wheel tire recomendations

[upcruiser]

This is an abused thread title I know.

This is my situation. I've got a set of 33x12.50 BFG MTR's mounted on 15x8 steel wheels. I'm thinking that they are a bit much, especially in width for the long trips I do with the rig and winter driving conditions.

I've decided that I want to get a second set of tires for it in a 33x10.50. I have the original Toyota aluminum wheels (15x7) that came with the truck, they are in great shape and have my old 33x9.50 BFG MTR's on them (pretty worn out).

My first question is if there is any advantage to getting a narrower steel wheel to mount the new tires on or if it would be better to utilize the factory wheels. I realize that they would probably have a better ride due to some less unsprung weight but would they be as durable? I seemed to have issues with them previously of getting leaks in the beads when I got in muddy conditions for some reason. Not sure if that was wheel related or not. The newer wheels and tires don't do this though.

Secondly, tire selection. I've really liked the BFG MTR's and am torn between getting another set in the narrower width or getting a set of 33x10.50 BFG AT's. Its been about 10 years since I had a set of AT's on a rig. I liked them alot at the time and I know they are better in the snow without siping the MTR's.

I'd use this second set for longer trips like i mentioned, in varied conditions from snow to dry, desert to alpine, and alot of pavement in route. What would you guys do?

I will stand by and await word from the gods of overland...:bowdown:

 

[Grim Reaper]

Personally I would stick with the 15x7 factory aluminum's. Unsprung weight sucks! My factory steel rims and 235x75x15 Unijunks on my 86 4Runner were 62lb. the 33x12.5x15 BFG KO's on a set of AR 15x7 outlawII's were 68lb. I suspect the 10.5's on the Aluminum rims would end up around 60lb maybe less. Same tire on a Steel will end up over 70lb

 

[upcruiser]

The reduced weight is a plus for sure. I know one thing about steel wheels is that they can take a hit and get bent without self destructing like an aluminum wheel might. I just don't know if it is that much of an issue since alot of people seem to run aluminum wheels on their rigs with seemingly no problems.

I'm not sure what caused my constant bead issues though. I was thinking perhaps the grit was scoring the aluminum on the bead easier then what would happen on a steel wheel.

I'm leaning towards using the factory wheels at this point but I'm torn on the tires.

 

[Schattenjager]

Greetings! I have faced down the same dilemma. I went with 235/85/16's BFG AT's on my Dico II. Always been a big fan of narrower tires. Here's why:

http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html

My problem was the 8.0" rims were far too wide according to BFG - they recommended a 6.5 or 7" wheel so I am going with steelies (heavier - but a more "classic" look esp. with the narrow tires.

As far as snow - you might check out this threads for some more info:

http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2719

Cheers!

 

[devinsixtyseven]

If it's a tire you'll put through rough trail duty as well as long highway trips, I can say the BFG AT is a very good choice. The side wall is very durable...I can attest to the durability after this weekend in particular--both vehicles were running BFG ATs, and "normal" tires would have lost the sidewall over and over, as the BFGs were on several occasions dragged, spun or pushed up against knife edges and points--also they are able to maintain traction on snow-covered sidehills, the ride on the road is acceptable over long distances (no hum or vibration), and they are able to push through deep snow, tho not as well as mud tires. They are a very good "all-purpose" tire.

The only reason I'd personally run a short profile (wide) tire would be flotation on snow or sand, or to maintain stability at extremely low pressure (single digit) in difficult terrain.

Personally I'd go aluminum on an overland wheel if I could, to keep rotating weight down, and use steel for short range, 4WD-oriented trips.

-Sean