To B(eadlock) or not to B(eadlock)

In an effort to stimulate the ecomomy I'm thinking about buying new wheels for the white Jeep. As if my 4 wheel disc project wasn't enough stimulus. I spoke with Rick Clement from Bart wheels about finding an old set of Clement slots like on the green GPW. He sort of laughed when he informed me they hadn't built those wheels for several years. My Dad used to be a dealer for Clement Wheels so I pulled out the 1973 catalog and tried to order a new set. So anyhow, I'm on the phpne with Rick and he tells me I should look at the Bart Wheels Super Trucker in a beadlock. I sort of like the style, not as well as the old slots though, so I told him I would think about it. Now my question is, why do I need bead lock wheels? I've gotten by without them for years. Pop never ran them and he abused his Jeep as bad as anyone I know. All the fancy rock crawlers have them but I don't do rocks. A lot of street weenies run the fake ones but I'm not sure why. So, for the price he shot me I thought they were really a good deal. To bead lock or not to beadlock, that is the question.

 

If you're not going to be airing down to where you need to worry about unseating a bead, beadlocks are a waste of money. They serve a pretty specific need and don't work very well outside that situation. It's sometimes pretty difficult to get the tire centered and balanced on beadlocks and you have to make sure to check the beadlock bolts pretty regularly. I do run beadlocks, but I regularly run 10 psi or less tire pressure on the trail.

 

I don't think beadlock wheels are DOT approved for highway travel.

 

Sounds like you don't need them.
But if you are just looking to stimulate the economy; What else do you need?

 

If you go with bead locks, I'd look into Staun inflatables. I hear those are much safer and more effective due to locking both the inside and outside bead of the tire.

 

No. Waste of money for your application.

 

Agreed, no need unless you go insane low PSI. I've run as low as 8 psi without bead locks.

 

Thanks for the input. I don't remember ever airing down below 18-20psi anyhow. I would still like to find a set of the old CW steel slots, I like that style. Barak can save the world, I'll save my money. Maybe I'll spend that money on a new handgun while I still can.....

 

I plan on getting beadlocks because I can change my own tires in the drive. And I can get runflats as well s beadlocks.

Recentered Hummer rims is what I'm a looking at.........