Can't go taller - Going wider

[JesseRohr]

Being located in Texas you sort of get to experience every terrain on the trail. The issue I have had with the BFG K02 that came with mine is they sink like a brick in the loose sand surfaces here. Even aired way down they simply just don't perform.

Issue - I live in downtown Austin so my rig has to fit inside my garage or it has to live out on the street. So I can't go taller and wider. Just wider

I have several company vehicles that are done up for Automotive Trade Shows (that's the business I am in, the Aftermarket parts corridor) so I have a myriad of different tires on different rigs. From Toyo/Nitto, Yoko, BFG, you name it...we have something on the road with most of the latest and greatest from our friends in tires. I have fallen in love with the Nitto Ridge Grappler for my personal rides so that is typically what I opt for. I noticed they make a 305/60r18 which is just ever so slightly taller than my OEM BFG but significantly wider. Vossen just manufactured INEOS and Sprinter fitment HFX1 in 18" with 8.5" so I am going to attempt the tires on OEM 8" wide Alloys while Vossen builds my new HFX1 for the rig.

I am creating this thread to document my findings (good or bad) in hopes to help other forum members in the same boat. Where getting your ride into your garage is important.

 

[ADVAW8S]

What is the height of your garage? I can't go over 6'9" or I can't get it in office garages. I went with a true 33 and it fits.

 

[JesseRohr]

81.25" is the height of my garage opening. And it is TIGHT...but does not make any contact.

 

[Shroomy]

81.25" is the height of my garage opening. And it is TIGHT...but does not make any contact.

 

[bigleonski]

I rated the ridge grapplers as well. Great hybrid option.
But after 50,000km they were buggered.

 

[JesseRohr]

Well they are here! My wheels should be here tomorrow way ahead of schedule so I am just going to mount them on the Vossen wheels rather than OEM first.

 

[spyder6255]

View attachment 7898031
View attachment 7898030View attachment 7898032

Well they are here! My wheels should be here tomorrow way ahead of schedule so I am just going to mount them on the Vossen wheels rather than OEM first.

Can’t to see this. I want the same setup. Keep us posted.

 

[JesseRohr]

 

[joshmarsh]

Nice looking rig, what kind of bull bar is that?

 

[JesseRohr]

It is the one for the OEM bumper offered by CATuned Offroad.

 

[JesseRohr]

Mounted next to OEM 255.

 

[JesseRohr]

 

[JesseRohr]

 

[spyder6255]

Sweet thanks

 

[MattA]

Ah the wide verses narrow discussion
Wide creates more resistance in soft stuff, fact
Narrow verse wide when deflated makes virtually no difference because the length of the tread is what creates floatation not width.
There is plenty of science backed and actual comparison tests on the net so do your own research
Wide looks way cooler and better for pulling the chicks when cruising the mall…

 

[Tinerfeño]

IMHO 17" wheels would have been technically better choice. And I agree all above.
In sand there's no lack of friction but flotation. Concerning tyre the following is to be preferred:

• Flexible tyre carcass to avoid increased tread pressure at sides causing digging down.
• Moderate tread pattern, especially at tyre shoulder.

 

[MattA]

As above, why anyone would go 18 inch rims over 17’s on a 4wd is beyond me

 

[Fab]

View: https://youtu.be/6wAJAOxh8LE?si=kUpoYfxWbc8sPxQF


One of the best videos on this subject IMO.
With my 1985 Land Rover 110 on standard 7.50R16 tyres it was hard to get stuck in the Sahara.
With my 2008 Land Cruiser 200 on 285/70R17 it was hard to not get stuck in the same places.
I would rather try the 16” Sprinter rims with 235 or 255/85R16.

But let’s see how these wide and low tyres perform in soft sand.

 

[ECrider]

the title of this thread is how I approach life