Earthroamer Tires
- Thread starter Lutzy48
- Start date
OutbacKamper
Supporting Sponsor
Assuming you mean the XV-LT model:
At first they used Goodyear MTR tires if they were single rear wheel, but there was a dual rear wheel option with different tires (I'm not sure which type).
Now they all seem to come with these tires:
I am not sure, but they seem to be a heavy duty truck tire, perhaps 19.5 inch Continentals?
I'm sure some one else will chime in who is more knowledgeble to address you question, if not drop them an e-mail and ask!
At first they used Goodyear MTR tires if they were single rear wheel, but there was a dual rear wheel option with different tires (I'm not sure which type).
Now they all seem to come with these tires:
I am not sure, but they seem to be a heavy duty truck tire, perhaps 19.5 inch Continentals?
I'm sure some one else will chime in who is more knowledgeble to address you question, if not drop them an e-mail and ask!
LIVEABOARD
Adventurer
they r using 22.5 alcoa wheels w/michelin XDS
LIVEABOARD
Adventurer
sorry should have read XDA 295/60/22.5
charlieaarons
Explorer
I talked to Bill Swails once about tires once when I was looking for a vehicle and mentioned I'd like 335/80R20, either Michelin XZL or Conti MPT81, and he seemed interested.
Charlie
Charlie
solving a difficult problem
The problem is finding a tire that has enough capacity to run as a super single on a large and heavy camper, but with a diameter similar to the stock tire (so as not to affect gear ratios).
The Earthroamer's original Goodyear MT/R 37X12.50R17LT has a diameter=36.8 in and a capacity=4080 lbs at maximum pressure. Given the Earthroamer's weight, that was marginal
The Michelin XDA 295/60R22.5 used today has a diameter=36.5 in and capacity=7390 lbs. The 60 series sidewalls look out of place on an off-road vehicle, but the 20 and 22.5 inch alternatives are so much taller (the 335/80R20 XZLs are more than 40 inches tall) that re-gearing is required.
The XDA is a better on-road tire, and I bet that most Earthroamers log far more miles on pavement and gravel roads than deep mud and sand.
Chip Haven
The problem is finding a tire that has enough capacity to run as a super single on a large and heavy camper, but with a diameter similar to the stock tire (so as not to affect gear ratios).
The Earthroamer's original Goodyear MT/R 37X12.50R17LT has a diameter=36.8 in and a capacity=4080 lbs at maximum pressure. Given the Earthroamer's weight, that was marginal
The Michelin XDA 295/60R22.5 used today has a diameter=36.5 in and capacity=7390 lbs. The 60 series sidewalls look out of place on an off-road vehicle, but the 20 and 22.5 inch alternatives are so much taller (the 335/80R20 XZLs are more than 40 inches tall) that re-gearing is required.
The XDA is a better on-road tire, and I bet that most Earthroamers log far more miles on pavement and gravel roads than deep mud and sand.
Chip Haven
22.5
The Earthroamer's weight would be too much for the Toyos mentioned as well, if used with single rear wheels.
I think the decision to go with the 22.5 inch tires is to provide tons (literally) of extra capacity. That way there is no "lawsuit waiting to happen" when someone takes the starting offensive line of the Denver Broncos for a ride in an Earthroamer.
The real solution is, like Charlie Aarons keeps telling us, to use a tall, narrow 20 inch tire (narrow so the front wheels will turn without interference). The differentials would have to be re-geared to compensate for the much taller tires, and you might have to upgrade the axles to deal with the extra rotating mass.
The increase in cost would be small, compared to the Earthroamer's $200,000+ price tag.
Chip Haven
The Earthroamer's weight would be too much for the Toyos mentioned as well, if used with single rear wheels.
I think the decision to go with the 22.5 inch tires is to provide tons (literally) of extra capacity. That way there is no "lawsuit waiting to happen" when someone takes the starting offensive line of the Denver Broncos for a ride in an Earthroamer.
The real solution is, like Charlie Aarons keeps telling us, to use a tall, narrow 20 inch tire (narrow so the front wheels will turn without interference). The differentials would have to be re-geared to compensate for the much taller tires, and you might have to upgrade the axles to deal with the extra rotating mass.
The increase in cost would be small, compared to the Earthroamer's $200,000+ price tag.
Chip Haven
charlieaarons
Explorer
haven said:
If the 5780 lb load capacity of the XZL or the 6700 lb capacity of the MPT81 isn't enough (I think it is enough), there is a very hard to find 13/80R20 Michelin XZZ (41.2", 12.6" wide, highway tread design) with 8000 lb load capacity - each tire. By comparison, both the 335s mentioned are "easy" to find. There's also a multitude of choices in 10.00R20, ~41" tall, 11" wide, 6040-6610 load capacity; 25-30% smaller tread footprint than the 335s, about same footprint as the 295s but more flexible due to higher sidewall.
Charlie
Last edited:
toyfunraider
Observer
19.5 inch Rickson
Has anyone seen the 19.5 " Rickson wheel and tire combo. Limited applications but good size and load capacity. I'm looking for a final solution for my 1993 Dodge Ram.
Has anyone seen the 19.5 " Rickson wheel and tire combo. Limited applications but good size and load capacity. I'm looking for a final solution for my 1993 Dodge Ram.
boblynch
Adventurer
A lot of folks that run heavy truck campers on SRW trucks upgrade to the 19.5 Ricksons. If you are sticking to pavement or unimproved roads they are a good option. However, 19.5s have a stiff sidewall and don't air down well, so beach driving is not recommended.
What wheels are you running on the Ram? What are you looking to use the truck for?
What wheels are you running on the Ram? What are you looking to use the truck for?
toyfunraider
Observer
I have two sets, 37x13.5x17 Pro Comp monster tires and Mickey Thompson 16x10 with 33" BFG's. Looking for max load to haul a camper, max MPG and some offroad capacity.
boblynch
Adventurer
toyfunraider said:
Toyfunraider, my requirements are similar (i.e., full size truck, minimal lift, camper, max payload, mpg, good off road).
The readily available tires (assuming 17" or 18" wheels) I'm looking at Pro Comp Xtreme MT, Toyo MT, Hancoock RT03, Cooper Discovery STT, and BFG. Depending on tire dimensions the payload ranges for these are about 3700-4000 lbs/tire.
As others have mentioned, if you move up to 19.5, 20, or 22.5 wheels other options become available.
Nitromethane43
Observer
toyfunraider said:
It would be nice to hear some input on those who have run the 19.5s, and what the experiences were.
Tire sizes seem to be limited to 35" with a few more aggressive treads, but mostly for street use, looking for some 36-40" options.
toyfunraider
Observer
The Rickson set-up would be similar to the ER's 22.5 ". I second Nitro, how does an ER do in Baja.
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