Alcoa announced a new series of wide-base aluminum wheels, engineered for high performance through Alcoa’s proprietary LvL One wheel manufacturing process of light weighting. At just 58 lbs., Alcoa’s wide-base wheels are the lightest 14-in. aluminum wheels on the market, the company said.
Alcoa 14-in. wide-base wheels replace dual wheels and reduce overall vehicle weight for improved productivity or increased fuel economy. Switching from single steel 22.5- x 8.25-in. wheels to Alcoa 14-in. wide-base wheels can reduce the weight of an 18-wheeler by nearly 1,400 lbs., cutting annual fuel costs or increasing payload, according to Alcoa.
“Identifying ways to improve upon our technology to increase our products’ benefits is always a primary objective,” said Merrick Murphy, vice president and general manager – Americas and Pac Rim, Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheels. “We continue to lead the way in innovation and are proud to be able to offer our customers the lightest and most efficient wide base wheel in the industry.”
The new wide-base wheels are available in 0-, 1-, and 2-in. offsets to fit all axle types. Each wheel roll stamp contains “0-in. Offset This Side Out “or “2-in. Outset This Side Out” to indicate offset mounting position. In addition, Alcoa locates the roll stamp, valve hole and valve stem direction on all wheels to ensure proper installation for all axle types.
Wide-base wheels are provided in clean buff, polished, Dura-Bright and Dura-Flange finish options. Orders are now being accepted with wheels currently in inventory available for delivery.
