Are bigger tyres really worth it???

[Rayza]

Hi all,

Looking at a new set of treads in the near future. 1- simply because ill need them soon and 2- coz my mate just got a new set of BFG 31s and they look REAL GOOD!!! haha

So basically ive read many different things about tyre/wheel combos and i wanna lay the indecision to rest... ARE BIGGER TYRES REALLY WORTH IT???

My uncle seems to think that the factory 225/75r16's (cheese cutters as he calls them) on my Navara are fine and providing i drive properly will take me any where, so he says stay the same size but get a good set of ATs

My mate says the bigger and wider the better due to more ground contact, but i thought that was only really necessary in the sand... Is what he says true?

Im looking for a good ratio of on and off road performance. I dont mind sacrificing a little bit of fuel efficiency in return for a good time in the dirt. And in my mind performance is more important than looks...

I was looking at going to a set of 245/70r16's

Opinions will be greatly appreciated

[TUR7LE]

It depends what u plan on doing with ur car . Bigger tyres give u more diff clearance wich is handy in ruts traction wise there is not alot of difference and I have heard some ppl say wider is better because a bigger footprint but others have told me skinnyer is better because it cuts through the mud and down to the solid ground underneath then u get traction ..... Both reasons sound plausible so I'm not sure what one is correct .... Hope that helps

[BigRAWesty]

Bigger diameter is handy for diff clearance in ruts as the diff is higher.

A wider tyre is also handy as its more tread on the ground which reduces your kg/cm2 weight (makes the lighter per cm2 of tread)

But both have an affect on drivability of the car, fuel consumption and torque available.

So there is an up side and a down.
But your olds are right that you don't need bigger tyres to go places.

IMO, bolt a winch on.
You may or may not make that next rut with 33's.
With a winch and 31's you most probably will get stuck but you can drag yourself out and keep going..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[Sir Roofy]

2-INCH LIFT A WINCH AND 31s ARE FINE YOU WILL GET TO MOST PLACES WITH OUT MUCH TROUBLE
BIGGER TYRES BIGGER FUEL BILL AND HARDER TO GET OUT OF RUTS

[taslucas]

Patrols should have come out with 33s standard. Its the perfect size. The saying that skinny tyres cut through the mud to hit hard ground is only true when there is hard ground to hit.... And providing you hit it before your diff hits the ground. So only if it's 10 inches or so of mud and in that circumstance the wider tyre will cut through just the same.
Next time you go driving with mates, pay close attention to tyre type, size, and driving abilities of others

[DX grunt]

G’day mate.

As everybody has said, you need to decide what sort of driving you’ll be doing.

I’ve got a 4.2TDi, ex Telstra ute with a pod on the back. It’s got, Kuhmo AT, LT 238/85/R16 (skinny tyres) – with split rims. They are not tubeless, but require tubes.

On my front diff, I have a Harris Hardcase.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...-hardcase-quot
Please bear in mind the initial thread was posted over 18 months ago, and the price has increased. I still believe to this day, that it’s cheap insurance for you front diff.



All of my ‘skinny tyre’ driving involves the correct tyre pressure and driving to the conditions.

I used to freak out about beach driving. I had a bad experience in my early 4wding, and it’s taken years to get my confidence back – but I’ve done it.

What ever tyres you decide to buy, please remember:
1. You need to have the correct tyre pressure.
2. You need to drive to the conditions
3. You might still get bogged
4. You might still get a flat tyre.

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Don’t take risks, tell somebody where you’re going and when you arrive home.

If going somewhere even slightly remote, take another 4wd with you. I don’t care if it’s a Tojo. A tow from a Tojo is better than no tow. I'd accept it, without hesitation.

Safety in numbers is one of the keys you need for your next trip.

Take care out there.

Rossco

[TUR7LE]

Well said rossco ... Safety in numbers

[threedogs]

No one mentioned its gunna play havoc on yor brakes, plenty of weight rolling thats you need to stop with brakes designed for smaller lighter tyers.

bummer too when you have 31's and everyone one before you has chewed up track with 35s. some ppl just dont think

[BigRAWesty]

No one mentioned its gunna play havoc on yor brakes, plenty of weight rolling thats you need to stop with brakes designed for smaller lighter tyers.

bummer too when you have 31's and everyone one before you has chewed up track with 35s. some ppl just dont think

Tell me about it.. On trips now I'm taking more "chicken tracks" because I have no hope after the "bigger is better" drivers have chewed the crap outta the tracks..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[Sir Roofy]

Tell me about it.. On trips now I'm taking more "chicken tracks" because I have no hope after the "bigger is better" drivers have chewed the crap outta the tracks..


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

your not the only one years ago i put sunraisers on because of the ruts and holes now they would get swallowed up