WORKING WHEELS

WHEN A GVM UPGRADE PUSHED THE FACTORY ALLOY WHEELS PAST THEIR LIMITS, SWAPPING TO CSA-X RECOIL RIMS PROVED A SMART MOVE

- GLENN MARSHALL

When you're setting up a 4x4 for serious touring, wheels don't always top the shopping list. Suspension upgrades, extended fuel range, electrical setups and storage solutions usually steal the spotlight. But if you've ever pushed a vehicle across remote tracks, you'll know just how critical the right rims can be.

When I upgraded the GVM on my Isuzu D-MAX, I hit that realisation hard - the factory alloys simply weren't up to the task. They weren't rated to handle the extra load that comes with carrying all the gear needed for remote travel and, worse still, if I wanted a replacement, Isuzu wanted $1250 per rim.

I prefer to tour with six wheels - four on the vehicle and two spares - which would have been an eye-watering outlay. That sent me looking for alternatives, and after some research I eventually landed on Mullins Wheels, which has a strong reputation for rugged, Australian-spec rims. I settled on the CSA-X Recoil, ordering six in 18x8.5, 6/139.7 stud pattern, +20 offset, finished in Satin Black.

WHY CSA-X RECOIL?

The decision was simple once I started digging into the specs. The CSA-X Recoil is designed for heavy-duty applications, particularly for vehicles that have a GVM upgrade like mine. Each rim carries a 1500kg load rating, making it a bulletproof choice for serious off-road work. Whether you’re tackling rough tracks or hauling a fully loaded 4x4, they’re an obvious pick if you’ve gone to the trouble of upgrading your GVM.

Then there was the value for money. Compared with the astronomical price of the OEM Isuzu alloys, I could buy a full set of six CSA-X Recoils for far less than four factory rims. That alone made the decision easy — but the bonus is that they look great, too. The Satin Black finish suits the D-MAX perfectly and gives it a tougher stance without being flashy.