Outstanding video comparing wide versus narrow tires
- Thread starter ExpoMike
- Start date
rruff
Explorer
That guy does a lot of good research! It's a shame that he didn't have a narrow KM3 to test as well, since it's obvious that there is more than width influencing vertical deflection.
I'd also love to see a vibration measurement while going over the same section of road with different tires.
I'd also love to see a vibration measurement while going over the same section of road with different tires.
deserteagle56
Adventurer
My Jeep has been shod with skinny LT255/85R16 tires for most of its life. Work great...except in the soft blow sand we have a lot of around here!
rruff
Explorer
Nope. Rolling resistance definitely trends lower with greater diameter and width, all else being equal... but aero drag will tend to go up... even more if you add a lift at the same time.
The added casing flex and longer contact patch he showed for the narrow tire, means more hysteresis and drag.
craig333
Expedition Leader
My Jeep is rated at 75hp so in addition to all the other reasons its easier to turn a skinny tire. I don't have wide tires on the truck but next set I'll look into going even narrower.
Winterhawk
Member
Great video. Us skinny guys always knew it was true and even if the results were less conclusive I still prefer the skinny look.
MontySquareo
Active member
If skinny tires are better than why does every jeep I see have 12+ inch wide tires?
chet6.7
Explorer
My first truck was a new 75 Chevy with L78 15's, that size was better in snow, on road, but when I put 12/32 15's on I could go places in loose dirt, sand and mud the L78's could not go. I keep the smaller wheel/tire combo, but never felt the need to go back to the smaller tire for what I do most of the time.
There are various factors in play, the weight of the vehicle and the diameter of the rim as well as tire size, look at those old Model T's going places today's vehicles would probably need 4WHD.
There are various factors in play, the weight of the vehicle and the diameter of the rim as well as tire size, look at those old Model T's going places today's vehicles would probably need 4WHD.
Winterhawk
Member
Marketing, peer pressure, perceived performance, monkey see monkey do, take your pick of reasons.
MOAK
Adventurer
Because they don’t really go anywhere cept the mall. That’s why they are nicknamed mall krawlers. Fat tires are just plain stupid and have no practical use for overlanders.
J!m
Active member
I have always run 255/85-16 on the stock 5.5" wide Rover wheel. Wheel should be wider, but it works. (I run the tube wheel tubeless, so beads are easier to break for repairs as needed- no issue losing a bead on some nasty "roads" over the years)
I like the "geek" look- very similar to the first 4X4 pickups in the US. "Pizza cutter" for sure.
No lockers and I get into PLENTY of trouble with this set up, even without airing down.
Love that Dodge Bros. video by the way!
I like the "geek" look- very similar to the first 4X4 pickups in the US. "Pizza cutter" for sure.
No lockers and I get into PLENTY of trouble with this set up, even without airing down.
Love that Dodge Bros. video by the way!
Fenderfour
Member
I've got a small engined 4x4, it currently has BFG 9.5x30xr15 installed. It seems this is one of the narrower tires available for 15" rims?
I wouldn't mind switching to something narrower to help with weight/power/gas mileage. Any suggestions? I'm open to switching rim sizes (Toyota 6 lug), but can't fit more than a 32" on the truck.
-thanks
I wouldn't mind switching to something narrower to help with weight/power/gas mileage. Any suggestions? I'm open to switching rim sizes (Toyota 6 lug), but can't fit more than a 32" on the truck.
-thanks
Winterhawk
Member
I've been seriously considering this size as well, however it's not as widely available as the 235/85r16 for AT and MT. I'm still open to it, but I won't need new tires until next year sometime. I wish they made a 225/85r16.
