Larger tyre question.

[voltron]

A weird question but I figure I will ask anyway.

Does fitting larger tyres mean the truck can carry the load more safely because it's a larger tyre hanadling the same weight that a smaller tyre did previously???

Im not asking if it increases your load carrying ability, just does it minimise risk of tyre damage or blowout because they are larger.

Cheers

[n plus one]

A weird question but I figure I will ask anyway.

Does fitting larger tyres mean the truck can carry the load more safely because it's a larger tyre hanadling the same weight that a smaller tyre did previously???

Im not asking if it increases your load carrying ability, just does it minimise risk of tyre damage or blowout because they are larger.

Cheers

No, tyre load rating/construction matters not tyre size.

Why do you think a bigger tyre would be less likely to blow out? Ramp angle?

[Blknight.aus]

no it doesnt, the load rating governs the max load of the tyre and in most cases upping the tyres load rating is of no advantage because the axle limit comes in to play first.

increasing the tyre size can, in some cases and situations, increase the chances of tyre wear and damage.

[Slunnie]

I've noticed for many tyres 285/75-16 is about their highest load rating. Bigger tyres like 315/75-16 have a lower rating, as does 265/75-16 and 305/70-16.

[voltron]

Cheers.

I only ask because with so much weight on board when on a trip, I often think about how to minimise the chances of damaging or blowing out a tyre. I try to stay on top of correct tyre pressures and driving to suit the conditions.

Tyre blowout for whatever reason the one real concern I have when carrying close to GVM.

[Blknight.aus]

fit truck tyres, but it wont really help as most blowouts are caused by tyre abuse and running too low pressure for too long at too high speed.

tyre stakings generally tend to result in a rapid but controlled deflation that unless you are operating near the limits of your available grip are typically within the scope of a normal persons managability.

While I've had plenty of flats, I've only ever had one "blow out" and that was because the lock ring failed on a 3 piece split rim, I was in a fully loaded mog, near high way speed and it was the front left, Worst part of the whole experience was the noise of the tyre letting go the loss of control was neglible BUT I was running on the straight at the time and wasnt in any kind of tyre demanding driving situation.

[Xtreme]

Cheers.

I only ask because with so much weight on board when on a trip, I often think about how to minimise the chances of damaging or blowing out a tyre. I try to stay on top of correct tyre pressures and driving to suit the conditions.

Tyre blowout for whatever reason the one real concern I have when carrying close to GVM.

One of the remote tyre pressure and temperature monitor devices should ensure a bit of peace of mind and possibly save a tyre or two.

[chuck]

Voltron

You are somewhat correct as larger tyres often have a higher load rating.

However this is more associated with Light Truck ratings.

For example the 265 65 18 BFG AT is Light Truck rated & has a huge increase in load carrying capacity especially when compared to OEM tyres.

You have to balance the size against what will fit & what is legal.

The equation is made more difficult with 18" 19" & 20" tyres.

I would agree that if the tyre has a much higher load rating then you should be stressing the tyre less providing the vehicle load remains the same.

[voltron]

Voltron

You are somewhat correct as larger tyres often have a higher load rating.

However this is more associated with Light Truck ratings.

For example the 265 65 18 BFG AT is Light Truck rated & has a huge increase in load carrying capacity especially when compared to OEM tyres.

You have to balance the size against what will fit & what is legal.

The equation is made more difficult with 18" 19" & 20" tyres.

I would agree that if the tyre has a much higher load rating then you should be stressing the tyre less providing the vehicle load remains the same.

Ok thanks.

Next question then is, what is best all round performing AT tyre which fits, and is legal and has the highest load rating.

Cheers

[gusthedog]

I have BFG's ATs in 245 70 16. They are light truck and only a few mm taller than standard. So legal. They are the closest BFG size to standard in light truck.

I've had maxis 751s before too but in 235 85. They were also light truck but IMHO too big for my disco in the hills. And they weren't legal.

[n plus one]

You shouldn't be fitting the highest load rated tyre you can get - you should be fitting an appropriately load rated tyre - I've heard (heard only mind you) instances where people have been knocked back by inspectors for having overly high load rated tyres.

A tyre blow out isn't like the movies - your car doesn't instantly flip over, catch fire mid air and slam into a bus full of prison escapees - you can normally just gently steer off the edge of the road and roll to a halt.

If you're genuinely worried about a tyre blowing out then regularly check your pressures and tyre temps ( maybe even install tyre monitors) as running a low pressure at high speed and cooking your tyre is the most likely cause of a tyre disintegrating - all those shredded 4wd tyres you see pictures of on the net where caused by a slow leak and a lack of attention, not some sort of single dramatic incident.

[PAT303]

I agree with whats been posted,the grey nomads have endless problems with tyres but they insist on overloading their vehicles to the point of insanity and then run on roads like the gibb with them aired down to 20psi,do not take everything including the kitchen sink and keep pressures up and your speed down and you'll be alright.The Michelin LTX is prooving to be an excellent touring tyre. Pat

[gusthedog]

I agree with whats been posted,the grey nomads have endless problems with tyres but they insist on overloading their vehicles to the point of insanity and then run on roads like the gibb with them aired down to 20psi,do not take everything including the kitchen sink and keep pressures up and your speed down and you'll be alright.The Michelin LTX is prooving to be an excellent touring tyre. Pat

By keeping pressures up you can run the risk of wrecking your tyres as well as putting extra stress on shock absorbers, bearings and other driveline components. Higher pressures on rocky or rough terrain is an old school thought. In this case IMHO it is wrong.

Instead, try the 4psi method.

4psi Rule (http://www.aawen4x4.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1:4psi-rule&catid=2:current&Itemid=7)

So for me if pressures are down, speed is also down. Never go fast with low pressures and if in doubt see if the operating psi of your tyres is 4psi higher than the cold psi. If not, add pressure until it is. Has worked for me brilliantly, increases comfort and keeps SWMBO happy. A win all round ;)

[vnx205]

So for me if pressures are down, speed is also down. Never go fast with low pressures.

I hoped that someone would eventually point that out.

It eliminates all the worries, the misunderstandings and the disagreements that have cropped up.

[PAT303]

By keeping pressures up you can run the risk of wrecking your tyres as well as putting extra stress on shock absorbers, bearings and other driveline components. Higher pressures on rocky or rough terrain is an old school thought. In this case IMHO it is wrong.

Instead, try the 4psi method.

4psi Rule (http://www.aawen4x4.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1:4psi-rule&catid=2:current&Itemid=7)

So for me if pressures are down, speed is also down. Never go fast with low pressures and if in doubt see if the operating psi of your tyres is 4psi higher than the cold psi. If not, add pressure until it is. Has worked for me brilliantly, increases comfort and keeps SWMBO happy. A win all round ;)
Letting the tyres bag out from running lower pressure will get you cut sidewalls travelling anywhere north of the Anne Beadell to the Kimberly,been their done that. Pat

[Blknight.aus]

Im currently running a pair of the maxxis 980's as steers they're doing alright so far.

almost if not identical to the BFG at in handling in most situations I've been in so far.

[ozscott]

Maxis are great tyres. BFG etc are just not giving extra.

Cheers