Still looking for radials!

[MUTT Vet]

Everyone has given me great advice on tires. But i'm still looking for a set that speaks to me.

I found 2 brands but i need some more advice.

1) These are INTERCO Special Service Super Swamper TSL Tires ($178.99):


The size that is closest to standard is- Rim size: 16 / Tire height: 33.8 / Tire width: 9.00 / Published Size: 34 x 9-16LT

It's only 2 inches wider and 2.8 inches taller.


2) These are INTERCO Super Swamper LTB Tires ($131.99):


The one that most closely matches is- Rim size: 16 / Tire height: 31.0 / Tire width: 11.5 / Published size: 31x11.50-16LT

These are only one dimension off, the width is 4.5 inches wider.

What kind of issues am i looking at with these tires?

[rickf]

#1 would be too tall and hit the fenders, #2 would be too wide plus way too wide for a 6.00 inch rim. What you need to look for is 235-85-16. That is a stock size for most F250/ F350 Fords. Check National Tire and Wheel, They should have something. I think I saw some aggressive Buckshot mudders in that size.


Rick

[MUTT Vet]

Ahh Haa!

Thanks Rick, I think i finaly found a set oe two that will work:

1) LT235/85R16 Radial Trxus Mud

The TrXus Mud Terrain Radial is INTERCO'S answer to the need of those who want a smooth, super quiet ride with tough, thick sidewalls with a chip and cut resistant compound. This tire has more siping than any other mud terrain on the market which has proven to be almost magical in icy snowy conditions. These same traction features make this tire a serious rock climber.

2) LT235/85R16/E Mud-Terrain™ T/A® KM2


What does the E represent after the 16 (R16 / E)?

Which is the better tire?

[rickf]

E is the load range. That would be the same as an 8-10 ply tire. On a light vehicle you might have a really rough ride and if you want air them down you will not get the deformation that you would with a 4 or 6 ply. Both tires are quality tires and both companies have a good reputation. I have run BFG's for many years and have had no problems at all.

Rick

[moose53]

I never heard of the trxus brand, but I've used BF Goodrich T/A's for twenty years now on all my trucks and wouldn't want anything else....

Jim

[MUTT Vet]

Are you sure LT235/85R16's will fit?

It's a little bigger than a standard tire.

Any rubbing issues?

[raymond]

The closest metric radial size for the old 6 ply bias belted 7.00x16 is a LT215-85-r16 in load range c. I run one size wider and thus have one size taller to maintain the same radius. Mine are LT 225 75 R16s. I have had no trouble with rubbing the sidewalls. It looks like there would be enough clearance to go one size wider if you wanted. In that case you would use LT 235 70 R16s. Remember that if you go one size wider, you must go one size taller to maintain the same rolling radius. We used to be in the tire business (Goodyear) and I hated dealing with tires with a passion.

[moose53]

I'm going to go with BF Goodrich Commercial T/A Traction tires for my mutt. they come in LT215-85-r16 and have a 50K mile warranty. Rated for extreme snow etc. They run about $129.00 each... There are gnarlier looking tires but I need good street performance more than off road.






Jim

[MUTT Vet]

The reason i'm asking about the LT235/85R16's is because Rick recommended them.

Raymond, you're recommending either a LT225/75R16 or a LT235 70/R16.

And both you and Jim are recommending LT215-85-R16s.

So there's my delima. Four different size recommendations.

The tires i want are only available in the LT235/85R16's.

Will the LT235/85R16's have the correct rolling radius?

[raymond]

235 85 r16 tires will be 2 sizes taller than 215 85 r16 tires. The first number refers to the length from bead to bead. The second number is the width. Thus if you go with a wider tire such as a 75 or 70 series, you must go for a longer bead to bead length to maintain the same rolling radius. That is why the first number in mine is 225 rather than 215. I have 75 (wider than 85) series tires.

[rickf]

Don't take everything I say as Gospel!!! Believe me, I do not know it all. That info was acquired from an early post on the 503. Raymond was in the tire business so I would lean towards what he is saying. Lets see, he is in oil AND tires! WOW.


Rick

[MUTT Vet]

So then...will LT235/85R16's work or not?

The tires I want aren't in any of the other sizes you guys mentioned.

Thanks for the assist.

And thanks Raymond for the info on what the numbers mean, i wasn't clear on that!

I guess something else that should be taken into consideration is the weight of the tire.

I know that too much weight for the tire can stress the u-joints, wheel bearings, and axles.

How much weight is too much?

[rickf]

You should be able to find the 215 size, that is a stock size for most dual wheel pick ups and light dumps. As far as tire weight, any radial will be a little heavier than a bias tire but not enough to cause a problem. With the type of driving you are doing it is not the tire weight that is the stress problem! You are already going way over what the vehicle was designed for.


Rick

[rickf]

Eric, When I get home tonight I will measure my 235 85 16 spare for my truck and let you know the results.

Rick

[raymond]

Rick

I said we WERE in the tire business. We got out of that about 15 years ago. Did I mention I HATED the tire business