Practicality of 2 sets of rims

[lpj]

Hi folks,
After putting up with a slow leak on my left rear for months, I finally got down to Tyre Power in Hawthorn (VIC) today to have it repaired. (OEM 255/55 R19 Wranglers) It turns out that there had already been a temporary plug in there, which I wasn't aware of. Michael (Boof) tried to repair it but it wouldn't hold. As the rest of my tyres have only 23,000 on them, I'm not yet ready to replace the lot. Michael was kind enough to lend me a spare to get me by. This will be my new tyre place for both my cars now.

Now I have 3 tyres with 23,000; one brand new spare and the temporary tyre. I have posted a wanted ad for an OEM that is near new, so if you know of any, please PM me.

I have always planned on a second set of off-road rims and tyres (GOE 18's). I'd like to hear opinions from those that are running two sets (19's around town and 18's for off road) Is this a waste of time and too much hassle? Most of my trips would be up in the VIC HC, which is often sharp rocky climbs. changing over rims would just be another job along with packing the car, loading up the roof rack etc.

Also, someone said to me that going from 19" to 18" will throw out the wheel alignment slightly. Is this a real problem?

Thanks in advance.

LPJ

[jonesy63]

I change from 18" wheels with HT tyres to 17" wheels with MT... with a trolley jack, I can finish the job in 30 minutes.

[CSBrisie]

I have one new Wrangler - you are welcome to it if you want to check cost of pick up from Newmarket (4051) to you. Just PM me cheers Chris

[TDV6]

I have a set of 6 LT tyres for towing the van, its no big deal to change over, but storing the other set in the garage is a bit of a hassle for me.

When you change rim sizes the tyres you fit generally have around the same outside diameter, if not the same diameter.

What changes is the height of the sidewall with the smaller rim size having a higher sidewall which in my case allowed me to have LT tyres on the smaller rim.

I fail to see how fitting a set of different size rims could in any way upset the wheel alignment.

Ryall

[Duke4]

Wouldn't it be the same as when you have the tyres rotated?
I have mine done every 6 months and the recommendation is a balance and alignment.

The last time I did this got rid of a vibration at 100kph

[Blue C]

I have a set of 6 LT tyres on BB6 17 inch alloys and switch between those and the OEM Wranglers on 19 inch alloys between trips offroad. My local tyre dealer does it for no charge as I have bought all my tyres + wheel alignment/balances there for about 6 yrs. They also told me wheel alignment shouldn't be affected by changing rims/tyres. Regards, David

[lpj]

Thanks guys. I thought it sounded a little far fetched regarding alignment.
I have an enormous garage so storage won't be an issue, but I will be in the market for a decent trolley jack
Appreciate the feedback.

[ADMIRAL]

Hi LPJ,

I have two sets of rims & tyres, although I am coming at it from a different level. I went for the 2.7 litre D4 at the time deliberately, to allow a move to 17" rims. I have a road based Kumho tread pattern on my 18's for around town and bitumen work. The 17's are Performance rims with Cooper STmax , ( not a Cooper fan, but they were a ridiculous price at the time ) which are pretty much a muddie tread pattern. Chunky, big block and noisy.

Both tyre sets perform ok their designated environment, and that side of having two rims is ok. However, even though I have access to a full workshop, swapping the rims over for a trip, and back again after, is a pain. ( mainly in the back ) I have discovered I am not a fit as I used to be, and lifting a 17" muddie onto a rear wheel carrier is a chore.

As a side effect to all this wheel changing, I have found that the std jack ( yes I know I am not the only owner to come to this conclusion ) is bloody useless, and somewhat dangerous, as it cannot lift the vehicle high enough to change over the larger profile 17" rim/tyre combo.

I am looking to sell off the 17's , as there are now good all purpose 18" offroad tyres, that do not compromise too much in ride comfort, off road performance, and road noise.

Your dilemma is a little different, but is similar. The GOE 18's with a dedicated off road tyre is a good idea, if you are really going to get the use out of them. However, It may well be that storing your 19's away, and switching to the GOE 18's with a good multi purpose tyre ( the Bridgestone 697's seem to be getting good press on this forum ) is the way to go. No hassles in swapping the rim/tyre combo every time a trip comes up.

As for the 18" rims being harder to balance than the 19's ? Where does that come from. I would like to see data to prove that. Does it follow that 17's are harder to balance than 18's. We could keep going with that theory.

[Blue C]

I agree with Admiral. The ST Maxx are quite noisy on road (although great offroad) and I couldn't cope with them as daily driver tyres all the time. So if I upgrade to a D4 I would probably do exactly as he suggests and put on GOE 18's & D697's or possibly the BFG AT 265/65/18's (although I gather they are fairly pricey). David

[NavyDiver]

My AT on 18inch came off last night replaced with my MT on 17 inch for a light drive in the mountains planned. When the AT need replacement I will consider road rubber as it is quick easy to change to the road or off road option as needed. It is also much better to save my MT rubber for real off road and not waste them on tar where they will not provide longevity or grip meaning safety AT or road rubber does on tar when compared to MT on tar. I think it offers several clear advantages.