Off-Road Wheels Guide: Sizes, Materials & Expert Recommendations

Off-Road Wheels Guide: Sizes, Materials & Expert Recommendations

Discover everything about off-road wheels in this comprehensive guide. We answer critical questions about wheel sizes, materials, drive systems, and wheel spacers for off-roading, with expert insights from Ningbo BRS Auto Parts Co., Ltd – China’s premier steel wheel manufacturer since 2002.

Table of Contents

Off-Road Wheel Sizes: 17″ vs 18″ vs 20″

The ideal wheel size depends on your off-road terrain:

17″ Wheels – The Off-Road Standard

  • Best for: Rock crawling, technical trails, mudding
  • Advantages: More sidewall cushioning, better impact absorption, lower cost
  • Limitations: Limited brake clearance for large calipers

Our BRS Steel 17″ wheels feature reinforced construction for extreme conditions.

18″ Wheels – The Balanced Performer

  • Best for: Mixed terrain, desert running, overlanding
  • Advantages: Good balance of sidewall height and modern styling
  • Limitations: Tire options more limited than 17″

20″ Wheels – The Controversial Choice

  • Best for: Light off-roading, fire roads, occasional trail use
  • Advantages: Improved handling on pavement, modern appearance
  • Limitations: Minimal sidewall protection, higher risk of damage

For serious off-roading, smaller wheels with more sidewall are generally preferred.

Steel vs Alloy Wheels for Off-Roading

FeatureSteel WheelsAlloy Wheels
DurabilityCan be hammered back into shape if bentLikely to crack under severe impact
WeightHeavier (better traction in some conditions)Lighter (improves acceleration)
Corrosion ResistanceRequires coating maintenanceNaturally corrosion-resistant
CostMore affordableGenerally more expensive
Best ForExtreme off-roading, rock crawlingLight to medium off-road, overlanding

Our BRS steel wheels feature a durable powder-coated finish for maximum protection.

2WD, 4WD & AWD: Which Works Best Off-Road?

4WD (4 Wheel Drive)

Best for: Serious off-roading, low-traction situations

Advantages: True off-road capability, low-range gearing

Example: TRD Off-Road models with 4WD system

AWD (All Wheel Drive)

Best for: Light trails, gravel roads, snow

Advantages: Automatic power distribution, no driver input needed

2WD (2 Wheel Drive)

Best for: Fire roads, dry conditions only

Limitations: Limited traction in challenging terrain

For serious off-roading, 4WD with proper wheels is essential.

The Truth About Wheel Spacers for Off-Road Use

Wheel spacers remain controversial in the off-road community:

Potential Benefits

  • Improved stability with wider stance
  • Prevents tire rubbing on suspension
  • Enables fitting larger tires

Significant Risks

  • Increased stress on wheel bearings
  • Potential for improper installation
  • May void vehicle warranty

Safety Note: Always use hub-centric spacers from reputable manufacturers. For most applications, wheels with proper offset are safer than spacers.

Gear, Lock, and Spoked Wheels Explained

Beadlock Wheels

Mechanically clamp tire beads to prevent de-seating at low pressures. Essential for serious rock crawling.

Spoked Wheels

Traditional design that flexes to absorb impacts. Lighter but requires more maintenance. Excellent for motorcycles.

Gear Off-Road Wheels

Brand known for durable alloy wheels. Popular for Jeeps and trucks. Offer good balance of strength and weight savings.

Our BRS steel wheels are heat-treated for maximum durability.

How to Choose the Best Off-Road Wheels

Follow this decision framework:

  1. Assess Your Terrain: Rock crawling requires different wheels than desert running
  2. Consider Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles need stronger wheels
  3. Determine Size Needs: Smaller wheels (15″-17″) for technical terrain
  4. Material Choice: Steel for extreme durability, alloy for weight savings
  5. Check Backspacing: Proper clearance for suspension and brakes

Use our off-road wheel selector guide for personalized recommendations.

Off-Road Wheel Maintenance & Cleaning

Proper care extends wheel life after off-road adventures:

Cleaning Road Grime and Tar

  1. Rinse with water to remove loose dirt
  2. Apply specialized wheel cleaner
  3. Use soft brush for intricate areas
  4. Rinse thoroughly and dry

Removing Road Paint

  • Use clay bar for fresh paint
  • Try bug and tar remover for stubborn spots
  • Consider professional detailing for severe cases

Our cleaning guide has detailed maintenance instructions.

Premium Off-Road Wheel Recommendations

BRS TrailMaster Steel Wheels

  • 15″, 16″, 17″ sizes available
  • Reinforced steel construction
  • Powder-coated matte black finish
  • Perfect for rock crawling and overlanding

BRS DesertRunner Alloy Wheels

  • 17″ and 18″ lightweight designs
  • Forged aluminum construction
  • Improved heat dissipation
  • Ideal for high-speed desert running

BRS Heavy-Duty Beadlock Wheels

  • True mechanical beadlock system
  • Military-grade steel construction
  • Available in 17″ only
  • For extreme rock crawling

Explore our full off-road wheel catalog.

Off-Road Wheel Q&A with BRS Engineers

Can I use 20″ wheels for serious off-roading?

While possible, we don’t recommend 20″ wheels for technical terrain. The minimal sidewall height increases risk of damage and reduces traction at lower pressures.

Are wheel spacers safe for off-roading?

Quality hub-centric spacers can be safe when properly installed and torqued. However, wheels with correct offset are always preferable for maximum safety.

Is 2WD sufficient for off-roading?

2WD can handle light trails but lacks the traction needed for challenging terrain. For serious off-roading, 4WD with locking differentials is essential.

How often should I inspect off-road wheels?

After every significant off-road trip, inspect for bends, cracks, or bead damage. Check torque specs before each outing.

Consult Our Off-Road Specialists

Ningbo BRS Auto Parts Co., Ltd has manufactured premium off-road wheels since 2002. Our 100,000m² facility features advanced production technology and rigorous testing protocols.

Contact our off-road experts:

  • Email: offroad@brsrim.com
  • Phone: +86-574-1234-5678
  • WhatsApp: +86-135-1234-5678
  • Factory: Ningbo Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang, China

Request a custom wheel quote for your specific off-road needs.