Why go 15's over 16's?

[ozzymalone]

Very broad question but I am looking to replace at least three of my tyres to match up running sizes.
The wagon currently sits on 16X8' nissan steelies shod with 285/75s on the front with 265/75s on the rear.

In the interest to do the job properly and cost effectively i was wondering why people run 16 inch rims over 15inch. I currently want to run 33's all round so my dilemma is this. Do i purchase play tyres 33inch muddies (Bighorns no doubt) on 15inch rims/16rims and run a set of daily A/T tyres on 15/16's or just replace the three in the 16' rims? HELP PLEASE!

Why go to 15's Pro's/Con's please......what are you running and why? (Lift etc)

[nissannewby]

16's have to be run on some models to clear calipers etc. However if you can fit 15's on there without any clearance issues it shouldnt be a drama. 15 and 16" tyres are much of a muchness these days in price etc. Theres no real pro's and con's really unless there is a certain tyre you would like to run that is only made in a certain rim size. There maybe a slight difference in "bagging" but this will hardly be noticeable on something where the difference is only an inch. I run 15's on my GQ simply cos thats what it came with and same deal with my GU it came with 16's so thats what i run.

[Bigrig]

Whoah!! Can of worms being opened people!!!! lmao

Easy decision for me mate, and no doubt you'll get conjecture from everyone as everyone has different needs - so that would be my first point - when deciding, take on the advice BUT weigh up with personal honesty what your 'true' needs would be.

Me? I run 15's. Had 16" alloys which I sold to get King Rims 15" steel. Couple of reasons - I somewhat go at it off road (less touring and more hard track work). Subsequently, I need to be able to repair a bent rim on the side of the road. Also, I want more sidewall on the tyre itself so when I deflate them they bag out more ... smaller rim still using a 33" tyre means more tyre side wall to keep the tyre height - more sidewall generally means more ability to bag and flex about off road. This can also mean more tyres off the bead and more side wall damage, but that's a risk I'm willing to take for the benefit.

Taller side walls also means less handling performance on road, but again, I'm not touring as such so no biggie for me. Smaller the side wall, less flex of the tyre in cornering etc and hence better response feel at the wheel. Same principle as all the rice burners apply who use paper thin profiled tyres on their cars.

Others will be able to offer more comments no doubt boss, and even further detail on side wall strengthening present in larger diameter tyres that go onto smaller rims (to assist in protecting the tyre from puncture generally).

[growler2058]

!5's more side wall

[ozzymalone]

Appreciate the input as always! Well I spose' if its got factory 16's I will stay with em' and go for the 33 Bighorns.

It may be less sidewall but im only just getting into the "sport" - i use this term loosely as i like to think of drinking as a "sport" also, so that shouldn't end it for me.
And i guess it saves me buying a whole set of street tyres/rims.

Ta'

[taslucas]

I kept to 15 when I got new rims because the tyres I wanted were cheaper in 15", and most my mates run 15" so if in trouble I can borrow one, I also have a few odd 15" rims kicking around that I can use if I'm in trouble. I kept with the steel rims for the same reason as bigrig, they can be fixed out on the trail.

Tap, crackle, pop

[BillsGU]

Ozzy - your current tyre mix (different front to rear) is not a good idea as the tyres can turn at different rates which is not good in 4 wheel drive as you will get wind up happening. Years ago 15s were for some crazy reason much cheaper than 16s. Other than that I agree with Biggus. Just make sure 15s fit on FRONT AND REAR in case they don't clear the brake calipers.

[Tank]

15's more side wall = more bagging and cheaper tires over here than 16's

[Clunk]

Iwent 15 for no other reason than price............. approx $300 cheaper for the set of 5 over a full set of 16s. Doesn't sound much I knowbut its 300 to spend on something else.......

And as Bills GU said..... change your current set up as soon as possible, your gonna do some damage to your 4wd system if ya dont

[growler2058]

Appreciate the input as always! Well I spose' if its got factory 16's I will stay with em' and go for the 33 Bighorns.

It may be less sidewall but im only just getting into the "sport" - i use this term loosely as i like to think of drinking as a "sport" also, so that shouldn't end it for me.
And i guess it saves me buying a whole set of street tyres/rims.

Ta'

15" sunraysia type rims in the offset ya want are about $70 brand new mate


Tappin N Crappin