Choosing the right Alcoa wheels for your truck and trailer might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether purchasing a new Truck or Trailer, upgrading original equipment or shopping for wheels online, this guide will walk you through the essentials to find the perfect fit.
Consider the rim specification factors to determine which Alcoa wheels will fit your truck and trailer.
- WHEEL SIZE: Start with the basics: diameter and width. For instance, a common size is 22.5×8.25, but knowing your rim specs needs ensures a perfect fit.
- MOUNTING SYSTEM: Does your vehicle use hub-piloted, stud-piloted, or spoke wheels? This is crucial for compatibility.
- LOAD RATING: Make sure your wheels can handle the weight of your truck and trailer. Match the wheel’s load rating to your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
- OFFSET AND BACKSPACING: Offset affects how far the wheel sticks out or tucks in. It’s essential that the wheel aligns with your suspension and brake components.
- MATERIAL: Decide between aluminium and steel. Aluminium wheels, like Alcoa Wheels, offer impressive benefits—reduced weight, better fuel efficiency, and a sleek look. Steel is durable but heavier, so it depends on your priorities.
How to Read Alcoa Wheels Part Numbers
If you’ve ever looked at an Alcoa® Wheels part number and felt overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here’s how to break it down step by step.
Part Number Basics: Every Alcoa® Wheels part number tells a story. It includes three main components.
- Wheel Family
- Polish and Surface Treatment
- Diameter & Width
Let’s dive into the details of the wheel specs
The First Two Digits: Size Matters
The first two digits represent the wheel’s diameter and width.
- Diameter
- (6) – 17.5”
- (7) – 19.5”
- (8) – 22.5”
- (9) – 24.5”
- Truck Rim Width
- (2) – 12.25”,
- (3) – 13.00”,
- (4) – 14”
- (7) – 7.50”
- (8) – 8.25”
- (9) – 9.00”
The following three digits in the wheel family: Reserved for use by the engineering department (could include letters)
The Sixth Digit – Polish Finish Options
Following the five digits of the wheel family is a single sixth digit, which is the Polish finish identifier. Our polish options are designed to give your wheels the look you want while offering added protection and longevity.
Polish options include:
- 1 Mirror polish steer/outside only
- 2 Mirror polish inside only
- 3 Mirror polish on both sides
- 7 LvLOne – both sides as applicable
- 0 Brush finish – both sides as applicable
Final Digits – Surface Treatment: The Final Touch
Alcoa Wheels offers advanced surface treatments that prevent cracking, peeling, or corrosion. The final digits of the part number indicate these treatments:
- DB Dura-Bright® Surface Treatment
- DF Dura-Flange® Wear Protection
- BLK Dura-Black™ Wheels Surface Treatment
Real-World Example
Here’s an example of a couple of common 22.5″ x 8.25″ wheels that are in the same family, with the first five digits being 88565. That’s the wheel family. Using the numbers referenced above, the first digit is an 8, which corresponds to a 22.5″ diameter, and the second digit is also an 8, which corresponds to an 8.25″ rim width. The third number, a 5, is reserved for engineering. The fourth number, a 6, corresponds to a 10 on the 285.75 hub pilot. The fifth number is reserved for engineering.
Taking that wheel family a step further, we add on a sixth digit for polish and final digits for an optional surface treatment. Both the 885657 and 885651DB in the example below are the same wheel family, just different finishes applied to the wheel.
This guide makes decoding rim specifications and choosing the best wheels for your truck and trailer a breeze. The key is understanding the three components of each Alcoa® Wheels part number: wheel family, polish finish, and surface treatment.
Got questions or need help picking the right wheels truck? Reach out to your trusted Alcoa Wheels supplier—they’ll steer you in the right direction.
Make Sure It’s An Alcoa® Wheel
Discover the industry’s future and experience the latest innovations at the Brisbane Truck Show 2025. Visit us from May 15 to May 18, at Stand 86 for a firsthand look at our groundbreaking products. Have questions? Contact the Howmet Wheel system at 1800 955 191 or email us at alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com. Don’t miss out—explore more at alcoawheels.com.au and follow Alcoa on Facebook at alcoawheelsaustralia to stay updated. We can’t wait to see you there!