rims over the cast models. You can thank us later!
- Size matters: As a first-time off-roader, you cannot leave anything to chance! It is imperative that you select off-road rims of the right sizes.
The vast majority of aftermarket rims for off-roading come in diameters of 15 to 20 inches. It is recommended that you stick to rims with diameters of 15 to 17 inches as they are perfect for most SUVs available in the United States.
These sizes are able to better handle sudden (panic) breaking without damaging the tire, are designed from high-grade aluminum (especially if you are going for branded models from Fuel Wheels and other giants), and are more responsive even on terrible and unpaved surfaces.
You will also need to select off-roading-capable tires before you go ahead and pick up a set of wheels. Some of the biggest tire manufacturers of the world- Continental, Nexen, Falken, Maxxis, Michelin and some others- have dedicated models which are designed keeping off-roading in mind.
Ideally, you should opt for either A/T (All Terrain) or M/T (Mud Terrain) tires.
These tires are specially constructed with broad tread blocks, sipes for better drainage, have a lot more rubber in their manufacturing, and will generally provide you with the grip you need on hairpin bends and treacherous surfaces!
If you are unsure of which tires are ideal for your vehicle, ask the experts at your favorite retail outlet. During our research, we got several insights from the people who manned Audio City USA, one of California’s oldest retailers of aftermarket off-road wheels and tires.
You can contact them if you desire!
- Check load ratings: All off-road capable rims have a designated maximum load rating and you should never ignore that value. Experts suggest that most modern SUVs have total mass distribution in a 60:40% ratio. What this means is that the rear wheels have to shoulder more weight than the front pair.
This makes it a bit tricky when you go off-road, especially if you are not using appropriate wheels. You will face problems in navigating and braking.
It is important that you select a set of off-road rims which have a high load rating as they will be of great help when you prepare your vehicle for some serious off-surface driving!
2 superb off-road rims available now!
We checked several models and these are the finest ones.
- Fuel FF67:
Fuel Wheels were launched in 2002 for the express purpose of harnessing technology and getting the best rims for off-roading at relatively affordable prices. The FF67 comes in several finishes but it is the chrome which catches the eye. Available in several diameters, go for Fuel’s FF67 since these are fantastic customizable wheels.
- Black Rhino Reno:
Try out these marvelous rims that are designed for top-end SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota’s Tacoma and Tundra models, and the Ford F150 Raptor. This is a Beadlock model and allows you the freedom to go easy on the tire air pressure when you are off-roading.
Always purchase high-quality off-road wheels from reputable retail outlets only. Else, you can also choose to purchase them online from their official website.