Do you really need beadlocks?

[zouch]

not sure which DOT you're speaking of, but (at least in most states) NO wheels are "approved by the DOT"; the DOT does not "approve" wheels.

Just a word to the wise. Bead locks are not approved by the DOT for On Road use.

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[Canucklesammich]

On page 202 in the JL's manual it says "if you are going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of 15psi". Didn't specify beadlocks, so it appears that's a Jeep approved pressure for stock tires/rims.

 

[Jeep Dude]

Better hope you never slide down the seat and hit the gas by mistake??

I once treated the vinyl bench seat of my gf's Chevy S10 Blazer with Armor All, and at the first stop sign, after pressing on the brakes, she slid off the seat, onto the driver's floor ????.

30 years later, she is still ? horrified by that experience lolllllll.

 

[JeepinJason33]

You do not need them for wheeling, they are just nice to have if you want to air down without worry. There are DOT approved beadlocks available. They tend to cost a bit more, but would require the same maintenance as non DOT approved. I have had KMC off-road only beadlocks on several of my Jeeps for years without any problems. Every few months when I am bored, I double check the bolts to ensure they are still torqued properly. That is it, really easy. They are much more expensive to mount if you are paying someone to do the work for you.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I think Rock Monsters are but their styles / colors are limited IMO

https://www.hutchinsoninc.com/rock-monster-internal-double-beadlock-system/

What do they weigh?

 

[Barney392]

There are absolutely DOT approved beadlocks.































































Notwithstanding, have you ever heard of anyone get specifically pulled over for beadlocks?































































































































Lastly, they suck to manitain regardless and unless you're required to aotherir down to like 5psi regularly, they're a huge pain in the ass and not worth the hassle. Somewhat like wearing a cosplay On the costume full time. 















Getting pulled over doesn't concern me.

not sure which DOT you're speaking of, but (at least in most states) NO wheels are "approved by the DOT"; the DOT does not "approve" wheels.

Below is the description of the factory Jeep bead lock capable wheels that come on the 329 and XR equipped Jeeps.

Next your going to tell me that tires are not DOT regulated also. The very same tires that have a DOT number and manufactured date per DOT regulations that are on your car today.


Description
One wheel. Dual functionality. That is what you get with this silver and black beauty from Mopar's Jeep Performance Parts. On one hand, this is a cast aluminum 17x8 with 4.4in Backspace (- 3 offset), hub centric wheel that features a standard outer tire bead for normal DOT approved tire mounting. However, with an available forged aluminum functional bead lock ring, you can turn this wheel into an off-road masterpiece. This optional ring moves the tire bead outward to a fully functional bead lock position, allowing for serious off-road operation with low tire pressures to achieve maximum traction. The forged aluminum functional bead lock ring comes with longer hardened steel fasteners and is NOT DOT approved for street use. When bead lock ring is installed, wheel width is altered to 8.5". The wheel's -9 mm offset also allows installation of up to 35" tires without any frame interference. Wheel features a satin black center, silver ring and Jeep branded center cap.

 

[Vinman]

So exactly which vehicle components are require to be DOT approved?

 

[Speed331]

While this vid is actually a tire review, these guys push through some serious terrain without bead locks at low psi. They do pop an occasional bead - as shown in the vid - but it'll give you a good idea of the tipping point.

 

[Atom631]

I have the ICON Rebound PROs and they provide much the same benefit as pure beadlocks and ARE DOT compliant/legal. I air down to around 12 PSI when off road and have had two friends knock off a bead when out wheeling. One was at night after a very long day and was a huge hassle to deal with - he has since gone to true beadlocks. I did not want a none DOT wheel and is why I jumped on the ICONs.

Ive got the Rebound Pros as well and they have been great. Ive gone down to 8-10 with no issues.

 

[Bleda2002]

Unless your state has law against bead locks, dot certified or not, they're not illegal. The dot stamp means the rim has been tested to meet fmvss, the beadlocks haven't been, so they don't have the stamp. The cops can't write you a ticket for it unless you are breaking a law, and unless your state says you have to use DOT rims then there is nothing you are breaking (rims made before 1977 for example don't carry the stamp, but aren't illegal)

I was apprehensive about getting them at first after reading the forums but I'm glad I just went with them. If you aren't comfortable doing the work yourself then I would recommend against it, but if you are then it's not that big of a deal. Mounting them the first time is more involved than just going to a shop, but you can still get it done at an hour a wheel at a leisurely pace and you save the mounting costs. After that if you can use a torque wrench and a jack then every tire rotation/oil change you take 5 minutes per wheel to check the torques and continue on your way. The only caution I'd have is to make sure you know of a shop that will balance them, if not then it can be a pain but pretty much any of the local places will balance once they're mounted.

 

[keeperman13]

Check out the Icon Rebound Pros

 

[dragoneggs]

I’m running with Icon Rebound Pros. I’m confident these will suit me just fine on and off road.

https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/innerlock/

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

Just a word to the wise. Bead locks are not approved by the DOT for On Road use.

Icon has a beadlock wheel setup that is DOT approved and can be road operated.

 

[DOOKEY]

 

[Dyolfknip74]

Below is the description of the factory Jeep bead lock capable wheels that come on the 329 and XR equipped Jeeps.

Next your going to tell me that tires are not DOT regulated also. The very same tires that have a DOT number and manufactured date per DOT regulations that are on your car today.


Description
One wheel. Dual functionality. That is what you get with this silver and black beauty from Mopar's Jeep Performance Parts. On one hand, this is a cast aluminum 17x8 with 4.4in Backspace (- 3 offset), hub centric wheel that features a standard outer tire bead for normal DOT approved tire mounting. However, with an available forged aluminum functional bead lock ring, you can turn this wheel into an off-road masterpiece. This optional ring moves the tire bead outward to a fully functional bead lock position, allowing for serious off-road operation with low tire pressures to achieve maximum traction. The forged aluminum functional bead lock ring comes with longer hardened steel fasteners and is NOT DOT approved for street use. When bead lock ring is installed, wheel width is altered to 8.5". The wheel's -9 mm offset also allows installation of up to 35" tires without any frame interference. Wheel features a satin black center, silver ring and Jeep branded center cap.

Not sure why you quoted my post and with the massive gaps.

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