Owl Sprinter Van Tech Series: Wheels and Tires

Shop Our Wheels and Tires Here!

The video focuses on the advanced technology and design innovations behind Owl’s wheels, specifically crafted for Sprinter vans and off-road performance. Starting with the importance of wheel strength and durability, John explains how many wheels on the market are originally designed for lighter vehicles such as pickup trucks, which creates a significant mismatch when used on heavy Sprinter vans. Owl wheels overcome this by being pressure cast under high pressure, resulting in wheels that can support over 4,000 lbs each, nearly doubling the load capacity compared to typical wheels.

Another innovative feature that Owl introduced, now widely adopted, is the use of dual valve stems. This design simplifies the process of airing down tires when off-roading, making it much faster and easier to reduce tire pressure without constantly checking and adjusting. The second valve stem incorporates an Apex valve with a special plunger, allowing rapid deflation from highway pressures (~75 PSI) to off-road pressures (~30 PSI) in under a minute—something that previously took a lot of time and effort.

Finally, our video highlights the incorporation of a bead retention ring inside the wheel, an innovation that addresses the challenge of maintaining tire bead seating at low pressures. Instead of using traditional beadlock wheels, which have issues with mounting and legality for on-road use, Owl’s bead retention ring provides a secure hold for the tire bead even at extremely low pressures (down to 15 PSI or lower). This design enhances off-road traction by increasing the tire’s contact patch while ensuring the tire remains securely seated on the rim during aggressive driving conditions such as desert racing.

Overall, the video emphasizes the blend of strength, practicality, and innovative design that makes Owl wheels uniquely suited for heavy vans and off-road enthusiasts, offering performance and reliability that surpass conventional wheel options.

Highlights

•  Owl wheels are designed specifically to support heavy Sprinter vans, nearly doubling typical wheel load ratings.
•  Pressure casting technology makes Owl wheels stronger and more durable than traditional wheels.
•  Dual valve stems with an Apex valve allow quick and easy tire deflation for off-roading.
•  Reduction from 75 PSI to 30 PSI can be achieved in less than a minute with the new valve system.
•  The bead retention ring secures the tire bead at low pressures without the drawbacks of beadlock wheels.
•  Owl wheels improve off-road traction by increasing the tire’s contact patch when aired down.
•  Proven durability in extreme conditions, including Baja desert racing and aggressive off-road driving.

Key Insights

•  Load Capacity Matters for Van Wheels: Unlike many wheels on the market that are repurposed from lighter vehicles, Owl’s wheels are engineered specifically for the heavy loads carried by Sprinter vans. This focus on appropriate load rating is crucial for safety and performance, preventing rim failures that can occur when wheels are pushed beyond their design limits. The pressure casting manufacturing process significantly enhances wheel strength, addressing a major industry shortfall.

•  Pressure Casting vs. Traditional Casting: Pressure casting involves injecting molten aluminum into molds under high pressure, resulting in a denser and stronger wheel structure compared to gravity or low-pressure casting typically used by other manufacturers. This technological choice reduces the risk of cracks and bends, making the wheels more resilient on rough terrain where impacts are common.

•  Dual Valve Stem Innovation Simplifies Tire Pressure Management: Off-roading requires frequent tire pressure adjustments to optimize traction and ride quality. The dual valve stem system with an Apex valve allows users to rapidly and accurately reduce tire pressure without repeatedly removing valve cores or guessing tire pressure, saving time and effort. This innovation enhances the user experience and vehicle capability in off-road scenarios.

•  Efficiency in Tire Deflation Translates to Better Off-Road Preparation: Traditional methods of airing down tires can be time-consuming and physically demanding. The ability to drop tire pressure from highway levels (around 75 PSI) to off-road levels (around 30 PSI) in under a minute is a significant advantage for off-roaders, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing terrain conditions without delay. This responsiveness can improve safety and performance.

•  Bead Retention Ring Offers a Practical Alternative to Beadlocks: Beadlock wheels, while effective in keeping tires on rims at low pressure, often involve complex installation, increased weight, and legal restrictions for on-road use. Owl’s bead retention ring provides a simpler, lighter, and street-legal solution that firmly holds the tire bead in place, even at very low pressures, enhancing off-road traction without compromising everyday drivability.

•  Wider Contact Patch Improves Off-Road Traction: Lowering tire pressure increases the tire’s footprint on the ground, distributing the vehicle’s weight over a larger surface area. This reduces ground pressure and improves grip on loose or uneven surfaces like sand, rocks, and mud. Owl’s wheels, combined with proper airing down, exploit this principle to enhance vehicle control and stability off-road.

•  Proven Durability in Harsh Environments Validates Design Choices: The presenter’s personal experience with Owl wheels in extreme conditions such as the Baja desert—where the van was pushed to airborne jumps and rough trails—demonstrates the wheels’ robustness. The absence of tire bead failures or wheel damage under such demanding use underscores the effectiveness of the design innovations and manufacturing processes.

This video ultimately showcases how thoughtful engineering tailored to the specific needs of Sprinter van owners and off-road enthusiasts can drive meaningful improvements in wheel technology, combining function, durability, and ease of use in ways that older, repurposed wheel designs cannot match.