Walker Evans Simulated Bead Locks and TPMS
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Central, IL (Peoria Area)
Your answer has been provided below...
Retailers and manufacturers use a legal disclaimer to further protect themselves from end-user misapplication of a product. Don't confuse that with a state mandate against use of the wheels on public roads. You will not find explicit legal code, regardless of state, stating that bead lock wheels are illegal. The worst case scenario has always been that you are involved in a traffic accident, the tire and wheel are separated during impact, and an astute officer writes you a ticket for an unapproved wheel or unsafe vehicle. While that is plausible, it is highly unlikely to occur... especially during the heat of trying to quickly clear a traffic accident from the roadway.
In the end, you have to decide for yourself. Bead lock wheels are going to require more maintenance than a typical wheel. Your local Discount Tire is not going to come within ten feet of touching your vehicle, even if it's just to check your air level. There are liability concerns. Those of us that use bead lock wheels for everyday or near-everyday use accept any potential repercussions from operating said wheels. We are typically rather meticulous about torque settings and air level to begin with. In most applications, the Jeeper doesn't need bead lock wheels, rather wanting them for the looks. Wheel manufacturers have capitalized on the aesthetic desire for bead locks by creating street locks or similar named styles. If you don't need them, don't get them. If you want them (and can afford them), educate yourself and rock on.
I entirely respect this conversation, it happens every single time the topic comes up. I just prefer that the lay driver understand what he/she is getting himself/herself into, rather than buy into misnomers or a scare tactic.
Best.
Retailers and manufacturers use a legal disclaimer to further protect themselves from end-user misapplication of a product. Don't confuse that with a state mandate against use of the wheels on public roads. You will not find explicit legal code, regardless of state, stating that bead lock wheels are illegal. The worst case scenario has always been that you are involved in a traffic accident, the tire and wheel are separated during impact, and an astute officer writes you a ticket for an unapproved wheel or unsafe vehicle. While that is plausible, it is highly unlikely to occur... especially during the heat of trying to quickly clear a traffic accident from the roadway.
In the end, you have to decide for yourself. Bead lock wheels are going to require more maintenance than a typical wheel. Your local Discount Tire is not going to come within ten feet of touching your vehicle, even if it's just to check your air level. There are liability concerns. Those of us that use bead lock wheels for everyday or near-everyday use accept any potential repercussions from operating said wheels. We are typically rather meticulous about torque settings and air level to begin with. In most applications, the Jeeper doesn't need bead lock wheels, rather wanting them for the looks. Wheel manufacturers have capitalized on the aesthetic desire for bead locks by creating street locks or similar named styles. If you don't need them, don't get them. If you want them (and can afford them), educate yourself and rock on.
I entirely respect this conversation, it happens every single time the topic comes up. I just prefer that the lay driver understand what he/she is getting himself/herself into, rather than buy into misnomers or a scare tactic.
Best.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 416
Likes: 1
From: Apple Valley, CA
I went with the true beadlocks because knowing myself if I didn't by them now I'd buy a faux set then want them later. I'm running the raceline monsters. I mounted the tires, BFG KM2's 35x12.5x17, in my garage and it took me about 30 mins a wheel. There are 32 bolts per wheel that need to be torqued about 3 times to ensure they are all even. Then they need to be periodically checked to maintain them. Once mounted America's tire balanced them for me. A couple took 2 ounces or less. There were some local shops that would have mounted them but I wanted to save some cash. I've run the freeway and so far no signs of trouble. No vibrations and no leaks. I wouldn't have gone any other route. Go with what you want and love it. And yes they are stamped "not street legal" but I figure if race trucks can run my wheel at 100 mph through the desert ill be ok at 70 on the freeway...haha.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Appleton, Wi
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
