Why do off-roaders prefer steel wheels over aluminum?

I heard that the steel were preferred for off-roading. Please explain why so I can understand.

Also, aren't allow lighter and stronger?

 

not an expert but steel takes the dings and scrapes better than aluminum
or does not show as much anyway. I do know that aluminum bends easy as well...found out with normal street pot holes!

 

So basically, for off roading purposes, steel is more resiliant/durable.

But, what about rust. I figure the off road tires and wheel are subjected to more imersion into not only water, but muddy water and in deeper water under stress.

Doesn't that rust them?

 

Muddy water causes no more rust than spring water. If getting the wheels wet hurt them there'd be a big yellow sticker on them warning us to dry them after driving in the rain. They'll outlast the truck, wash them when they're dirty and inspect them once in a while for damage, spot paint if needed.

 

They're CHEAPER!!

I never priced alluminum wheels.... but I'm pretty sure they're more expensive.

For me - I'd rather have a cheap set of steal black rockcrawler rims for $45 each and not care whether I trash'm up or ding'm up - I can hammer them back into shape and they'll work just as good. And - even if I trash one beyond repair, it only costs $45 to get a new one.

If you offroad hard - the black rockcrawler rims are the cheapest to get new and sooo much easier to replace.

 

Exactly, it's about cost. If you mess up a steel wheel really bad, you can replace it easily. An alloy wheel costs significantly more.

 

steel bends alloy's break... I've seen $300 alloy wheels with pieces missing after hitting a rock....I've seen stock steel chevy wheels straightened with an 8 lb sledge and a winch and hold air rest of way home lol....

 

Yep, been there, done that. I had steelies on my 74' Scout. I landed on a boulder harder than I thought. When I got off the incline and inspected it, I had a flat tire and a bent rim...

I always wondered why my buddy carried a sledge hammer. Now I know. I drove back home on it after about 20 good whacks and a little compressor action. I sold the truck with the rim, but sold the rim as a spare. *YES - I did tell the guy that it had been bent.

 

The steelies just look bad ass! Cheap too. I'll be getting some very soon.