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With the popularity of off-roading rapidly increasing, wheel styles have never been more important for recreational and competitive off-roaders. Whether you’re a rock crawler, mudder, or trail rider, your wheel styles can make or break your off-road vehicle.

As wheel technology continues to advance, and the competition for trendy wheel styles rises, here are the top five off-road wheel types, features and styles for 2023. 

1. Beadlock Wheels: If you’re serious about your off-roading then beadlock wheels are essential for optimal performance. Beadlock wheels feature extra mounting points around the circumference of the wheel that not only helps to keep the tire securely in place, but also adds an aggressive look to your vehicle. 

2. Forged Aluminum Wheels: Forged aluminum wheels are lighter and stronger than cast aluminum wheels, making them ideal for off-roading. This type of wheel is designed to provide maximum traction on any terrain while also looking great. 

3. Deep Dish Wheels: With a thick rim and deep dish profile, deep dish wheels look amazing on any off-road vehicle. Their design offers a striking look while providing enhanced resistance to impacts when driving over uneven terrain.

4. Split-Spoke Wheels: Split-spoke wheels are becoming increasingly popular among off-roaders thanks to their eye-catching design and extra strength compared to traditional spoked wheels. Splitting the spokes into two parts increases the strength of the wheel without adding extra weight. 

5. Flow Form Wheels: Flow form wheels are constructed using a process called “flow forming” which involves extreme pressure and heat being applied to an aluminum wheel blank during manufacturing. This process results in a wheel that is lighter and stronger than a traditional cast wheel, but with a look that is just as attractive. 

These five wheel manufacturing types, features and styles are sure to be popular among off-roaders in 2023 and beyond! Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and strong, something with a striking design, or something that can take on rough terrain with ease, there’s sure to be something here that meets your needs.

If you’re looking for off-road wheels for your vehicle, then look no further than American Wheel and Tire in Houston, Texas. They have a large selection of quality off-road wheels for all types of vehicles. Whether you’re looking for beadlock wheels, forged aluminum wheels, deep dish wheels, split-spoke wheels, or flow form wheels, you’re sure to find something you love. With competitive pricing and excellent customer service, you can trust American Wheel and Tire to provide you with the off-road wheels you need to take your vehicle to the next level.

For those who are looking to upgrade their vehicle’s look and performance, Lexani Wheels is a name synonymous with luxury and cutting-edge design. As one of the leading suppliers of custom wheels in the industry, Lexani has been revolutionizing the wheel game for years. At American Wheel and Tire in Houston, we are proud to offer a wide selection of Lexani Wheels, with many styles, finishes, and sizes available in stock for installation today.

Newest Styles

Lexani never fails to impress with its innovative and eye-catching wheel designs. The latest styles we carry at American Wheel and Tire in Houston include:

Fuel Offroad

Cutting-edge design, fitments, and innovative technological advancements have been driving Fuel Off-Road since it was founded in 2009. They have a finger on the pulse of the off-road community and use feedback from enthusiasts, extreme off-roaders, and trophy truck fanatics to fuel their line of wheels and tires. As a result, Fuel Off-Road has become the brand that offers the widest selection of off-road rims and fitments available in the market!

So, what does that mean for you? It means no matter what kind of truck, off-road SUV, ATV, or UTV you drive, or how you drive it, racer, daily commute, rock crawling, workhorse, or trail busting, Fuel Off-Road has a rim for you.

Specializing in What You Want Most

Off-road enthusiasts are not cookie-cutter drivers. Instead, they each have their own requirements, needs, and budget. And that is why the Ful Off-Road line of wheels covers all the bases.

Forged. The strongest, lightest wheels on the market are forged. At Fuel Off-Road, that means rims machined from 6061 T1 aluminum alloy monoblock custom built to precisely meet your vehicle’s specifications. Available in 20-inch to 30-inch diameters, they are the largest lifted truck forged rims on the market. Standard finishes are blind your eyes polished or black with milled details. Custom colors range from powdercoat to two-tone and multi-color or painted to match your ride’s color code.

1-Piece. The next best thing to forged, the Fuel Off-Road cast 1-piece wheel, is designed trail tough and engineered for exceptional performance on the pavement as well. The one-piece line delivers excellent value by offering a massive array of designs, sizes, and fitments.

2-Piece. When looks count, get the high dollar appearance of a multi-part gorged wheel for a whole lot less with the Fuel Off-Road selection of 2-piece cast rims. In addition, the modular construction allows for true customization of the center and rim finishes. Pick from liquid paint, powder coat, or chrome with a contrasting lip color.

Deep Lip. Are you going for that extreme, over-the-top, aggressive look that comes with a big lift and even bigger tires? If so, you have to take a look at Fuel Off-Road 1-piece cast Deep Lip rims that give you the look (and the room) without breaking the bank.

Dually. For the heavy lifters. It doesn’t get better than this. Fuel Off-Road custom machines your wheels to offer a perfect and direct bolt-on wheel tailored to your specific vehicle. No need for adapters or spacers on the tow vehicle. Available in forged, 1-piece, or 2-piece construction in a host of awesome finishes.

Perfect Wheels Need Perfect Rubber

If you are going to make the perfect off-road rim, it only stands to reason you want to make the ideal tire to mount on it. The Fuel Off-Road Gripper line of X/T, M/T, and A/T rubber. Built for trucks and SUVs, the Gripper is available in R17 through R30 applications. There is no question this rubber can handle ant terrain from craggy rock to muddy mush, but it will also perform exceptionally well when a paved road has to be driven. Big chunky lugs and aggressive tread patterns aside, the Gripper gives a comfortable and surprisingly quiet ride. 

If you are serious about upgrading your off-road rims, you have to give Fuel Off-Road a hard look. Have questions? Give us a call at 713-682-1085, and one of our off-road wheel specialists will be happy to assist. Call us now!

HRE is best known for its high-end, high-performance custom forged rims that often show up at motorsports contests like ALMS, Grand-Am, NASA, SCCA, and Pike’s Peak Climb events. When they are not tearing up tracks and off-road courses, it is not uncommon to spot them on exotic rides from Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo parked at black tie events. HRE makes sweet, pricy, forged wheels.

But what if you are not driving a competitive motorsport vehicle or an exotic Italian sports car? And what if there is no way your budget would allow you to pick up a set of forged rims?

Well, if you are driving a Toyota Tacoma or 4 Runner, or Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco or most any half ton truck you are in luck. HRE recently launched the FT1, a flow formed rim designed specifically for trucks. They are lightweight, strong enough to take the heavy loads off-road trucks often face, and have fitments designed for specific off-road platforms. And they are awesome to behold.

The HRE FT1 – Don’t Be Afraid to Get It Dirty

This single-piece, aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, Flow Formed® (rotary forged) wheel accommodates five and six lug applications and is the first non-race wheel HRE has designed specifically for off-road trucks. The fact that it is rotary forged as opposed to standard cast, distinguishes it from nearly all the competition, but when you add in HRE’s reputation for fanatical quality control and incredible designs, you get a wheel that can’t help but improve the appearance and performance of your ride.

The Flow Formed® process involves spinning the cast barrel on a mandrel while rollers apply pressure squeezing the barrel into shape. This changes the crystalline structure of the aluminum making it stronger than it is in its natural state. Because the metal is stronger, the barrel can be thinner requiring less material. Less material equals lighter weight, which is a good thing for performance wheels.

The net result is a stronger than cast, lightweight rim, which has a price point roughly one quarter of what a forged wheel cost. Performance, style, and at an affordable cost.

FT1 Features and Facts

Available in 17-inch and 20-inch diameters, the TVU certified FT1 features a six-spoke design radiating off a larger than normal face lending it a military look. It comes standard in two finishes, Ore, and Tarmac. Multiple optional powder-coated finishes are available. Depending on size and fitment, the FT1 weighs in at 30 to 38 pounds per wheel.

The FT1 comes with HRE’s Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty and Three-Year Finish Guarantee.

Other Flow Form® Wheels

The FT1 is the only Flow Form® wheel specifically designed for trucks, but it is not the only rotary forged rim HRE has in its lineup. Other Flow Form® wheels feature more iconic designs like mesh, six-spoke, spindle, and ten window. They are all beautiful and they would look good on upscale SUVs and AMG applications. There are five of these rims available, FF10, FF11, FF04, FF15, and FF01. All these wheels have what HRE calls an “accessible price point,” yet all are priced higher than the FT1. In addition:

  • All have HRE’s Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty and Three-Year Finish Guarantee
  • All have TÜV and JWL certification
  • All have Liquid Metal and Tarmac basic finishes with optional powder coatings available
  • All are available in 19, 20, 21, and 22-inch diameters
 
HRE wheels are the one modification you make to your ride that will dominate its look and feel. You can add custom bumpers, fender flares, a three-inch lift, or even a custom paint job, but your eyes will immediately be drawn to the HRE rims first. They are the perfect wheels for your perfect vehicle.
 
You want to get fitment on Flow Form® wheels right the first time. Before you order online, call, or contact us and let us double check your selection with your make, model, and year. We will also be able to give you a more accurate take on delivery time.

If you are an off-road enthusiast, you know it will happen. You’re going to get stuck, hung up, or discover the creek ford was deeper than you thought. In any case, you are going to need a rescue. Hopefully, you are traveling with a buddy who is knowledgeable and equipped for off-road recovery. With the right gear, the two of you can get your ride unstuck, and you can chalk up the whole experience to an off-road adventure.

Of course, the key to a happy ending to a rescue effort is having the right equipment. Essential recovery gear will vary depending on terrain and climate but there are items that are useful regardless of what kind of off-roading you do. Before you take off on your next weekend adventure, you might want to inventory the gear you have on board and reevaluate your ability to get out of trouble.

7. Preplanning

When you are deep in the weeds, you can’t always count on cell coverage so you may find yourself out of touch with the rest of the world. So before you get out on the road try to familiarize yourself with the route and the local landmarks. Most state-owned parks will have trail guides you can download online, and you may even be able to pick up an old fashion paper map from the visitor center. If your heading out for a solo adventure make sure to let a buddy or family member know your route and when you’re expected to return.

6. Axe

​​​​​​​When a rescue involves removing a fallen tree short of a chain saw, nothing gets the job done better than an axe.  The axe is a low-tech solution that can get the job done. Be sure to get one with a weather-resistant finish to prevent rusting.

5. Lighting

4. Traction Pads

These molded pads can be used in mud, snow, sand, gravel, or any terrain preventing your tires from getting a grip. Place them in front of your tires in the desired direction of travel and step on the gas.

3. Shovel

2. Rescue Strap

.An inexpensive alternative to a winch is a rescue strap or tow strap for one vehicle pulling another out of a fix. These high-strength nylon straps are lightweight, take up very little space, and are life savers for vehicles without winches. They are pull-rated like winch cables, and you’ll want one that exceeds your vehicle weight by 5 times

1. Winch

The Number 1 rescue tool, an adequately rated winch, can provide the oomph needed to get you (or a trail buddy) out, over, or through most any recovery scenario. Selecting a winch starts with deciding how much pull power you will need. To calculate that, take the gross curb weight of your ride plus the extra weight added by any modifications (oversized tires, extra fuel, custom bumper, etc.) and multiply times 1.5. So, if you have a total weight of 5500 lbs. you will be looking for a winch that can pull 8.250 lbs. (rounded down to the standard rating of 8,000 lbs.). Manufacturers assign their pull ratings based on optimal conditions that never exist on the trail. That’s why you need a rating that exceeds your total weight.

There’s more to it than just getting the right pull power, and we are happy to help you with winch selection and accessories like a snatch block, D-shackles, recovery points, and more. We like Rough Country because of its competitive pricing, ease of installation, and the fact it is made-in-the-USA. That said, Warn has been making winches forever, is almost indestructible, and has a fast line speed. Lastly, the Westin Tigershark line has units capable of pulling 17,500 lb. loads, is made of stainless steel, and has an IP68 rating for water resistance is a popular pick too.

Regardless of how you use your truck, for work or for fun, truck bed accessories can make that big empty space behind the cab more useful. Outfitting your truck bed can make it easier to store gear, organize tools, safely secure cargo or create a large secure storage space. Truck bed accessories add value and utility to your ride.

Accessories come in all shapes, sizes, functions, and price points. Hundreds of brands make all types of truck bed accessories, some great, some not so much. At AWT, we carefully vet the brands we represent, and we would advise you to stick with proven brands and not base your buying decision on price alone. When it comes to truck accessories or any kind of truck mod or add-on, check out industry leaders first. Brands like Smittybilt, Rough Country, AMP Research, Rugged Ridge, Go Rhino and others ensure you get an accessory that fits, works as advertised, and is manufactured by a company with a proven record of customer service.

You may be confused about which makes the most sense with so much to choose from. With that in mind, we have listed some of the most popular truck bed accessories to give you a starting point.

Truck Bed Liners

Truck Bed Liners. The first order of business is to protect the very space you want to accessorize, the truck bed. A bed liner prevents leaks, rust, and corrosion and provides impact protection, sound suppression, and protection from stains and chemicals. Complimenting bed liners are tailgate protectors that offer the same benefits for the loading surface and top of the gate.

 

Rough Country MCM

Made of a practically indestructible material, this affordable 3/8-inch contoured rubber liner fits snugly in your bed, protecting both the bed and cargo.

Weathertech Techliner 36017

Clearly, the easiest-to-install custom-fit liner available on the market, Weatherech’s 36017 soft-touch material, keeps cargo (groceries or lumber) from sliding and shifting while still offering easy on-loading and off-loading. Durable, flexible, and UV resistant, this Weathertech liner is an excellent value.

AWT Permanent Spray-On Liners

If you live in the Houston area, our experienced and talented techs can provide unparalleled protection with a permanent spray-on bed liner.

Truck Bed Organizers

In the real world, most people haul stuff (groceries, tools, golf clubs, etc.) rather than traditional cargo (lumber, fertilizer, etc.). The problem of course, is stuff does not fit the bed snugly and will tend to slide around or slam into the tailgate or back of the cab on acceleration or hard braking. Bed organizers come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from inexpensive cargo nets to more substantial boxes, trunks, and dividers.

Truxedo Tonneaumate

This cargo and tool storage box can be installed (no drilling required) anywhere along the bed rails to give you a customized storage solution. Lightweight and spacious, this box is capable of storing 200 pounds of cargo in a secure, corrosion-resistant environment.

UnderCover SwingCase

An innovative design for F 150s allows the SwingCase to rotate 180 degrees so it is facing the tailgate for easy access before swinging back to a snug position covering the wheel well. Featuring a sliding tray, lockable lid, and a seal to prevent moisture from entering, the SwingCase can accommodate 75 pounds of cargo and gear, It even has two cup holders on the lid for tailgating.

Gladiator Cargo Net

For working trucks and fleet operations, you can’t do better than Gladiator cargo nets for securing loads and eliminating fines for stuff flying out of your truck bed while on the road. The nets are incredibly durable and built for heavy-duty use with rip-stop mesh and rain-proof construction. Each net comes with four straps and multiple grommet sites to ensure a tight fit, even with odd angles.

Tonneau Covers

The answer to a secure storage area outside of the cabin. Tonneau covers come in a variety of formats (soft top, hard top, foldable, etc.) and are an excellent way to keep your gear safe and out of the weather. In addition, your mpg will go up because the cover eliminates the drag caused by an open bed.

Gator EFX

One of the best-selling tonneau covers, the Gator EFX is a tri-fold design manufactured with aluminum panels coated with a polymer treatment that makes it resistant to scratches, dents, and heat. Unlike most tri-fold tops, the EFX folds up against the rear cabin wall providing full-body accessibility.

Retrax IX

If you have an F 150, this one-piece top constructed of aluminum slats and a strong elastomer hinge is an excellent way to secure your truck bed and protect the bed and cargo from the elements. The Retrax IX is easy to install with no drilling required. Its unique coil cover sits below the cab’s rear window and stores the top with the pull of a switch—durable, good-looking, and affordably priced.

Powertrax Pro

A tough, industrial-strength aluminum cover that opens and closes with the push of a button thanks to a sealed ball-bearing design. Key lockable in any position providing unlimited access flexibility. Go high-tech and opt for the wireless open/close feature. Powertrax is one of the best-selling tonneau covers on the market, and we have them here at AWT.

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