When choosing aftermarket wheels for your rig, it pays to do a little research first. The right wheels will enhance your handling, ride comfort, and the performance of your tires. They can also help you conquer tougher rides on your favorite terrain. The wrong wheels, on the other hand, will do nothing other than holding onto your tires—and sometimes they won’t even do that very well. If you want to make sure you get the right wheels for your machine, this guide is for you.
While many brands make both ATV and UTV wheels, they aren’t necessarily interchangeable. Since UTVs are heavier and larger, the wheels need to have the strength and durability to handle both the rides and the rig itself. Naturally, ATV wheels can be on the lighter side, as they aren’t subjected to the same load-bearing requirements.
One of the other big differences is that ATV and UTV wheels will often have different bolt patterns. Bolt patterns are the easy way to describe the number of lug holes (first number) and the space between those holes, measured in millimeters (second number). Making sure the bolt pattern of the wheels match your ATV or UTV is the first step you should take when searching for new rims.
ATVs and UTVs have different commonly found bolt patterns. While there are some exceptions, the vast majority of ATV wheels have a 4×110 bolt pattern configuration. Some older UTV models, especially the non-sport options, will also have a 4×110 bolt pattern, but more common patterns for side-by-sides are 4×137 and 4×156.
Wheel sizing can be tricky, so use this quick breakdown as a guide to know what you’re looking for.
There are slight variations on the most common wheel diameters between ATVs and UTVs, with 10 inches and 12 inches for ATVs and 12 inches and 14 inches for UTVs. There are, of course, exceptions, with some riders preferring to go even bigger on their UTV rims and push the size up to 15 inches or more on lifted rigs.
Wheel width is also important, especially for the tires you put on them. Wheel width is measured from bead to bead, usually landing between seven and 10 inches. No matter what, your wheel width should always be narrower than your tire width by up to four inches. You can play with the margins here, but keep the difference four inches or less so you don’t lose your tires.
Offset is also something to keep in mind when choosing your wheels. The offset is expressed in what looks like a math problem (e.g. 5+2, 2+5), but those numbers are actually telling key information about where your wheels will sit in relation to your rig’s suspension and body. The first number shows you how many inches the inner lip of your wheel is from the mounting hub, while the second is the space between the outer lip of your rim and the mounting hub. Positive offsets, like 5+2, will narrow your stance and can improve your machine’s agility. Negative offsets will add stability and width to your rig, but you’ll start to lose turning radius and subtle handling capabilities if the offset is more than a few inches.
The material of your wheels can make a huge difference in the overall performance of your ATV or UTV. Aluminum wheels are lighter and come in a ton of styles and designs. These days, they are also increasingly durable and strong, which can help justify the extra cost. Steel wheels are more of the workhorses of the wheel world, coming in fewer styles and finishes, but offering extra reliability and strength for those looking to haul heavy loads.
In general, aluminum wheels are thought of as the fun wheels and steel wheels are more often found on worksites, farms, and homesteads, so keeping in mind how you ride is important when choosing your wheels.
If you want to learn more about the differences between steel and aluminum wheels, you can check out our in-depth breakdown.
Choosing between beadlock and standard wheels really comes down to how you ride. In short, standard wheels keep tires on via pressure, while beadlock wheels grip the tires. This lets you run them at low psi, enhancing stability and traction on tough terrain without losing tire integrity. If you want to dive deeper into the comparison between the two, you can explore our guide.
If you’re planning to ride your rig on the road, first check your local laws. Second, be aware that beadlock wheels aren’t DOT approved, so if your machine is allowed on the road you’ll need a standard set.
Who doesn’t want to roll up to the next group ride looking stylish? Using the design, color, and finish options of your wheels to build out your aesthetic will add that little bit of flair to your rig and make you stand out from the crowd.
Wheels are some of the most important components of your ATV or UTV, so finding the right ones is vital. Finding the best mix of cost-effective, high-quality, durable, and performance enhancing might take some work, but it’s worth it. On the lower side of cost are standard steel wheels—if you just need reliable strength and durability for your work rig, a high-quality set of these are your best bet. If you’re looking for something with a bit more flash and maneuverability, aluminum wheels are probably the way to go. And if you need all the performance boosting features of low psi tires, beadlock wheels are on the most expensive end of the range.
While price should be a consideration, in the long run, going with quality, routine maintenance, and proper usage will turn your wheels into a worthwhile investment. Getting the right wheels means longevity and excellent performance, so take the time to consider what is the best fit for you.
As you start your search for wheels, be sure you have a few things on your checklist:
At SuperATV, we’ve taken our many years of experience with rims and have created a great lineup of top-quality, durable, strong, and high-performance wheels—explore our selection to see for yourself.
If you still aren’t sure which wheels best fit your ATV or UTV, reach out to us or drop a comment below. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have!
