Ever since off-roading as a way of life took off a couple of decades ago, aftermarket rim manufacturers across the United States and across the world have been hammering away to create the ultimate set of off-road wheels.
The race continues unabated; more players have now entered what is already a supersaturated niche. But Fuel Wheels, founded in 2009, has retained its popularity and clientele by consistently offeringtheir attractively priced engineering marvels, the best rims for off-roading and for city use.
Interestingly enough, Fuel was carved out as a separate entity by its parent company, the famous MHT Luxury Alloys. The reasoning was simple: MHT had realized the enormous untapped potential of off-road rims years earlier but they did not manufacture any such model.
Fuel rims were their brainchild and it proved that MHT intendedto dominate this niche. Today, Fuel’s products are sold everywhere people buy cars.
As the year slowly draws to a close, a lot of automotive enthusiasts will soon descend across retail outlets across the 50 States to ferret out that set of off-road wheels which will be capable enough to get their adrenaline levels soaring.
Of course, there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ set of rims for off-roading! But if you are one of those looking forward to hitting the dusty trail – rocks and all – you can opt for one of the following models of Fuel rims.
A guide to the sturdiest Fuel Wheels
Fuel manufactures a very long list of wheels, but professionals largely agree that these are perhaps some of their best ones yet.
- Fuel Assault D546: One look at the D546 and you’ll understand why it’s much sought-after by customers who only conquer the worst terrain the US has to offer. This is a member of the Assault range of off-road rims which has remained one of the most profitable product lines for Fuel till date.
Of all the Assault wheels, the D546 is perhaps the most rugged, or so it appears. It’s designed with heavy vehicles in mind and is a favorite among those who drive pickup vans. We have seen 3 different instances of the same vehicle (all F-150 Raptors) wearing these gorgeous Fuel rims, and we have been assured by some very reputable retailers that owners ofsimilar powerful vehicles like the Toyota Hilux, the Ford Ranger and Isuzu’s D-Max prefer the D546 too.
This 1-piece wonder is capable of astonishing prowess on tricky surfaces. A lightweight rim, the Assault D546 has the familiar 8-spoke design with careful machining at the center complementing the polished spokes pretty well.
The biggest of these rims is 24 inches across! Clearly, Fuel is monitoring ATVs too.
- Fuel D573 Cleaver Chrome: Of course, this model is available in several colors but we prefer the chrome finish. The D573 Cleaver is apparently receiving a facelift by the first quarter of 2023, but that’s not confirmed. Either way, this is one sharp and sassy heavyweight which is perhaps the best off-road wheels you can buy for your SUVs.
Before we put this on the list, we had outfitted our old Silverado with a set of these rims in chrome. The aesthetic improvement instantly stood out to us, another reason why we recommend them for SUVs.
The 1-piece wheel only has a single issue which turns off prospective clients; these are one of Fuel’s more expensive models. While there is no doubt that the money is well-spent, not everybody can cough up the amount at a go.
Which is why we recommend you visit our favorite retailer in California – AudioCity USA. The outlet is going stronger than ever after 33 years of selling custom rims and sundry automotive spares. It’s where we purchase rims for personal use too.
While you obviously can visit any retailer you trust, try out this Californian legend once for their financing options and the lowest price guarantee!
- Fuel D611 Stroke: When it comes to the perfect culmination of style and substance, there are few Fuel Wheels capable of matching this off-road sibling. The D611 Stroke is another 1-piece rim that bears an insanely high load rating. We regard it with awe and can assure you that this is the set of heavy-duty rims you’ll want by your side if you are into UTVs.
Ultra Terrain Vehicles or UTVs are very dissimilar to the more common ATVs. The latter vehicles are used for pleasure while UTVs are lifesavers in work-related activities. That’s why they are often referred to simply as ‘utility vehicles.’ UTVs are heavier and require sturdier tires and rims to be able to carry that extra load. They are used in factories, superstores, warehouses and so on.
The D611 Stroke only has a single finish, milled glossy black. This makes very good sense because UTVs do not need increased style quotients. The Stroke comes in several sizes between 17 and 24 inches.
Because UTVs are also crucial in hauling heavy objects over unpaved and hostile terrain, it’s an off-road rim with a true beadlock and pronounced concavity. UTVs are also used for extreme sports and Fuel has on offer a couple of seriously engineered customizations.
A few last words
Please also try out theD538 Maverick Dually& also the D266 models for your vehicle; these are highly competent rims for off-roading.
Finally, here’s something to remember. Enjoyable off-roading depends as much on the vehicle you are using as it does on the Fuel Wheels. It’s a good idea to start off with research on the vehicles thoroughly before you pick the rims!
