So you’ve done all of the upgrades and you think your ride is ready to tackle that next off-road challenge. But wait, what have you done to your wheels?
The best off road wheels are going to provide you with the best performance while tackling those obstacles. But if you use your ride to commute to work, you’ll want them to look good too.
Use this guide to help you select the right wheels for your needs.
Choose Your Metal
Start talking to fellow enthusiasts and you will hear a common point of debate, aluminum or steel? Steel wheels are more common, but there is the extra weight to consider.
When you choose steel you are going to sacrifice mpg. If you want to use your vehicle for both daily driving and off-roading, these might be the wisest choice.
Aluminum wheels are going to be stronger, weigh less, and resist corroding. If you need wheels that are going to look good and perform in a variety of situations, these are a smart choice.
Choosing Your Wheels
As you read through the list of the best wheels for off-roading, there are a few things to keep in mind. While these wheels are the best, you’ll want to make sure they are the best for your vehicle.
A good general rule is to choose a wheel size that is half the diameter of the tires you intend to use. So 17-inch rims on 35s, or 15s on 30s.
Doing this will keep your sidewall tall for absorbing bumps and flexing over large obstacles. It will also keep the sidewall small enough that the tire isn’t all over the place and will run well on the road.
OEM
Often times the vehicle manufacturer knows that future owners want to take them off-road. A perfect example of this are Jeep wheels.
Jeeps are known for being ideal off-road vehicles so their wheels both look great and perform well. You can buy brand new take-off wheels for an affordable price.
If you can’t find the original OEM wheels you want, another option is replica aftermarket production wheels. They aren’t from the manufacturer, but they are still a quality wheel option.
American Racing AR172 Baja
These wheels aren’t pretty, but they are a solid cast aluminum making them perfect for the trail. You have your choice of a satin black or polished finish.
They come in 5 and 6 bolt patterns with your choice of 15, 16, or 17-inch diameters. This makes them the perfect size to pair with those off-roading tires.
XD Series XD820 Grenade
If you want a set of wheels that turn heads while on the street and can perform off-road, the XD820 Granade are the wheels for you. The sleek black 8 spoke mesh gives your off-road ride a more street style inspired look.
Don’t like black? You have 10 different color combinations and finishes to choose from.
The best part is the wide range of sizes they come in. You have your choice of 16, 17, 18, 20, and 22 inches. They are a cast aluminum making them both lightweight and durable.
Method Grid Wheels
These wheels are some of the best as they are super lightweight but offer a high level of structural integrity thanks to their one-piece cast design.
They also have a street-loc lip with an undercut. This simulates a beadlock to help keep your tire on the wheel.
Another great feature is your choice of 5 or 6 lug and 8 lug patterns. The 8 lug wheels are rated for a load of 3,640 pounds.
Moto Metal
Moto metal wheels are designed for the off-roading enthusiast who wants to look good while they conquer that next hill. Their cast aluminum wheels come in larger sizes starting at 17 inches and going all the way up to 24 inches.
These larger wheel sizes are perfect for those owners who have lifted their truck. That lifted truck body will look good with a larger tire profile. So using our math from earlier, a 24-inch tire will accommodate a 48-inch tire.
They all feature a spoke pattern with exposed lugs circling the center cap. You do get a few options for finishes though, gloss black, satin black, or chrome.
Fuel One Piece Vapor
These wheels have a tough look to them with the flat black finish and rugged six spoke design. They don’t just look tough though, they are durable cast aluminum.
They will work well for a variety of owners as they come in multiple bolt patterns, sizes, and offsets. The best part about these wheels is that they come from a company known for quality products.
Pro Comp Black 51 Series Wheels
For those looking for a steel option, the Pro Comp 51 Series Wheels are the ideal choice. These wheels were designed with rock climbing in mind.
These wheels have reinforced welding, high tightening tolerances, and a sleek black powder coated finish. The only downside is the sizing is limited to 15 inches with a 5 lug bolt pattern.
Buy the Best off Road Wheels
The best off road wheels are going to be of strong construction to withstand any challenge you put them through while out on the trail. If you plan to drive on the highway too then you’ll also want your wheels to look good.
Now all that’s left is for you to find our wheels specs and start comparing them to the best. Once you find a compatible set, you’re ready to upgrade the wheels on your ride.
Things break when you go off-road, make sure you have your auto repair manual so you can get back out there!