The love for off-road vehicles (ORVs) is strong in North America, with the region accounting for roughly $6.31 billion of the global $12.37 billion ORV market size as of 2020. And with extreme off-roading getting more popular each year, we’ll only see more off-road vehicles in America in the coming years.
If you own an ORV, one of the modifications you’ll most likely make with time is swapping your off road wheels from stock to aftermarket. This mod may either be a simple cosmetic upgrade or a necessity occasioned by a new lift or aging tires.
When it comes to off-road gear and wheels, there are endless options from which to choose. Sure, a certain look may appeal to you, but the ideal wheel placement for your ORV goes beyond the surface appearance. Getting even one thing when choosing your wheels can lead to a laundry list of issues.
In today’s blog, we show you how to choose a set of wheels that’ll make off-roading an enjoyable experience for you. Let’s delve right in.
Consider Your Terrain Situation
The best way to approach tire selection is to think of the most extreme terrain the wheel will be in. Consider how you’d like the tire to perform in such a situation, especially if you expect to encounter it often.
For instance, will your off-road wheels spend most of their time on pavement, only occasionally finding themselves on muddy country roads? If that’s the case, then choosing all-terrain tires is more than enough. These tires offer sufficient grip for these conditions.
On the other hand, if your off-road wheels are almost constantly exposed to extreme terrain, only seeing pavement 20 percent of the time, then you may need a tougher set of tires. Dedicated rock crawling tires may be the ideal option for an ORV that spends much time on rocky cliffs.
Consider Tire Size
Size is another critical factor when choosing your off-road wheels. Generally, tires in the off-road world tend to be larger than those of standard vehicles. In recent years, these wheels have gotten even larger.
You may want to upsize your current tires and reap the benefits that come with that. Larger tires mean more ground clearance, which is always a good thing for off-road driving. These tires also have more sidewall, which helps your rig absorb some of the shocks that come with off-roading.
But be mindful of tire rub when going for large tires. Off-road wheels that are too big can rub against your vehicle’s body every time you turn sharply. Of course, you can avoid this situation by lifting your vehicle’s body and installing high-clearance fenders.
So, how do you tell the largest size of tires that can neatly fit your vehicle? The easiest way is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. There’s also a measurement process that can help confirm this fact.
The general rule in the automotive industry is that half-ton trucks can run 33-inch wheels without rubbing. If you step up to 35-inch tires or larger, you’ll most likely need some modification for your vehicle.
Put consideration to wheel offset while making the final decision on size. Get more info on wheel offset by clicking the link.
Check Weight Ratings
Modern ORVs can carry more weight both inside and behind than previously possible. When purchasing off-road tires, check to make sure that the wheels are load-rated to meet those weight demands.
Tire manufacturers usually list these numbers on their websites. However, you may also find a wheel’s weight rating stamped inside of the tire you’re considering.
Note that different wheel materials have different weight ratings. For the highest weight rating, choose forged wheels. That said, there are many cast-aluminum wheels that can handle modern payload demands for different types of off-roaders.
Think About Adapters and Spacers
If you don’t want to replace your current stock wheels, you may still be able to keep them. That’s made possible by the wheel spacers. A modestly-sized wheel spacer usually works fine when you torque it properly and use it correctly.
However, if you’ve chosen a set of off-road tires that have a different bolt pattern from what your vehicle has, you’ll need to purchase a set of adapters to help you use the new wheels. Pay attention to the backspacing as wheel adapters/spacers will add to it.
Check Wheel Finishes
The set of off-road wheels you choose will come in a certain finish. Popular finishes include chromed, polished, powder-coated, and painted. Each of these finishes has its strengths and drawbacks.
Consider getting powder-coated wheels for your offroader. These wheels generally require less maintenance than most other wheels. Besides, they tend to hold up impressively over time.
Of course, your powder-coated wheels will still get worse for the wear eventually. When that happens, you can still media blast them and fit them with a brand new coating. Doing so can help your wheel last a few more years.
Get It Right When Buying Off Road Wheels
For many ORV owners, getting a new set of off road wheels can seem like an information overload, especially if this is your first time doing so. There are so many details to consider, from your terrain situation to tire size to weight ratings. But with some research and education, you can make the right choices and guarantee tire satisfaction.
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