Tire FAQ (from BFGoodrich)
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Thai
Elite Member
Individual topic
Issue: Upsizing
Upsizing Basics
A lot of truck and SUV drivers looking for more traction and performance on- and off-road install larger tires on stock rims, or a combination of larger wheels and tires.
The advantages off-road are:
- More ground clearance
- Greater floatation in sand, better traction in mud
- Larger contact patch for crawling over slickrock, etc.
Most vehicles can accommodate modest increases in width or overall diameter without modifications. If you want something really extreme (like a set of big-and-tall 37" All-Terrain T/A KO tires, for instance), expect to lift your truck.
BFGoodrich
Issue: Upsizing
Upsizing Basics
A lot of truck and SUV drivers looking for more traction and performance on- and off-road install larger tires on stock rims, or a combination of larger wheels and tires.
The advantages off-road are:
- More ground clearance
- Greater floatation in sand, better traction in mud
- Larger contact patch for crawling over slickrock, etc.
Most vehicles can accommodate modest increases in width or overall diameter without modifications. If you want something really extreme (like a set of big-and-tall 37" All-Terrain T/A KO tires, for instance), expect to lift your truck.
BFGoodrich
Thai
Elite Member
Individual topic
Issue: Storing Extra Wheels And Tires
1. Let a lot of air out of tires.
2. Bag the tires and wheels in large plastic bags.
3. Store the tires and wheels on their sides, not standing, to avoid flat-spotting the tires.
4. Store the tires and wheels in a dark, cool & dry area, away from electrical equipment that might produce ozone.
Issue: Storing Extra Wheels And Tires
1. Let a lot of air out of tires.
2. Bag the tires and wheels in large plastic bags.
3. Store the tires and wheels on their sides, not standing, to avoid flat-spotting the tires.
4. Store the tires and wheels in a dark, cool & dry area, away from electrical equipment that might produce ozone.
Thai
Elite Member
Individual topic
Issue: Is Wider Better?
Off-road traction is all about maximizing your tires' contact pressure, which is largely a function of tread void ratio, or the ratio of rubber tread blocks to the open space between them. A high void ratio will put more of the vehicle weight on a smaller amount of rubber, increasing the contact pressure. A larger tire with the same tread will decrease contact pressure, although the void ratio remains the same. Similarly, a lighter vehicle will have less contact pressure than a heavier one using the same tire.
Here are some general rules to keep in mind.
For sand, size is everything. The wider (not necessarily taller) the tire, the better the flotation, and the idea in sand is to stay on top. Little or no tread works fine in sand, and the rounder the tires shoulders, the better. Also, the less void and the more rubber, the better. Vehicles with a lot of power can run tires with seriously aggressive tread.
For mud, tire bite and power availability should be matched. Light vehicles can benefit from wide tires, allowing them to float over the worst, while heavy rigs may be better off with skinnies that can find traction beneath the muck. Either way, the taller the tire (if there's power to turn it) and the more void, the better, because height keeps the drivetrain from hanging up in the goo.
Issue: Is Wider Better?
Off-road traction is all about maximizing your tires' contact pressure, which is largely a function of tread void ratio, or the ratio of rubber tread blocks to the open space between them. A high void ratio will put more of the vehicle weight on a smaller amount of rubber, increasing the contact pressure. A larger tire with the same tread will decrease contact pressure, although the void ratio remains the same. Similarly, a lighter vehicle will have less contact pressure than a heavier one using the same tire.
Here are some general rules to keep in mind.
For sand, size is everything. The wider (not necessarily taller) the tire, the better the flotation, and the idea in sand is to stay on top. Little or no tread works fine in sand, and the rounder the tires shoulders, the better. Also, the less void and the more rubber, the better. Vehicles with a lot of power can run tires with seriously aggressive tread.
For mud, tire bite and power availability should be matched. Light vehicles can benefit from wide tires, allowing them to float over the worst, while heavy rigs may be better off with skinnies that can find traction beneath the muck. Either way, the taller the tire (if there's power to turn it) and the more void, the better, because height keeps the drivetrain from hanging up in the goo.
Thai
Elite Member
Individual topic
Issue: Why New Wheels?
New alloy wheels can do a lot to enhance curb appeal and personalize your car or truck, but they are more than eye candy. There are solid performance reasons for fitting alloy wheels.
Lower Unsprung Weight
Unsprung weight is the part of a vehicle's mass--such as wheels, tires, and brakes--that is not supported by the suspension. These parts are affected most by road shock and cornering forces, and play a large role in determining how quickly and precisely your vehicle reacts to steering and suspension inputs. As alloy wheels are typically lighter than steel wheels of equal size, switching to alloy wheels can reduce the unsprung weight of your vehicle and provide more precise steering input and improved turn-in feel.
Quicker Starts, Shorter Stops
It's easier to start and stop a lighter object, which means the lower rotational mass of alloy wheels can enable your car to accelerate more quickly, and stop in a shorter distance.
Increased Rigidity
The additional strength and rigidity of an alloy wheel can greatly reduce wheel/tire deflection in cornering. You think that's important given the amount of grip BFGoodrich
Issue: Why New Wheels?
New alloy wheels can do a lot to enhance curb appeal and personalize your car or truck, but they are more than eye candy. There are solid performance reasons for fitting alloy wheels.
Lower Unsprung Weight
Unsprung weight is the part of a vehicle's mass--such as wheels, tires, and brakes--that is not supported by the suspension. These parts are affected most by road shock and cornering forces, and play a large role in determining how quickly and precisely your vehicle reacts to steering and suspension inputs. As alloy wheels are typically lighter than steel wheels of equal size, switching to alloy wheels can reduce the unsprung weight of your vehicle and provide more precise steering input and improved turn-in feel.
Quicker Starts, Shorter Stops
It's easier to start and stop a lighter object, which means the lower rotational mass of alloy wheels can enable your car to accelerate more quickly, and stop in a shorter distance.
Increased Rigidity
The additional strength and rigidity of an alloy wheel can greatly reduce wheel/tire deflection in cornering. You think that's important given the amount of grip BFGoodrich
see sticky threads above. all you need is there!
