Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
ful spoke wheels came into being for transporting the well-to-do and that's a lot of what we see today. Wheels are statement makers on the vehicles we drive. You may think that the history of the wheel has nothing to do with the day-to-day workings of your business, but if you think that, you are mistaken because without the wheel your pickup truck would be good for little more than using it as a backyard planter for your wife's geraniums. Because of the wheel, your business is on a roll, so to speak, and although your heavy-duty pickup came from the factory with a perfectly functional set of eight-lug wheels, carefully choosing a set of nice aftermarket replacements can benefit your marketing position and possibly your fuel costs. BENEFITS OF CUSTOM Stock wheels come in two basic varieties for HD pickups: pressed steel or aluminum alloy. Either way, these wheels generally look fine on the vehicle and they get the job done, i.e., they hold the tires in place and let you roll down the highway. However, aftermarket wheels allows you to personalize your pickup and make it stand apart from the crowd of HD pickups clogging the job sites. Custom wheels also allow you to build a "signature look"for your fleet, so that it is instantly recognizable, a fact that can help your marketing. Dan Remson, owner of a small Washington state contracting firm specializing in custom remodeling, told ProPickup his three-truck fleet of nicely-painted and custom-wheeled pickups actually brings him business. "People call us and ask if we are the guys with the nice looking pickups," says Remson. American Force 19.5 SS – American Force specializes in big wheels for big trucks, offering a full line of custom wheels for HD applications for both single and dual axle trucks. This 19.5-inch SS bolts-on using factory hardware and offers increased payload, towing capacity, and extended tire life. americanforcewheels.com American Racing 88_18x9_Teflon A – American Racing's ATX series carries a load rating of 3,600 lbs and is available in 8x170 and 8x6.5 bolt patterns and in sizes ranging from 16x8 to 20x9. Available in chrome or black finish coated in Teflon to help keep mud and debris from sticking. MSRP ranges from $182 -$341. atxwheels.com. "Because we take such care of our work trucks, they tell us, they think we'll be just as meticulous when working for them. And you know what? We are!" PRACTICAL SIDE However, there are also practical considerations to take into account. Alloy wheels are as much as 30-percent lighter than a comparable steel wheel so they offer reduced "unsprung" weight when compared against OE steel version. (Unsprung weight is that portion of the vehicle not supported by the suspension system, WHEEL CARE such as the weight of the wheels, tires, wheel hubs and brakes.) It's one of the most vital factors affecting a vehicle's road holding ability and ride quality. A reduction in this critical weight means more precise steering input and improved suspension manners. A reduction in unsprung weight also means a reduction of the rotational mass, allowing for improved overall performance. Acceleration is better because it takes less energy to break rolling resistance when the wheels are lighter. Likewise, braking is improved since it takes less energy to stop the vehicle. The result is improved driveability and a slight reduction in fuel costs. Just like the rest of your vehicle and your work equipment, the wheels on your pickup need some regular preventive maintenance if they are to maintain their integrity and appearance. Steel or aluminum alloy, a neglected wheel not only drags down the overall appearance of your pickup, in extreme cases it can lead to wheel failure. Wheel care, therefore, is an important part of vehicle maintenance. The good part – proper wheel care is both inexpensive and easy to perform. Steel or alloy, wheel care starts with a regular inspection and a good cleaning. Start by washing the heavy dirt off the wheel with a hose. Clean both the outside and the inside of the wheel. Dirt and caked on mud on the inside of the rim will throw the tire/wheel out of balance, which causes the shakes while driving and greatly increases tread wear. Examine the wheels for curb rash, cracks, dents and missing chunks, replacing/repairing any that show injury. Never use harsh detergents to clean the wheels, as these can dull the painted finish and cloud the clear coat. It is best to use a soft brush and a bucket of water laced with car wash solution. If you do use a wheel cleaner, make sure it's designed for use on whatever type wheel you have. Some wheels are clear-coated and using the wrong tire/wheel cleaner can ruin that clearcoat in seconds Always wash the wheels when they are cold, otherwise the residual heat in the wheel could dry the soapy wash water, dulling the paint/clearcoat. Also, be sure to wash/rinse the wheels by hand and one at a time. This will allow you to carefully inspect the wheel as you clean it while keeping the soapy water from drying on the wheel. Once the wheels have been washed and dried, finish off with a coating of paste wax product such as Wheel Wax (wheelwax.com) to keep the wheels clean and sparkling. – PD propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 73