Steel vs Alloy Wheels: 5 Reasons Why Aluminum Alloy Wins

The wheels of an adventure van contribute to both style and function. With the right design, they can change the entire look of the van into something capable and confident. With the right construction, they can improve handling, be it on the highway or off-road.

When it comes to purchasing new wheels for a Sprinter van, Grenadier, or other rig, most people find themselves stuck comparing alloy wheels vs steel wheels. While both have their pros and cons, aluminum alloy wheels are the best overall choice for exploration vehicles. Here’s why.

Why Wheel Material Matters

Most people don’t put too much thought into what metal their wheels are made of. So when posed with the option of alloy vs steel wheels, they’re lost. Material choice is incredibly important because it’s what determines the overall strength, durability, and performance of your wheel.

As with all types of materials, there are benefits and drawbacks to each. Some wheel types offer more durability, whereas others offer more room for customization. Off-road vehicles such as Grenadiers, Sprinter vans, and other adventure vans require versatility, so you want to strike a good balance between:

• Structural integrity

• Resilience against damage

• Weight, to reduce strain on your vehicle

• Visual appeal and aesthetic longevity

• Handling and performance

Steel Wheels

Steel is the traditional material used in vehicle wheels, as seen with classic black “steelies.” It’s typically comprised of carbon steel and iron, and occasionally has manganese added for increased durability. 

The main benefit of steel is its durability. Steel has a higher tensile strength than other wheel types like aluminum, which means it’s more likely to deform than crack when under immense pressure. However, this durability comes with a trade-off: weight. Steel wheels are much heavier than aluminum wheels.

Aluminum Alloy Wheels

Aluminum alloy is a popular material for aftermarket wheels. While not as durable as steel, it still offers impressive resilience to impacts and loading. Aluminum is more likely to crack than deform when exposed to high amounts of pressure. 

The major advantage of these wheels is that they’re incredibly lightweight. For vehicles that require mobility and responsive handling, this is a huge benefit.

What is Alloy?

According to Penn State, “an alloy is a mixture of metal with another element, either metal or non-metal.” In the case of wheels, alloy wheels and aluminum wheels are the same thing. This is because all aluminum wheels are actually a blend of metals. While mostly aluminum, other materials like magnesium, copper, silicon, and zinc are blended in to make the wheel more structural. Aluminum alone would be far too weak.

Why Alloy Wheels are the Best Choice for Adventure Vans

1. Lightweight

The most significant benefit of aluminum alloy wheels for adventure vans is its lightweight nature. Your Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster can be seriously weighed down by all of the gear you add to it. Having heavy steel wheels on all four hubs only adds to it, putting unnecessary wear on your knuckles and suspension components.

Lightweight aluminum wheels can help you save on payload capacity, giving you a couple of extra pounds to add that bike or paddleboard.

2. Resistance to Corrosion

Aesthetically, aluminum alloy wheels have a much longer lifespan because of their resistance to corrosion. With steel wheels, the rims can start to develop spots of rust if the coating is worn off. Once this rust begins, it’s tough to reverse and it can seriously bring down the style of your wheel.

Aluminum wheels will retain their factory shine for years, so you won’t have to worry about refinishing or painting them, even with extreme off-road use.

3. Better Heat Dissipation

Driving a heavy vehicle and off-roading can create a lot of heat buildup because of frequent braking. This can be an issue, as it may cause brake fading because of the loss of friction, or structural fatigue to your wheel.

Studies have found that aluminum alloy wheels dissipate heat much more efficiently than steel wheels. This results in less wheel deformation over time, keeping you on the road longer without issues.

4. More Responsive Steering and Handling

A driver can feel the difference between steel and alloy behind the steering wheel. The extra weight of steel reduces response time and makes the vehicle feel more sluggish when turning.

This can be a major downside when off-roading, as quick steering maneuvers are often required to maintain balance and approach angles. With aluminum wheels, steering feels quicker and nimbler.

5. More Style Options

Steel wheels and alloy wheels are forged differently, resulting in noticeable style differences. Steel wheels are “stamped” into a desired shape, whereas alloy wheels are manufactured using a mold via casting. Casting is ideal for intricate metal components as it has much more room for customization. In the case of wheels, this lends itself to more creative designs. 

Top Aluminum Alloy Sprinter Van Wheels

At Owl, we specialize in aluminum alloy wheels and strongly believe in the advantages that they offer to Sprinter van owners and off-roaders. We prioritize products that are lightweight yet still incredibly strong. In fact, all of our wheels are rated for at least 4,000 lbs. That’s double the load rating of most aftermarket wheels. 

The result? Strong, easy-to-maneuver wheels that are built to stand up to the adventures you put them through. Here are our three main options.

Talon

Talon wheels are our flagship alloy wheel, and they were one of the first wheels of their kind manufactured specifically for Sprinter vans. With a 4,200 lb. capacity, these wheels are engineered to handle the weight of even the heaviest vans.

Additionally, they come in multiple color options, allowing you to customize the aesthetic to your van’s style. Choose from satin black, bronze, or Scottish white.

Sixty

The Sixty mimics the traditional steelie style while improving on it with lightweight aluminum. This creates an iconic off-road appearance that doesn't look overly flashy.

The Sixty features a 4,200 lb. capacity, a dual valve stem system, a bead retention ring, and a 30mm offset, striking the perfect combination of practicality and versatility.

Mojo

Mojo wheels are a best seller for their rugged aesthetic and tested performance. It fits the Kerma Big Brake Kit with an Owl spacer, making it one of the only 17” wheels that can fit large braking systems.

As the only wheel in Owl's lineup with a classic hub and spoke look, the Mojo communicates timeless and intentional design across every square inch.

Get Top-Rated Off-Road Wheels at Owl

Aluminum alloy wheels are vastly superior to steel wheels when it comes to adventure vans and off-road vehicles like Grenadiers. Their lightweight, durable construction is the perfect blend for high-performance exploration, and their multiple design options allow you to pick a wheel that suits your personal style.

Owl’s selection of premium Sprinter van wheels and Grenadier wheels has consistently impressed the community, and we’re confident that you’ll be satisfied with your upgrade. Find your perfect wheel today and contact our team to learn more about any product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do alloy wheels improve gas mileage?

Yes, because they’re lightweight, alloy wheels can subtly improve your van’s gas mileage. 

Is it worth upgrading to alloy wheels on my Sprinter van?

Absolutely. Alloy wheels will help you save on payload weight, and they’ll improve the handling of your van. They also visually upgrade the OEM wheel style.

Are steel or alloy wheels better for the INEOS Grenadier?

Alloy wheels are better for Grenadiers because these vehicles are commonly used for off-roading. The lighter weight of alloy can improve steering responsiveness.