Bent wheels while off-roading

[Jerk]

I just got some new tires (KO3s) at Discount Tire and they told me that my wheels were all misshapen, likely from off-roading. The tech said it was pretty unusual to see something like that, and that maybe my wheels were defective. They said my ride would be bumpy, which it hadn't been with my Pirelli's. I could tell on my ride home things felt a bit different.

I do a fair bit of wheeling, some rock crawling, but mostly lots of mud and tight forest trails here in Georgia. I don't go fast while I'm riding, but I have gotten rim rash from some of the rocks.

So what's everyone's take on that? Is that common? Should I be enquiring about replacement wheels? Or should I just buy new forged wheels and carry on?

Gen 1 Dual Large with Off-Road package, in case that's relevant.

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[Time2Roll]

Something sounds fishy if the vehicle rode nice going in and worse after new tires.

 

[ndmiller]

If in fact your wheels are bent up from wheeling, there's no warranty for that from Rivian or any other manufacturer, you'll be on the hook.

BUT as previous poster mentioned it sounds like the shop was explaining away a future bad ride, before you even left. K03's will ride worse on pavement than the OEM, but something is up. Did you see your allegedly messed up wheels?

 

[cohall]

Which wheels are you currently running? The 20s are already fully forged, and should not be bent from the type of off-roading you’re describing. I can’t speak to the other OEM sizes.
Sounds to me like the shop was trying to explain away improper balancing after installing the KO3s

 

[Killer95Stang]

I've sold a bunch of different used sets of the Rivian 20" AT wheels and every once in a while I come across a wheel that is bent. Usually like a flat spot on the inside lip, where their is less support. They will usually balance out, to at least use as a good spare, but I don't sell or use them for regular driving. Ask the tire shop if they will spin on the balancer to show you where the bend is. It will be completely obvious.

 

[Polar]

I have not bent my Rivian rims, but I did bend an EV Sportline Steelie - i had a local tire shop straighten it back out and all is good again.

 

[Rivian Owner]

If it turns out your wheel(s) is/are bent. You should be able to get them corrected. Near me there is a company called Hub Cap Annie's that does wheel repair. Their charges are a lot less than buying a new wheel. They may offer to check your wheel for runout and other damage for a few bucks.

I don't know what the roads are like around you. But it doesn't take hitting a lot of potholes at 60 or 70 mph before you damage a rim, no offroading required.

 

[Jerk]

I did not have them show me the shape issues while I was there, but I plan on going back to have them show me. The ride isn't significantly changed, it's just a bit bumpier than it was with the stock Pirellis.

If they are indeed bent, I'll find a local place to reshape them. Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

 

[forestwalker]

I did not have them show me the shape issues while I was there, but I plan on going back to have them show me. The ride isn't significantly changed, it's just a bit bumpier than it was with the stock Pirellis.

If they are indeed bent, I'll find a local place to reshape them. Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

AT tires will cause a noticeably rougher ride over the Pirelli Scorpions, that could be all youre feeling.

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