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Why Steel Wheels are the Best for Off-Roading: A Steelies Setup Guide

  • Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
    Muddy Ruttzz
  • 4 days ago
  • 5 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

You might have seen them on rugged Jeeps and off-road trucks, those no-nonsense, classic-looking steel wheels. In my YouTube video, "Why Are Steel Wheels The Best For Off-Road? (Steelies Setup Made Easy)," I dive into why steel wheels for off-roading are a great choice. I get so many questions and compliments on my steel wheel setup, so I wanted to break down the reasons behind my choice and share the details.


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Check Out My Youtube Video On This Subject Here

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The Undeniable Appeal of the Steely Look And Praciticality of Steel Wheels For Off-Roading


Let's be honest, steel wheels have a certain aesthetic. I personally love the rugged, classic look they give my Jeep. There's a reason why many off-road enthusiasts are drawn to this style. While there are countless beautiful aluminum wheels on the market, off-roading steel wheels offers a more traditional and functional vibe that perfectly complements an off-road vehicle.


Two Toyo Open Country M/T tires mounted on Mopar Steel Wheels, left labeled "Temporary Lug Nuts," right "Mounted as Spare." Background shows a vehicle and pavement.


Practicality and Peace of Mind on the Trail


I like the looks of these stock aluminum wheels that came mounted on my 2020 Wrangler Willys. I bought this Jeep sight unseen and had no idea it was a Willys. I was blown away when I got to the dealer to pick it up. Even so I still went with steelies on the Wrangler. I still have a set of these wheels on my Xventure XV-3 Off-Road Trailer. Check out my trailer with this link: https://www.muddyruttzz.com/post/only-off-road-trailer-to-buy-the-xventure-military-spec-civilian-trailer


3 Firestone Destination M/T Tires mounted on 2020 Jeep Wrangler Aluminum Wheels

Budget-Friendly Off-Roading

Let's talk about the price! Off-roading can get expensive quickly, especially when you start lifting your rig and upgrading tires. Steel wheels are significantly cheaper than comparable aluminum wheels. For me, after investing in a lift and larger tires, opting for steel wheels was a smart way to manage costs without sacrificing performance or durability. The money saved on wheels can be allocated to other essential upgrades or more adventures on the trail!


Mopar Steel Wheel on a backdrop of black diamond plate material
These Mopar Steelies Are The Same Size And Offset As The Stock Aluminum Wheels

Durability Where It Matters

In the off-road environment, durability is paramount. Steel is simply a tougher material than aluminum when it comes to impacts and taking abuse. While aluminum can crack, steel tends to bend. For off-roading, this bending characteristic is preferable because, as mentioned earlier, bent steel can often be hammered back into shape. This inherent strength and repairability is a major advantage for steel wheels when tackling rough terrain.


Jeep with flat tire on sandy trail in Berdoo Canyon, Joshua Tree. Text overlay: "It can get tough out on the trail."


Stock Size Compatibility

For my Jeep setup, another key benefit was finding steel wheels in the stock size: 17 by 7.5 inches. This allowed me to mount larger, more aggressive tires without needing spacers or other modifications. Using the stock size ensures proper fitment and avoids potential issues with wheel offset and clearances, simplifying the whole upgrade process.


Two Toyo Open Country M/T tires shown side by side. Text reads: "Temporary Lug Nuts," "Mounted as Spare," and "are Awesome!"

Weight Of The Steelies Is Not A Issue


Coming in at a weight of 24.85 lbs the Mopar Steelies are lighter than a similar size Method Aluminum Wheel that is listed at weighing 27.8 lbs.


Red scale displays 24.85 lbs, weighing a black steel wheel. Background shows diamond plate texture and text: "STEELIES HAVE A LITTLE WEIGHT TO THEM".

My Steel Wheel Setup: Parts and Details

In the video, I mentioned the specific parts I used for my steel wheel setup. For those interested in replicating this look, I used:

  • 17x7.5 inch Steel Wheels:  These are the stock size for my Jeep, ensuring perfect fitment.

  • Jeep Center Caps:  Finding the right center caps was a bit of a puzzle, even for the dealership parts department! After some research, I found the correct ones that fit perfectly.

  • McGard Lug Nuts:  These lug nuts are slightly longer and designed to work with steel wheels and center caps, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing fit.

(Check my Links to purchase these parts and find the part numbers.)


Close-up of Mopar steel wheel with a label stating "Made in USA." Text reads: "Mopar Steelies made in USA, used for spare tire on Gladiator."

Five packs of McGard premium lug nuts on a metal surface. Text below reads, "MCGARD LUG NUTS COVER THE ENTIRE STUD AND WORK WITH CENTER CAPS."


Black Jeep center caps and tools on a workbench. Text: "Jeep Center Caps - Perfect with the Steelies." Rugged, practical vibe.

A Word on Maintenance

It's true that steel wheels may require a bit more maintenance than aluminum wheels. Steel can rust over time, especially if the paint gets chipped or scratched. However, with a little regular care – taking them off periodically to sand down any rust spots and repaint – you can keep them looking great for years to come. For me, the slight maintenance is a small price to pay for the benefits of steel wheels in off-road environments. Note: I live in the west where salt is not used on the roads. Rust on steelies may be a lot worse if you live in the east or midwest.




Final Thoughts: Steelies for the Win

For me, choosing steel wheels was a no-brainer. They offer the perfect combination of rugged looks, practical durability, repairability, and affordability for serious off-roading. While aluminum wheels certainly have their place, when it comes to tackling tough trails and demanding conditions, steel wheels remain the top choice for many experienced off-roaders.

What are your thoughts on steel wheels? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to check out the video for a closer look at my setup and more details.


Two white Jeep Willys in a parking lot, overcast sky. One has a bike rack. Text: "STOCK OR STEELIES? WHAT DO YOU LIKE BETTER?"
I saw this little 2 door Willys with the stock wheels. Gave me a chance to compare the steelies.

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Support Muddy Ruttzz in Producing Quality Content. Use My Links. I will get a small commission when you do. (No extra cost to you.) Does not matter if you purchase the linked product I get credit for anything you purchase within 24 hours. Thanks!


Amazon Shopping

✅ - Dorman Steel Wheel (OEM Replacement) https://amzn.to/41xide0

✅ - McGard Lug Nuts https://amzn.to/4p2djjd

✅ - Jeep Black Center Caps https://amzn.to/3JEAoIF

✅ - Amazon Purchases - Use This Link To Shop On Amazon


Ebay Shopping - Trailer Brake Controllers - Compressors -Parts For DIY - CO2 System and everything else!

✅ - Mopar Trailer Brake Controller For Jeep Gladiator Wrangler J/L https://ebay.us/1XC9M0 (eBay)

✅ - Trailer Brake Controllers for all other vehiclesn https://ebay.us/pKotYE (eBay)

✅ - Air Hose Fittings (eBay)

✅ - Shop on eBay For Anything - Click Here!

Smiling man sitting in car holding on to steering wheel. Car is yellow color and door is open. Grass is visible on the other side of the car. There is also add for ebay Motors.
Click Here To Find Parts On Ebay Motors!


✅ - Zarges Aluminum Cases - Best Made Overlanding Storage Cases. When you require the best protection for you gear. Bear Resitant available. (Zarges)


Stacked Zarges Aluminum Cases sitting next to a Jeep Gladiator.
Zarges Aluminum Cases

✅ - MERCH Availabe on Spreadshop - Awesome Original Design Shirts and Merch - Muddy Ruttzz Clothing.

Click Here to See my Zarges Blogpost.


As a Amazon Affiliate and Ebay Partner I receive a commission if you use my links to make a qualifying purchase. It does not raise the price you pay.





Keywords: Steel wheels, steelies, off-road wheels, best off-road wheels, Jeep wheels, truck wheels, wheel setup, off-roading, wheel durability, wheel repair, steel vs aluminum wheels, DIY wheel setup.

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