32 vs 33 inch tyres

[Rock Trol]

Has anyone gone from a 32 to a 33 inch tyre and does the extra 12.5mm really make a worth while difference off-road?

The reason I ask is that I am currently running 265/75R16 on 7 inch rims so this is the largest tyre that will fit. To get the 33's I will need new 8x16 inch rims as well. My camper also has the 7 inch rims with 365/75's so its handy if I need a second spare. I am interested in keeping it legal so can't go over 33 inch (without engineers certificate, and don't plan to).

Pro's - larger tyre which lifts diff's up by 12-15mm.

Con's - need new rims, no longer compatible with camper's wheels, more sluggish take off, higher EGT's, higher fuel consumption?, even worse 1st low crawl speed when going down hills.

I have not been stuck anywhere with the 32's but the diffs do take a hit from time to time. What are peoples thoughts?

[Clunk]

Pick a better line or get some diff guards from Mal lol....... I guess if you were going from 31"to 33", then that would be worth it But going from 31.6"to 32.8", then I think not so worth it. But in saying that, every little bit extra helps........ Just my opinion

[katwoman]

I've gone from cheap 33s to better quality 32s. If your driving is 80% on road like mine, it's well worth it. Especially if power is an issue. As stated you just pick a different line.

[Rock Trol]

Thanks for the replies. I was tending to think that way as well. Probably better saving for some reduction gears that way I have more time to think about which line is the best.

[BigRAWesty]

I went from 31 to 33 and love.
Yes I went up a few liters per 100k..
My na td42 has no power to loose so didn't notice it..
But it does struggle towing.
I went a 33x10.5 so that's maybe why I haven't noticed a huge difference.. maybe a 12.5 would he different

Sent from my SM-G800Y using Tapatalk

[blocko05]

I agree with the others. if you pick your lines well then there wont be much difference. You can still hit the diff with 33's.

[Rock Trol]

Thanks everyone. I have had a front diff guard made up in the last couple of weeks so that will help if I hit anything. I agree that good line is the key but sometimes you get caught in muddy ruts and can't get out. That extra bit of metal out the front will be a little bit of insurance.

[92GQ]

I went from 31x10.50 to 32x11.50 to now 33x12.50.
I only do beach work.
To do the same track at the same speed with the same throttle amount,
the 31s were at 15-18 psi
the 32s were at 18-20 psi
and the 33s are at 25-29 psi
Hope that helps.

[taslucas]

Going up a in tyre size isn't just about clearance height, it also gives you a bigger foot print and as generally the taller you go, the wider they get you will end up with more length AND width to your footprint which equals more grip.

tappa lives!

[Rock Trol]

I went from 31x10.50 to 32x11.50 to now 33x12.50.
I only do beach work.
To do the same track at the same speed with the same throttle amount,
the 31s were at 15-18 psi
the 32s were at 18-20 psi
and the 33s are at 25-29 psi
Hope that helps.

Thats very interesting to know. I went from split rims with 7.50R16 tyres to 265/75r16's and I felt a slight increase in torque as the new tyres are slightly smaller in diameter. The old skinnies where awesome off road but crap on the road and hence I changed them. My only concern is low 1st gearing and how it will be affected by the bigger tyres. For anyone that does hilly terrain, is it very noticeable?