When it comes to trucks, one of the best ways to enhance both performance and style is with a new set of truck wheels. Whether you’re after better off-road capability, a tougher stance, or just want to level up the look of your rig, the right wheels can take your ride to the next level.
In this article, we’re breaking down some of the best truck wheels in 2024—from hardcore, off-road beasts to stylish, street-ready options. Let’s dive in and get your ride looking (and performing) better than ever.
Truck Wheels: Top Picks in 2024
Looking to swap your stock rims for something more rugged and sleek? Thanks to their superior design, engineering, and durability, these truck wheels stand out from the rest.
Released by the makers of some of the best aftermarket truck wheels, the Moto Metal MO970 is known for its glossy black finish, stylish center cap, and eight-spoke design. The MO970’s one-piece cast aluminum construction makes it both lightweight and sturdy. This creates better maneuverability and fuel efficiency without sacrificing strength.
Features & Specifications
- Glossy black finish with milled accents
- Constructed from high-strength aluminum
- 8-spoke design
- Front & rear mounts
- 17” to 20” diameters
The Vision Off-Road 375 Warrior is known for its rugged construction and quality performance. Made from high-quality alloy, these wheels provide a robust yet lightweight build that makes them great for off-road challenges. As for design, its gloss black and machined accents deliver an aggressive look that’s suitable for both lifted and leveled trucks.
Features & Specifications
- Glossy black finish with machined accents
- Constructed from high-quality alloy
- Load rated up to 3,650 lbs.
- 15” to 22” diameters
Available in stunning Satin Black, the Raceline 991B Assault fuses masterful engineering with a rugged design. Its aluminum alloy construction guarantees resilience and performance on even the most challenging trails. Available in 16x8, it’s versatile enough for various truck and SUV fitments.
Features & Specifications
- 8-spoke design with deep lip feature
- Milled lip adds to wheel design contrast
- Constructed from heavy-duty A356 aluminum
- Bolt-on cap with contrasting embossed Raceline logo
- 16” to 20” diameters
American Racing’s AR904 is renowned for its road-tough construction and stylish design. This great aftermarket option is made from cast aluminum and is coated in an ultra-durable satin black finish. This makes the AR904 highly resistant to wear from everyday driving conditions. Its lightweightness also improves overall handling and fuel efficiency.
Features & Specifications
- Satin black with a durable clear coat
- Constructed from cast aluminum
- Size: 16x7 inches
- 16” to 19” diameters
Cast in a single piece from aircraft-grade aluminum, TIS’ 544BM is suited for high-performance and off-road trucks. Available in a Gloss Black finish, the 544BM has CnC Milled Accents and a chrome center cap logo. This unique finish and design enhances the 544BM’s style, resulting in a more aggressive visual impact.
Features & Specifications
- Glossy black finish with Cnc milled accents
- Chrome center cap logo
- Cast in a single piece from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Available in a range of sizes (including 20x10, 22x12, and 24x14 inches)
Factors to Consider When Choosing Truck Wheels
Consider these factors when selecting your next truck wheels:
Material
Truck wheels are fashioned from various materials. Each material has distinct properties and offers different advantages, making them suitable for different types of trucks.
Steel Wheels
These types of wheels are known for their strength and durability. They’re also highly resistant to damage, making them ideal for bearing heavy loads and enduring rough terrain. These qualities make steel wheels suitable for heavy-duty work trucks and off-road trucks.
Steel Wheels
Cast aluminum wheels are lighter than steel wheels, which improves fuel efficiency and handling. Their lightness also enhances performance by reducing the overall weight of your truck. These qualities make aluminum wheels better suited for performance-oriented vehicles and long-haul trucks.
Steel Wheels
Forged wheels are considered to be the strongest and most durable of truck wheels. They’re manufactured through a process that involves applying extreme heat and pressure to a solid block of metal (usually aluminum). This aligns the metal’s grain structure, resulting in stronger, lighter, and more durable wheels.
Steel Wheels
These types of wheels are significantly lighter than both steel and aluminum wheels. Their greater lightness can improve your truck’s fuel efficiency, as well as enhance its braking, acceleration, and overall handling.
Steel Wheels
Composite material wheels (like carbon fiber) are incredibly light. This leads to improved fuel efficiency, handling, and overall vehicle performance. Composite material wheels also have a very high strength-to-weight ratio. This means they’re strong enough to handle high stresses while being much lighter than traditional materials.
Application
When picking truck wheels, think about load capacity and the conditions you’ll be driving in. Make sure your new wheels can handle your truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and cargo load. Steel wheels are a solid choice here since they’re built tough. Forged wheels are also a great option since they’re strong enough to carry heavy loads without warping.
If you’ll be driving in coastal areas or somewhere that uses road salt in winter, go for rust-resistant wheels. Wheels made from composite materials like carbon fiber are a great choice since they keep corrosion at bay.
Budget
Setting a budget before shopping for new truck wheels is key. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending on features you might not need. With a budget in mind, you can focus on the best wheels for your needs—whether that’s rugged durability, sleek looks, or a balance of both.
For a budget-friendly choice, steel wheels are your best bet. Cast aluminum wheels are pricier but still affordable, while forged aluminum wheels cost a bit more due to their durability. The most expensive option is composite material wheels, like carbon fiber, due to their advanced materials and complex production.
Aesthetics
Design and aesthetics play a big role when choosing new truck wheels, especially if you’re aiming to give your truck a distinct look. The best looking truck wheels can enhance your truck’s personality—whether you want a rugged, tough look for off-roading (check out our picks for best off-road wheels) or a sleek, bold style for a show truck.
Aluminum wheels with a polished or chrome finish will give your truck a sleek and stylish appearance. Matte finishes hide scratches better and exude a modern and rugged look. But if you want greater control over your truck’s appearance, custom wheels come in a variety of designs and finishes.
Fitment
Fitment is an important consideration since certain tires and wheels are compatible with your truck’s suspension and brake components, while others aren’t. Factors that directly impact fitment include bolt pattern, tire size, wheel size, offset, and backspacing.
To find your truck’s wheel size, check your owner’s manual, which contains info about the recommended wheel size (including width and diameter). You can also consult online forums and communities. Avid truckers who drive the same make and model will share their recommendations regarding the best wheel brands and sizes.
Remember to always use the proper lug nuts or bolts for the wheels you’re installing. Using the wrong lug nuts or bolts can cause the wheels to come off. Don’t try to use your original lug nuts on custom wheels to ensure your safety on the road.
FAQ
What size truck wheels should I choose?
Choose your wheel size based on how you use your truck, and always ensure tire compatibility for the best performance. Also, make sure to factor in what the different wheel sizes will do to your speedometer readings. Bigger wheels will cause the speedometer to read slower than the actual vehicle speed. Use this speedometer/tire size calculator to get accurate readings.
What is the difference between cast and forged wheels?
The main difference between cast and forged wheels is their manufacturing process. Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold, whereas forged wheels are made by applying intense heat and pressure to a solid block of aluminum. Cast wheels tend to be heavier but less durable than forged wheels. They’re also more likely to crack under extreme stress or impact.
How does wheel offset affect my truck’s performance?
Wheel offset affects your truck’s handling, stability, and clearance. A positive offset provides more clearance between the wheel and the fender. While this improves handling and stability, it can reduce the aggressive stance some truck owners like. A negative offset creates a wider stance and gives your truck a more aggressive appearance. While this improves off-road stability, it could cause the wheels to rub on fenders or suspension parts.
Considering cost and quality, which truck wheels offer the best value?
When considering both cost and quality, aluminum alloy wheels (especially cast aluminum wheels) offer the best value to truck owners. These wheels are lighter than steel. They also provide better heat dissipation, fuel efficiency, and performance. Overall, aluminum alloy wheels offer great quality and strength for most daily driving and light off-roading.