Rims & Tires For Trucks & SUVs (Offroad Edition)
- Trident Motorsports
- Jan 8
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Austin's #1 OffRoad / 4x4 Shop
Looking for rims for luxury & sports cars? Click here
Want to upgrade your rims but not sure where to start? Achieving the right combination of wheel size, tire size and offset can be tricky, even for an automotive enthusiast. This guide is designed to help you achieve the correct fitment, aesthetics and functionality to meet your needs. Have questions? Need advice? Request-A-Quote to have one of our automotive customization experts contact you to help guide you through this process.
Contents
Top Offroad Wheel Brands
With so many brands to consider, here are a few of our most recommended brands at each price point. Use this as a starting point, but if you can't find something that meets your specifications, feel free to reach out. Our wheel & tire experts are happy to discuss your options and answer any questions.
Pro Tip: Fuel Offroad is our top choice for truck and SUV wheels. Fuel offers a huge variety of wheels, from aggressive off-road styles to classic looks. If you're not sure where to start, Fuel is a great option—they have something for almost everyone.
For luxury and sports cars, we recommend Vossen. Vossen offers both an in-stock hybrid-forged series, as well as custom-made forged wheels. Vossen is renowned for their precision engineering and sleek, timeless designs.
Table: Offroad Wheel Brand Comparison
(scroll right to view more)
Brand (click logo to visit) |  Fuel Off-road Staff Favorite |  Raceline |  Method Race Wheels |  Black Rhino |  TIS Wheels |  Hostile |  Ferrada (FTR Series) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Price | $$ - $$$ | $ - $$ | $$ | $$ - $$$ | $$ - $$$ | $$ - $$$ | $$$$ |
Application | Urban Offroading | Urban Racing (Track) Racing (Offroad) Offroading | Urban Racing (Track) Racing (Offroad) | Urban Offroading | Urban Offroading | Urban Offroading | Urban Luxury |
Styles | Rugged, customizable finishes (e.g., powder-coated black, chrome) | Classic and rugged designs; beadlock options. | Performance-oriented designs (e.g., I-Beam spoke structure); beadlock & beadgrip options. | Aggressive, military-inspired designs | Versatile styles (e.g., machined finishes) | Bold and distinctive designs (e.g., matte black, chrome) | Concave profiles with flow-formed construction for durability and aesthetics |
Features | High durability with lightweight aluminum construction; options for dually trucks. | Affordable options with strong construction; suitable for various terrains. | Lightweight and strong; optimized for reduced rotational inertia. | Available in multiple sizes and bolt patterns; corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. | Adaptable to urban and offroad terrains; premium alloy construction. | Scratch-resistant finishes; aggressive look for trucks and SUVs. | Lightweight yet robust; performance-inspired design for high-end vehicles. |
Manufacturing & Construction | Cast (1-Piece) Cast (2-Piece) Fusion Forged Forged | Cast (1-Piece) | Cast (1-Piece) Flow Formed Forged | Cast (1-Piece) Flow Formed Forged | Cast (1-Piece) | Cast (1-Piece) Forged | Cast (1-Piece) Cast (2-Piece) Hybrid Forged Forged |
Warranty |
Recommended Tires
Pro Tip: The Nitto Ridge Grappler is a top choice for truck and SUV owners This hybrid tire blends the aggressive traction of a mud-terrain tire with the comfort and quiet ride of an all-terrain tire, making it ideal for drivers who spend about 75% of their time on the highway and 25% off-road. Its advanced tread design delivers a smooth, quiet ride on pavement while providing confident grip and durability on challenging terrain. With proper rotations and maintenance, many customers report a life span of 60k - 70k miles, sometimes more.
Brand (click image to visit) |  Nitto |  Fury |  Toyo | ![P Zero [series] Pirelli](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c182f4_6cd8daac769646c38e0f4c171a691fe3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_500,h_561,al_c,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/c182f4_6cd8daac769646c38e0f4c171a691fe3~mv2.jpg) Rough Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Price | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ |
Models | Country Hunter AT All Terrain Tire Country Hunter MTII Hyrbid Tire Country Hunter MTI Mud Tire | Open Country M/T Mud Tire Open Country R/T Hybrid Tire Open Country AT II All Terrain Tire | Dual Sidewall Mud Tire Overlander All Terrain Tire |
Bolt Patterns & Lug Sizes
When browsing new wheels for your ride, the first obstacle is determining your vehicle's bolt pattern. Before you fall in love with a particular style of wheel, know your bolt pattern and check to make sure your prospective set of wheels is available in that pattern. If you don't already know your vehicle's bolt pattern and lug sizes, check your owner's manual or online references such as wheel-size.com (not vetted by this site).
Once you've determined your correct lug size, our preferred brand of lug nuts and wheel installation kits is Gorilla. For sizes not offered by Gorilla, we also recommend checking out Rough Country. Note that many luxury wheel brands will offer their own lug nuts/bolts or wheel installation kits.
Manufacturing Processes
Wheel manufacturing processes vary widely, offering different combinations of strength, weight, cost, and customization. Here's an overview:
Cast Wheels
These are made by pouring molten aluminum alloy into a mold, followed by trimming and drilling. Cast wheels are affordable and quick to produce but can have air pockets that reduce structural integrity and make them heavier than other options.
Hybrid-Forged Wheels
A combination of casting and rotary forging (flow forming), this process starts with a cast wheel that is subjected to additional compression and stretching to improve strength and reduce weight. Hybrid-forged wheels balance affordability with enhanced performance.
Flow-Forged Wheels
Essentially the same process as hybrid-forged wheels but often marketed under a different name. The barrel is cast and then flow-formed to increase strength and reduce weight. These wheels are stronger than standard cast wheels but not as robust as fully forged options.
Fusion-Forged Wheels
Fusion-forged wheels combine a forged aluminum barrel with a cast face, joined using advanced welding techniques. This hybrid construction allows for intricate designs while maintaining the strength and weight advantages of forging.
Forged Wheels
The pinnacle of wheel manufacturing, forged wheels are created from a solid block of alloy (billet) subjected to intense heat and pressure. CNC milling refines the design, resulting in lightweight, strong wheels with superior performance—but at a premium cost.
Manufacturing Type | Process | Cost | Strength & Durability | Weight | Customization Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cast Wheels | Molten aluminum alloy poured into a mold; trimmed and drilled | $$$$$ - $$$$$ | Low | Heavy | Limited |
Hybrid-Forged Wheels | Cast wheel strengthened via rotary forging (flow forming) | $$$$$ | Moderate | Moderate | Limited |
Flow-Forged Wheels | Similar to hybrid-forged; barrel compressed under high pressure | $$$$$ | Moderate | Moderate | Limited |
Fusion-Forged Wheels | Forged barrel fused with cast face using advanced welding techniques | $$$$$ | High | Moderate | High |
Forged Wheels | Solid alloy block heated, pressed, and CNC milled for precision | $$$$$ | Very High | Very Light | High |
1 Piece vs. 2 Piece Wheels
Wheels can be categorized into 1-piece and 2-piece designs, each offering unique benefits based on their construction.
1-Piece Wheels
1-piece wheels are made from a single unit of alloy, combining the face (center and spokes) and barrel (rim) into one cohesive structure. These wheels are mass-produced, affordable, and readily available, making them a practical choice for most drivers.
2-Piece Wheels
2-piece wheels consist of a separate face and barrel joined together by bolts or welding. This design allows for greater customization in terms of finishes, sizes, and offsets, but it comes with longer lead times and a higher price tag due to the bespoke manufacturing process.
Wheel Type | Construction | Cost | Customization Options | Availability | Design Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1-Piece | Single unit combining face and barrel | Affordable | Limited | Typically mass produced and stocked | Simple |
2-Piece | Separate face and barrel joined by bolts or welding | Premium | Extensive (sizes, finishes) | Typically made-to-order | Intricate |
Offset & Backspacing
Offset and backspacing are two methods used to describe the position of a wheel's mounting surface relative to its centerline or inner edge. These measurements are critical for determining how far a wheel will sit inside or outside the wheel well, affecting both the vehicle's appearance and functionality.
Offset
Offset is is the most commonly used metric today. It is measured in millimeters from the centerline of the wheel to the wheel's mounting pad and is categorized as negative, zero, or positive.
Zero Offset: The mounting surface is perfectly in line with the centerline of the wheel.
Positive Offset: The mounting surface is towards the back (inner side) of the wheel. This brings the wheel more inward of the wheel well
Negative Offset: The mounting surface is towards the front (outer side) of the wheel. This pushes the wheel further outward of the wheel well, creating what is considered a more "aggressive" stance.
Backspacing
Backspacing, on the other hand, measures the distance in inches from the inner edge of the wheel to the mounting surface. While backspacing is less prevalent today, it may still be referenced by some suspension kit manufacturers.
Hub Centric vs. Lug Centric Wheels
The distinction between hub centric and lug centric wheels lies in how the wheel is centered on the vehicle's hub.
Hub Centric Wheels
Hub centric wheels are designed with a center bore that perfectly matches the vehicle's wheel hub, ensuring precise alignment and a snug fit. These are typically found on factory wheels, as they are specifically engineered for the vehicle’s make, model, and year (YMM).
Lug Centric Wheels
Lug centric wheels rely on the lug holes to center the wheel on the hub. Most aftermarket wheels are lug centric, as they are designed with larger center bores to accommodate a wider range of vehicles. To improve fitment, many aftermarket wheels include hub centric ring adapters that fill the gap between the wheel hub and the oversized center bore.
Beadlock Wheels
Beadlock wheels are designed to securely clamp the tire bead between the wheel lip and a beadlock ring, which is fastened with bolts. Unlike standard wheels that rely on tire pressure to maintain the seal between the tire bead and rim, beadlock wheels are ideal for extreme off-road activities like rock crawling or desert racing. In these scenarios, drivers often reduce tire pressure to enhance traction and ride quality on rugged terrain. Beadlock wheels prevent the tire from slipping off the rim when operating at low pressures, ensuring stability and safety in demanding conditions.
However, many beadlock wheels are not DOT-approved, meaning they may not be legal for highway use. Always check with the manufacturer to confirm whether your beadlock wheels are street-legal or strictly intended for off-road use.
Selecting Tires
Types of Tires
Light Truck (LT) vs. Passenger (P) Tires
The "LT" (Light Truck) or "P" (Passenger) designation on your tire’s sidewall indicates whether the tire is built for trucks or passenger vehicles. Passenger tires are designed for sedans, small SUVs, and minivans, offering a smooth, quiet ride and good handling on paved roads. They’re not intended for heavy vehicles, towing, or hauling. LT tires, on the other hand, are made for pickups, large SUVs, and vans. They feature reinforced sidewalls for greater durability, making them suitable for off-road use, heavy loads, and towing—though they may ride a bit firmer on the highway. If you drive a large truck or SUV, or plan to haul, tow, or go off-road, LT tires are the better choice.
Mud, Hybrid, and All-Terrain Tires
Truck and SUV tires come in four main types, ranging from highway-focused to extreme off-road designs. For most drivers, we recommend hybrid terrain tires like the Nitto Ridge Grappler. Hybrids combine the off-road toughness and traction of mud tires with the comfort and quiet ride of all-terrain tires, offering the best balance for both on- and off-road driving. Check out the graphic below to see how each tire type compares in terms of performance and trade-offs.
Flotation vs Metric Sizes
When shopping for truck or SUV tires, you'll encounter two main sizing formats:
Metric (Standard) Sizes
Metric tire sizes are most common on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and SUVs. These sizes (like 265/75R15) are measured in millimeters for section width and aspect ratio, with the wheel diameter in inches. For example, 265/75R15 means the tire is 265 mm wide, has a sidewall height that's 75% of the width, and fits a 15-inch wheel.
Flotation (Offroad) Sizes
Flotation tire sizes are more common on off-road tires for pickups, SUVs, UTVs, and even golf carts. The term "flotation" refers to the tire's ability to "float" over soft surfaces like sand, mud, or dirt by providing a wider footprint, especially at lower air pressures. Flotation sizes are measured entirely in inches and follow the format:
overall diameter x width R (construction) x wheel diameter
(e.g. 33x12.50R17)
Here, 33 is the tire’s overall diameter in inches, 12.50 is the width in inches, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. Flotation tires are often built with reinforced sidewalls and are available in both radial and bias-ply constructions for added durability in off-road conditions.
Most flotation tire sizes have a near-equivalent metric size. For example, a 31x10.50R15 flotation tire is roughly equivalent to a 265/75R15 metric tire. While metric sizes provide section width and aspect ratio, flotation sizes give you the total tire diameter and width, making it easier to visualize the tire’s actual size and off-road capability.
Load Range and Load Index
If you plan to do any hauling or towing, it’s essential to pay attention to your tire’s load range and load index. On flotation tires, you’ll find the load range indicated by a letter (such as “E”) on the sidewall, and the load index as a number (such as “124”). The load range refers to the tire’s strength and its ability to contain air pressure, reflecting how much weight it can safely support at a specified PSI. Historically, this was called a “ply rating,” but modern tires use stronger materials, so the letter now represents relative strength rather than actual ply count. For example, a Load Range E tire (10-ply rated) can typically handle up to 80 psi, while a Load Range F (12-ply rated) can handle up to 95 psi.
A higher load range means the tire can carry heavier loads while maintaining proper traction and shape. Most off-road tires come in E or F load ranges—E is generally sufficient for 1500/2500 series trucks and SUVs that tow or haul moderate weights, while F is recommended for dually (DRW) vehicles or heavy towing.
The load index is a numerical code that indicates the maximum weight a tire can safely carry when properly inflated. For example, a load index of 124 means the tire can carry up to 3,527 lbs. Some tires list two load indexes: the first for single rear wheel (SRW) use, and the second (usually lower) for dual rear wheel (DRW) use, since weight distribution isn’t perfectly even in dual setups.
Always consult the tire manufacturer’s specifications for the exact maximum load and pressure ratings for your tires, and never exceed the listed limits on the sidewall. This ensures both safety and optimal performance when hauling or towing.
Selecting The Right Wheel & Tire Combination
Selecting the right wheel and tire size combination for a suspension kit is a balance between achieving your desired look and ensuring proper fitment and performance. The ideal setup requires careful consideration of tire diameter, tire width, wheel diameter, wheel width, and wheel offset or backspacing. Most lift and leveling kits specify the maximum or recommended wheel and tire sizes—these guidelines are the safest starting point unless you’re aiming for an extreme setup, in which case fender or wheel well trimming may still be necessary.
If you want to go beyond standard recommendations, online tools like wheel fitment calculators and galleries (such as Custom Wheel Offset) let you see what combinations have worked for others, helping you anticipate issues like rubbing or required modifications. Consulting with a local off-road or 4x4 shop can also provide valuable, experience-based advice.
Wheel Spacers & Shims
If your tires rub the inner fender or you want a wider stance, wheel spacers can push your wheels outward by 1–2 inches, while shims provide finer adjustments (about 1/4 inch). Always use high-quality spacers from reputable brands and ensure proper installation to avoid safety issues, as poor-quality spacers can cause premature wear or even accidents.
Mounting & Balancing
Professional mounting secures the tire to the wheel, while balancing corrects for any weight imbalances in the assembly. Proper balancing prevents vibrations, uneven tire wear, and premature suspension wear, ensuring a smoother and safer ride.
Installation & Maintenance
Once mounted and balanced, your wheels and tires must be installed using the correct tools and torque specifications. Proper tire maintenance—including regular retorquing of lug nuts, tire rotations, and maintaining the correct PSI—is also essential for safety and maximizing tire life. For more information, see our guide for Wheel & Tire Maintenance.
Get Expert Assistance
Wheels and tires can be complicated. Mistakes can be costly. We highly recommend consulting an expert before purchasing or installing any wheels and tires.
Live in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Marble Falls or surrounding areas? We're happy to answer any questions and provide a quote. Request-A-Quote to have one of our Automotive Customization Experts contact you.
