Named after a famous Icelandic volcano, the Katla’s design was inspired by AEV’s popular Savegre wheel for the JK Wrangler, but adapted for use on 3/4 and 1-ton Ram trucks. This proven design not only looks great, but is also capable of withstanding extremely heavy loads. AEV’s signature recessed valve stems provide added protection from rocks and other objects on the trail. The 17x8.5 Katla features a Ram-specific backspacing that is designed for the perfect fitment with or without factory fender flares when using up to a 37x12.50 tire. This vehicle specific wheel design provides the optimal balance of tire clearance, scrub radius and handling.
Key Features:
- A356/T6 cast aluminum construction
- 3,650 lbs. load rating – tested w/ a 40” tire
- Compatible with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Recessed valve stems for added protection
- Tested to stringent SAE J2530 standards
- Molded AEV Center Cap included
- Lifetime structural warranty
*Be aware that the tire size indicated on the sidewall of a tire is only a general indication of its size and is not necessarily its actual size. Tires can run larger or smaller than their indicated size and larger tires may rub fenders, chassis and control-arms during steering and/or suspension movement.
Please note: As a general safety precaution, AEV does not recommend powder coating aluminum wheels. The heat range and duration of the powder coating process may overlap the heat treating and aging of cast or forged aluminum wheels. For this reason, powder coated wheels will not be covered under AEV’s lifetime structural warranty. All repairs and/or color changes should utilize automotive type liquid paint.
TECH SPECS
Application: 2003+ Ram 2500/3500
Size: 17x8.5
Bolt Pattern: 8x6.5
Offset: +27mm
Coating: Primer, Paint
Made In: China. And for the record, we’re not happy about it. At AEV, we remain committed to American manufacturing, and we would much rather have our wheels manufactured in the US. But right now, you can’t get wheels made in the US at aftermarket volumes.
What happened? Most of the US wheel manufacturing used to be based in California. In the early nineties, China targeted the wheel industry as a strategic growth industry. They set up incentives for the construction of wheel manufacturing facilities, began offering export credits of 22% on wheels, and fully subsidized the cost of new tooling. US plants couldn’t compete. Most US manufacturers ended up selling their equipment to China, created partnerships with the Chinese plants, and became middle men importing wheels back to the US.
Today, the only cast wheel plants left in the US are for high volume OE wheel programs. So unfortunately, buying from China is a necessary evil of being in the aftermarket cast wheel business. We have made the effort to buy from a high quality Chinese plant. Our plant also produces OE wheels for Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Harley Davidson, among others. Our supplier has Americans on the ground in China who oversee our programs for us, and we have been over to China to inspect and visit the plant.
When lower volume manufacturing becomes feasible again in the US, we will be first in line. Over the past 20 years, the Chinese government has stopped subsidizing tooling, has been phasing out the wheel export credits, and as of 2011 they finally eliminated the wheel credits. We hope that in time, US plants will be able to compete and we will start to see some volume move back to the US.
