Your truck is one of your most important tools. It can get you anywhere you want to go and some trucks can go where cars only dream about. If you are thinking about buying some new truck wheels and tires there are a lot of things you need to consider. Here are some ideas you may find useful, to help you save time, money, and headaches.
Budget
How much can you afford to spend on truck tires and wheels? Before you set your budget, you may need to do some shopping and check out prices. For example, if your budget is only about $500, your plans for new wheels and tires may be unrealistic. Truck tires and rims are usually more expensive than cars because they have special needs. In some cases, you may be better off waiting a few months until you have more money, or you could always go with used tires, and this could get you through until next year.
Where Do You Plan to Drive?
Terrain is one of the biggest considerations when it comes to choosing truck wheels and tires. For example, if your truck is two wheel drive and a daily driver, your needs may not be much different than for a car. In fact, many people buy trucks with no intention of working them and taking them off the road. This is fine, and you can buy some very nice tires and wheels for trucks which are made for highway and street performance.
To Haul or Not to Haul
Do you plan to haul heavy loads in your truck? If so, you may need to go with tires as large a six ply and perhaps even split rims. Ply ratings for tires are all about the tire sidewalls, and most passenger tires today have no more than 4 plies. Six ply tires will give you the added strength for hauling very heavy loads. However, some people may need to go with 8 or 10 ply tires as this provides greater hauling capacity. After all, it does little good to have a heavy duty suspension if your truck tires and wheels are not up to the task.
Off Road Considerations
Off road conditions can be very harsh and hard on tires and wheels. Even though you may not be hauling heavy loads, you’ll still want tires with beefy sidewalls and tread designed for maximum traction. In fact, it’s best to go with truck tires and wheels specifically designed for off road use.
