Tire Talk part II

[TooSlowMonroe]

First off, AWESOME FORUMS...you guys rock.

Noobie to the forums. I have a 95 RRC LWB, air susp replaced with springs. Like stated in another thread somewhere, during the week, the RR just keeps the garage floor from moving too much. On the weekends, it takes an hour or two on the highway into the hills for family get-aways. Not much major off road, mostly marked trails to campsites and whatnot. Here in Idaho, with our four seasons, we get everything from dry dirt powder to slush and snow.

Currently, I run stock sized tires with all season tread. I know, wasn't my best purchase at all...anyways...I'm thinking of new tires, and I think I want to go larger both tall and wide. I've heard that the larger tire may float more in the slush and I should stay thin.

So...experts...let me know what I should be looking at. Based on some thoughts I've seen here and on other forums, I'm thinking 245/70/16, perhaps a General Grabber AT2 or BFG Rugged Trail T/A. I have not done as much research as I should, so please be kind if I picked the k-mart of tires.

Thanks,
Too Slow

[llesra]

welcome to the forums! interesting you say you have a 99 rrc lwb. that model stopped being manufactured in 95 so what you probably have is a p38. back to the question. an all-terrain tire would suit you well. i am not familiar with the two you mentioned, but the yokohama geolandar a/t +II, bfg all-terrain t/a ko, and the bridgestone dueler a/t revo typically get good ratings.

[Hank]

Shit, every time a thread gets even half way technical, it get closed. If you're looking for real tech with information that could actually help you in the long run, you need to look else where. But, if you want to post pictures of a polished turd and get compliments on it, this is the place for you! If you want to buy cheap parts for your truck and you want someone to say "it will be fine", this is the place for you! If you want mis-guided information, this is the place for you.

[LR Max]

In my opinion, the super swamper TSL is about the best tire out there for off road (below 35"). For the first 5 miles they are rough until the flat spots are out then they ride like a dream.

I'd recommend upgrading to a real MT tire. The BFG MT is quite famous and I run them as my "street" tire. Good off all around with bias toward off road.

Kuhmo MTs, if you don't mind the noise, these will freakin' hook up under any circumstances. A buddy of mine had these on his jeep, they would crawl up school bus and upper 2 (tellico) like no other. Damn nice tire for cheap, but loud.

STAY AWAY from super swamper TSL radials. Fabulous in the mud and road. Any rocks and you are outta luck. Same with SSRs.

Since it is a weekend truck, there is no reason not to upgrade to a full MT. Every once in a while, you might end up/want to traverse a more difficult obstacle. That is where the MT makes a difference off road. Radial MTs will handle/perform well on the road while still allowing you to claw your way up a muddy hill (this is the biggest obstacle for AT tire equiped rig).

The MT will give you more for roughly the same price, and you sacrifice a wee bit of on road ability. My hunting buddy had a 1985 F-150 with BFG A/Ts. We went hunting down in the swamps of South Carolina. He couldn't move in mud that my 109 with BFG M/Ts could cruise all day in 2WD. I've taken my BFG M/Ts all over the place. Tellico. Road trips to for 6 hours. The outer banks. Uwharrie every weekend for a summer. Daily drove to work everyday. Towing. Literally EVERYTHING with no issues. My freshman year at college the truck sat at home (stupid 1.6 GPA...) and there was a massive snowstorm, dumping 22" in a southern city that usually never sees any snow. My 109 with the rear locker and BFG MTs was the fastest thing around. Got my pappy and mammy around with no issues and rescuing others in peril. When I got the truck back, I could still make the 6 hour trip to Charleston for the weekend or to Tellico and follow around the jeeps.

I dunno about the price of BFG MTs these days, I heard they've gone up. But literally, any Radial MT tire will give you similar results to mine I have above. The MTs will give you more than any AT will ever. Since its a weekend truck, why not? Off road, too many AT trucks suffer due to lack of traction. Dunno how they handle in the snow but my MTs did good.

[TooSlowMonroe]

Thanks for the replies so far. Yes, it is a '95...dunno what the hell I was smoking when I typed '99...

[KevinNY]

For weekend greenlaning in all seasons I think you would be best served with the BFG AT.

[TooSlowMonroe]

What do you guys think about the size. Any RRC guys running something this big? I know I'll loose some of my steering lock and have to adjust the stops...

Too Slow

[p76rangie]

A 245/70 is not that large and should fit without many issues. If you are after a good all round tyre, try Goodyear MTRs. They are not a serious mud tyre, but a very good on the road, mild mud, rocks, sand, etc.

Ian