Alloy Rims versus Steel Rims

Hi Landie

If you damage an alloy rim off-road you are sunk, whereas a steel rim can be bashed back into shape with a good hammer. I guess it depends on how "off-road" you want to travel. Alloys are probably OK for 80% of the time, but possibly not encouraged for things like the Canning, or places where rim damage is a distinct possibility.

I guess if you bend or bust an alloy rim you'd probably wish for a steel one.

But there is a nice weight saving with alloys.

Others may have stronger and/or better qualified responses.

Jack

apart from going with what jack has said above just make sure you can interchange the wheels with your 4wd - makes things a bit easier. rgds

Our caravan has travelled 85,000km in the past 4 years including places like the Gibb River Road and Kalumuru Roads in the Kimberley and rough roads in the Pilbara. All the rims are alloys that have the same stud pattern, and we have never had any problems.

If you drive to the conditions, then you are not likely to have any problems. There are lots of late model 4WD's running around all over the country now using alloys.

Times are changing.

Alloys are stronger, lighter and rounder, and cheaper than they used to be, and many serious 4wders are choosing them now without problems.

Main hassle is they scratch easily when offroading.

Steel all the way. Alloy's are for dropping the kids off at school and looking good.