Rock ‘n Roll: Put Your Best Foot Forward (Spring 2016)

Your vehicle might have the best suspension system available but the setup as a whole won’t come together without the right set of wheels. Choosing a look and style that blends seamlessly with the overall purpose of your rig is key, so we encourage you to consider multiple options before selecting your next set.

Sure, researching and sifting through the seemingly incalculable number of designs, finishes, sizes, materials and brands can be daunting, but don’t worry—we’ve already dug around and gathered a handful of no-nonsense wheels for your consideration. Whether you’ll find your future set in this collection or on your own, here’s some inspiration. Happy trail crushing.

ICON ALLOY SHIELD

ICON Vehicle Dynamics has introduced a brand new wheel focused on true off-road performance. In fact, the aluminum Shield is the first Icon wheel offering to the off-road market. If you know firsthand of Icon’s quality suspension products, then you know you can expect that same quality with this wheel. Toyota and Jeep owners will rejoice at the backspace options that have been specifically targeted to better fit their vehicles – an ideal wheel position allows the suspension and steering systems to operate at their full potential. Additionally, the wheels have been designed to maximize caliper clearance. We’re calling it now—the Shield will soon set a new standard of what to expect from off-road wheels. Finish options include black and black/machined, and available wheel sizes are 17×8.5-inch and 20×9-inch.

V-ROCK OFFROAD VR10 RECOIL

New for 2016 is the VR10 Recoil wheel from V-Rock Offroad. This version is just a tad bit smaller than the previously released VR10X Recoil X (available in 20×12-inch and 22×12-inch sizes) but features the same design highlights. The important difference between this VR10 Recoil wheel and its bigger brother “X” version is that this smaller offering can mount up to a stock or slightly lifted suspension without the need for extensive mods to make it fit. This is huge if you want the aggressive style of a wheel like this without having to spend a fortune on parts just to make it fit. And in case you do happen to have a heavily altered suspension underneath your truck, you know you have options in the “X” edition. Wheel diameters range from 17-20 inches.

VISION WHEEL 181 HAULER DUALIE

Some wheels are made for those who are only attracted to the shiny things in life while others are crafted for guys addicted to dirt. These 181 Hauler Dualie units from Vision Wheel definitely fall into the latter category. These bad boys are part of Vision’s HD Series and have been designed and fabricated with the working class truck in mind. Made from aluminum, the 181 Hauler Dualie wheel comes in chrome or with a matte black finish. Sizes available are 16×6-inch (with a 3,650-lb. load rating); 17×6.5-inch (3,650 lbs.) and 19×6.75-inch (4,300 lbs.) to handle any job you throw at them.

AMERICAN FORCE TURBINE SS5

Not all wheels are built the same – particularly in the case of the Turbine SS5 by American Force. It can be completely built to order with custom offsets, backspacing specs and lip options (up to 8.6 inches). These forged wheels are constructed of 6061 aluminum and definitely aren’t for the mild at heart. Wheel diameter options range from 20-26 inches, and they can be built in a variety of widths to suit your needs to a T. Nothing beats rolling on a set of wheels that have been specifically tailored to your truck.

LRG SANDMAN

The Sandman 103 is a new 12-spoke design from LRG Rims. It aligns with the slick style and aesthetics of the company’s other wheel offerings, making the Sandman that much more recognizable on and off the road. It features a black/milled finish with highlighted ribs and simulated rivet heads along the rim to help set it apart from the pack. For those looking for a brighter appearance, a chrome version is also an option. LRG backs its wheels with a lifetime structural warranty as well as a 2-year warranty on the finish, which is always comforting to know you have, especially when subjecting them to the harsh environment of dirt, mud and muck. Available diameters range from 17-22 inches.

RACELINE BEADLOCK WHEELS

Most people associate the Raceline name with big, beautiful billet wheels used in the hot rod scene, and for good reason—they’re gorgeous hunks of metal. But it’s Raceline’s beadlocks that have truly captured our attention. These babies are some of the strongest beads on the market, and they’ve been designed and constructed to take on off-road desert racing and excel in professional rock crawling. Whether you’re into competing, or if you just like to have a good time while subjecting your truck to mild-to-heavy trail abuse, you can rest assured there will rarely be a path (or lack thereof) you won’t be able to conquer. Raceline offers these wheels in stamped steel, cast aluminum and race-spec forged aluminum models for the serious driver. Available diameters range from 17-20 inches.

DV8 OFFROAD 882B WHEEL

If you’re a true off-roader, you know that true-off-road conditions call for beadlock wheels. You don’t want to find yourself stuck without the option of adjusting tire pressure to ascend over rocky terrain and other obstacles. DV8 Offroad understands this, which is why it has partnered with Rev Wheel to produce this new wheel design. Made of high-grade aluminum, the 882B is available in either a black/machined or a black/polished finish and is made for 5, 6 and 8-lug applications. Wheel diameters for each application are 17×8.5-inch and 20×9.5-inch. Beat the trails with confidence and rugged style.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the Fall 2016 print issue of Tread Magazine.