285/70/17 Tires for Off Road Trailer?

[phillyd2]

I'm looking at Off Road Trailers: AT Horizon, Adrenalin Campers, etc. and would like to match the truck's wheels on the camper. Truck is running:

Duratrac 285/70/17 (D) tires and Black Rock Series 908 Yuma Matte Black Aluminum 17x8 Wheels

I will use the Yuma wheels on the trailer but am wondering if there is a better option for tires. These type of trailer can go most places the truck can but would I be better served running the trailer on different rubber?

 

[TOY2G]

I ran matching tires on my first off road trailer, on the one I built last year I ran an AT on the trailer to give it more lateral traction. There is no reason to use a different tire if it will give you the look you want. On my first trailer I had matching Mud tires, on the new one we built I used ATs just to have more rubber on the ground. but I could have easly used the matching 285s like last time.

 

[TOY2G]

 

[Ducmonsta]

Because you are in a limited (as am I), I thought about this exact situation. I will be ordering a Moby1 here soon and I want the same wheel and tire configuration as my truck. This way, we only have to carry one spare. Our limiteds will require the height to be very similar in size or it will damage our transfer case in the long run. I know that a/t vs. m/t will have different heights even if the size is the same on the sidewall. And I'm assuming we're talking about the same tire manf. a/t vs. a/t with different manf. will definitely yield different sizes.

 

[1engineer]

I'm looking at Off Road Trailers: AT Horizon, Adrenalin Campers, etc. and would like to match the truck's wheels on the camper. Truck is running:

Duratrac 285/70/17 (D) tires and Black Rock Series 908 Yuma Matte Black Aluminum 17x8 Wheels

I will use the Yuma wheels on the trailer but am wondering if there is a better option for tires. These type of trailer can go most places the truck can but would I be better served running the trailer on different rubber?

The advantage for a larger diameter tire on a towed vehicle is increased ground clearance. If taking off road, the tread pattern for a trailer should have deep enough lugs to resist sideways slipping (off camber mud) as much as possible and the sidewall should be of sufficient strength to resist abrasion and puncture.

What is the average ground pressure on the trailers you are looking to purchase? Many trailers have much higher ground pressure than passenger vehicles and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

If I were looking for a trailer tire I would look at:

Diameter - Do I need the increased ground clearance?
Tread pattern - Is this optimal for areas I will be pulling the trailer?
Sidewall - Are they tough enough for the abrasion and have enough plies for load carrying capacity?
Weight - Efficiency is still needed when pulling a trailer. Heavier weight = more work for the towing vehicle.

If the Duratracs get a check mark in each category then yes, they are the right tire. If not, look at something else. Hope this helps!
[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] that is a great idea for only having one spare. That would move to the top of the list.

 

[phillyd2]

Yes, looks is one consideration but by using the same wheels (rims) it will be close enough for me. The main reason will be the ability interchange if needed as spares, even though if I go with my Plan A the trailer will also have a spare. Main concern is if the Duratrac is over kill for a trailer and if there are any downsides pulling a trailer with such aggressive tires on payment.

Bobby, checked out the Mobi1 after getting your PM, they look sweet! Are you thinking the XTR?

 

[Titanpat57]

I'm running LT"s (same exact as the truck) for sidewall protection/stiffer on the road. I handles a bit better without the RTT of the top, and getting the center of gravity lower with the Boom Boom Room packed in there.

 

[phillyd2]

I'm going to use the same diameter for clearance and spare use. Maybe a better way of asking the question would be: If I drive out to CO, for example, the reality is that the trailer will be pulled 100+ miles more on payment for each mile off road so would a slightly less aggressive tire make more sense in regards to issues such as roll resistance and overall pavement performance?

 

[1engineer]

I'm going to use the same diameter for clearance and spare use. Maybe a better way of asking the question would be: If I drive out to CO, for example, the reality is that the trailer will be pulled 100+ miles more on payment for each mile off road so would a slightly less aggressive tire make more sense in regards to issues such as roll resistance and overall pavement performance?

Yes it would make sense from an efficiency standpoint. Unfortunately not so much for you because of all the modifications you have made to your 4Runner. You have added a LOT of weight lol.

 

[Titanpat57]

I'm guessing your trailer would be about 2000-2500#'s...so basically the same rolling resistance as your truck. They have been circumstances when the trailer having excellent traction (coupled with a brake axle/controller) can save your a$$..ie...not having your trailer pass you coming down a slope..:flame: Using brakes on the trailer to control the direction of the truck (keeping everyone heading in the same direction) is paramount in questionable traction.

Will you get as good MPG with Duratracs vs. Revo II? ..heck no..but you'll stick like glue when you need to! Again..your load out will determine your handling.

Brad (TusconT4R) even runs chains on his old KK..and I'd bet he's using them on the new KK as well.

p.s. the tires HAVE to match the TV Phil...it's law....

 

[Ducmonsta]

Bobby, checked out the Mobi1 after getting your PM, they look sweet! Are you thinking the XTR?

Definitely XTR. The comparison in pricing between the XTR and XC is pretty much nil. The XTR is standard with 2 doors, trailer brakes, and different suspension. That alone almost makes up the difference in cost. The cabinetry in the XTR is also a lot nicer.

I understand that we can get a lot more in a camper or pop up, but my wife and I are still avid tent campers. I already own a RTT and plan on putting it on top of the Moby.

My kids are 3 and 5 and I feel more comfortable with them in a "hard sided" tent. The plus side is when the kids don't come, my wife and I can camp in some comfort.

 

[phillyd2]

Here is what I'm leaning towards:

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[philsey]

..... would a slightly less aggressive tire make more sense in regards to issues such as roll resistance and overall pavement performance?

[MENTION=6163]phillyd2[/MENTION] I was intrigued by your question.

Why do you run Duratracs on your truck, regardless of noise, weight, mileage, etc.

Seems the same logic would apply to your trailer tires, no?

 

[phillyd2]

Seems the same logic would apply to your trailer tires, no?

Well, Yes and No. The trailer will be pulled so I'm not sure traction would be as much a issue as it is on the truck. But if I knew for sure I would not have asked

 

[philsey]

Gotcha. Guess I was assuming you'd have trailer brea.... brakes.

 

[1engineer]

Well, Yes and No. The trailer will be pulled so I'm not sure traction would be as much a issue as it is on the truck. But if I knew for sure I would not have asked

Gotcha. Guess I was assuming you'd have trailer brea.... brakes.

All it takes is one time pulling a trailer down a sloping muddy hillside to realize how important trailer tire treads are. Ask me how I know...

 

[Antman]

That trailer is awesome! I never even thought about making the roof into the floor like that. Genius.

It almost sets up as fast as Pat's too!

 

[Titanpat57]

That trailer is awesome! I never even thought about making the roof into the floor like that. Genius.

It almost sets up as fast as Pat's too!

Keep it up Alice......you're gonna get yours!!:mad2::mad2:

 

[phillyd2]

Umm, I do plan on trailer breaks as well as air bags in the truck. I also understand that traction is important but, and I feel stupid for wording it yet another way....Actually, I don't know how else to word the question

Mr. Ant, agree is cool but I also like that its designed to haul a ATV on top too!

 

[Oakseed]

Here is what I'm leaning towards:

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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DtlC-vu1eC0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Wow! That is one tough trailer!