Why Do I Need New Lug Nuts

Why Do I Need New Lug Nuts

Wondering why your new wheels require a set of new lugs to install? It's a common question we get asked so we figured we'd pull back the curtain and explain why it's common practice to need new lugs every time you buy aftermarket wheels.

One of the best things about getting new wheels is how they immediately take your machine from mild to wild with such a simple upgrade. Wheels and tires can make a ten year old machine look brand new and are typically one of the cheaper upgrades you can do for the most bang for your buck. 

So why is it that all custom or aftermarket wheels require new lug nuts? why not just keep the stock OEM lugs? 

Good question. To get to the root of this question, we need to examine the basics of custom wheel design. If OEM wheels were all built equally, you wouldn't need to upgrade right? So what is the reason for your new wheels? You probably fit into one, two, or all of the most common reasons below:

  • Improved looks/design
  • Improved functionality (beadlock)
  • Improved weight
  • Plus-sized (larger diameter)
  • Improved offset/backspacing (wider/skinnier)

In order to design the world's best looking wheels (😎), we focus our engineering on two main points, design and weight. Sometimes weight is sacrificed for design but more often than not, each of our Valor Offroad styles embody the best of both. Lower weight can be achieved with purposeful design, or through a variety of manufacturing processes to remove any unnecessary material. In the design process, our intent is to improve the looks of your machine, no matter what model or trim level you chose.

One of the areas that makes a big difference in wheel design is to remove the bulky lug holes that come stock with your OEM wheels. Purposeful, yes, but a larger lug hole restrains design and can actually bulk the spoke, adding unnecessary weight in the process. We shrink the diameter of the lug hole on Valor Offroad wheels, allowing more opportunity to elongate spokes, improve weight and drastically improve overall design.

Notice the difference in spoke thickness and lug hole diameter between a stock OEM RZR wheel and Valor V01.

stock vs custom utv wheels lug nuts difference

So, now you know WHY we design wheels with a smaller lug pocket (hole), which now requires a smaller profile lug nut to fit in the new hole, hence why you need new lugs. You don't need to fear that our aftermarket lugs are inferior to the OEM lugs because all of our Valor Offroad lug kits are tested, standardized and approved for all makes and models of UTV specific fitments. Depending on your wheel studs and vehicle make/model, we offer acorn and spline lugs to ensure a OEM spec fitment. 

Acorn Lug Kits

V10X125B-KIT - Fits: Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki (BF750i & 650i), Suzuki, Kymco, Polaris (Sportsman XP 850 & 550), Can-Am Commander/Maverick

V38B-KIT - Fits: Polaris Ranger, RZR 800/900, Sportsman (Non-XP), Polaris UTV Pre-2015

Spline Lug Kits

V12X125B-KIT - Fits: Kawasaki, Teryx/ Mule /KRX, Yamaha YXZ Fitments

V12X150B-KIT - Fits: Honda Big Red/Pioneer/Talon, Polaris XP1K/XP Turbo/Turbo S/XP Pro, Can-Am X3, Wildcat XX

VIEW ALL INSTALLATION KITS

Does lightweight matter?
Learn

Does lightweight matter?

Wheel design/style is the primary consideration when considering whether or not you want to quickly drop unnecessary weight. Bulky styling can quickly increase weight, pushing your wheel well past OEM standards. So what to look for when considering a lightweight UTV wheel? 
What is the best UTV wheel
Learn

What is the best UTV wheel

Looking for the best UTV wheel in the industry? What makes one brand different from the next and why is there such a big swing in strength, sizing options, customization and price. Learn why the best UTV wheel may surprise you.
What is a Dual-Drill UTV Wheel?
Fitment

What is a Dual-Drill UTV Wheel?

A dual drilled wheel is a wheel that is drilled with two sets of bolt holes. With this additional set of holes, dual drill wheels can accept two different bolt patterns. On all dual-drill wheels, the larger hub bore of the two bolt patterns is used to ensure proper fitment.  

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Polaris RZR Turbo S on Valor V02 Dual Drill UTV Wheels

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Valor V06 beadlock RZR PRO R wheel 5 lug

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