How about a new subject? Tires.

mjnims · Post by **mjnims** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:16 pm

most of us here in AZ run the 265/75's. There are a few that run the smaller sizes but really can't tell the difference on the trails. I have never compared fuel economy or top speeds with them. When we convoy it is usually slower than each of us would drive alone and fuel consumption varies so much offroad it would be hard to tell if the tire size made a difference. Basically get the size which is most available in the area. I switched from the intercos just because the supply was not as good as the mickey thompsons, yes I could order them in but then more time not spent on the trails.

rubicon4wheeler · Post by **rubicon4wheeler** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 11:56 pm

IwanaPinz wrote:OK guys so I am on the verge of buying new tires (no really) and I don't want to get it wrong.
Here are my options, all Cooper STT
235/85R16
245/75R16
265/75 /16

I was also looking for a taller tire to improve my highway speed a bit.

Any thoughts? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian
1973 712 M

Brian,

I would recommend getting a 255/85-16 tire. It's not quite as common a size as the others you listed, but it can be found in several different tread patterns at many different tire chains. You'll be happy to hear that your preferred Cooper Discoverer STT is available in this size.

This size fits the narrow Pinzgauer wheels a lot better than the wider 265's or 285's, and because it is pretty tall, (about a true 32 inches) it gets you a few more highway miles-per-hour at the same RPM's.

I have the Interco Super Swamper TrXus M/T's (also a radial) in this 255/85-16 size on my Pinz, and it's a very good size for the truck and its wheels. However, I would like a tire that's a bit more aggressive and even more height. Hence, my earlier inquiry (http://real4x4forums.com/PinzgauerBBS/v ... php?t=3647) about the 9/34-16 Super Swampers, which are a true 34 inches and quite a bit more aggressive. I just wish they were available as a radial for better street performance.

rubicon4wheeler · Post by **rubicon4wheeler** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:01 am

I forgot to mention, here are a couple of good metric tire size calculators which may help you find the right tires for your needs:

http://www.izook.com/gearcalc.htm

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

GenevaPinz · Post by **GenevaPinz** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:30 am

rubicon4wheeler wrote: Brian,

I would recommend getting a 255/85-16 tire. It's not quite as common a size as the others you listed, but it can be found in several different tread patterns at many different tire chains. You'll be happy to hear that your preferred Cooper Discoverer STT is available in this size.

Now I'm interested...
I re-checked Cooper's website and couldn't find the STT in this size (again), only the ST... Did you hear through a dealership that this size is now available for the STT too??

Thanks,

Jan

Twin Pinzies · Post by **Twin Pinzies** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:00 am

I have used the Cooper ST in the 285/75-16 size with great success. I went one better this season and got the ST-C model. It's cut resistant (costs more) and has a smooth and grippy ride. Perfect for the unique Pinzgauer suspension.... they don't "chunk" on the outer edges as much.

BTW... Super Swampers are an even worse ride and performance than the original Maloyas in my opinion![/img]

rubicon4wheeler · Post by **rubicon4wheeler** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:35 pm

GenevaPinz wrote:Now I'm interested...
I re-checked Cooper's website and couldn't find the STT in this size (again), only the ST... Did you hear through a dealership that this size is now available for the STT too??

Thanks,

Jan

Jan,

You're right; I stand corrected. The S/T and S/T-C are available in 255/85-16 but not the STT.

Twin Pinzies wrote:BTW... Super Swampers are an even worse ride and performance than the original Maloyas in my opinion!

Well, there are many different Super Swampers available with radial and bias-ply construction, varying ply-rating sidewalls, and all different tread patterns. So obviously, some will be better on the road than others.

However, I've found that even the worst Super Swampers are better than the typical 10+ year old, dried out, hard-sidewalled, cupped Maloyas.

andy · Post by **andy** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:27 pm

I've run BFGs and Goodyear's on my F-250 and they last about 8 months. I'm using Toyos now and surprisingly einough for being a cheaper tire they last a month or so longer.

My 710 came with Intercos on it and my first set lasted 17 months. I never had so much as a slow leak on them and I run on a lot of loose rock and over a lot of cactus and mesquite. I don't know if another brand would be better when I'm on the highway because I haven't used them. I love the Intercos for their sidewalls and their all around decent 10 plys.

I'm on the second set finally and the same holds true, so far no leaks or flats.

rubicon4wheeler · Post by **rubicon4wheeler** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:32 pm

Andy wrote:My 710 came with Intercos on it and my first set lasted 17 months. I never had so much as a slow leak on them and I run on a lot of loose rock and over a lot of cactus and mesquite. I don't know if another brand would be better when I'm on the highway because I haven't used them. I love the Intercos for their sidewalls and their all around decent 10 plys.

I'm on the second set finally and the same holds true, so far no leaks or flats.

Which Intercos are we talking about, specifically?

andy · Post by **andy** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:07 pm

The TRXUS M/Ts in the LT 285/75/16 size.

Andy

IwanaPinz · Post by **IwanaPinz** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:56 pm

Yep Jan, you are right the STT does not come in a 255.

SO that leaves me with these two possibilities if I ant to stay with the STT.
235 85 16 which I am guessing are very skinny maybe skinnier that the Maloyas.
Or the 265/75/16 which may not as tall as the Maloyas.
I see a lot of 285 aren't they a little wide for stock rims?

Brian

rubicon4wheeler · Post by **rubicon4wheeler** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:25 pm

You can use the tire size calculators I linked you to if you want to compare heights and widths of various tires, but you're right: the 235/85 will be slightly narrower and slightly taller than the 245 Maloyas.

The 265/75 size will be taller and wider than the Maloyas.

It is my opinion that the 285's are too wide for the skinny factory wheels, but many have used that size and been happy.

My own personal opinion is that the 255/85-R16 size is as close to optimal as you're going to find if you want a smooth riding radial tire. For the Pinz, I believe the super tall/skinny pizza cutter Super Swampers, size 9/34-16 are absolutely ideal. It's just too bad they're only available as a bias-ply. The downside to that is that they have flat spots that take a couple miles to smooth out after it's been parked and the tires are cold, and they won't ride and drive on the street quite as nicely as a radial. However, they are of tougher construction for off-road hazards, have deeper tread lugs than almost any other tire out there, and they're about the best bang for the buck you're going to find in off-road performace.

Profpinz · Post by **Profpinz** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:29 pm

For the Pinz, I believe the super tall/skinny pizza cutter Super Swampers, size 9/34-16 are absolutely ideal

Yep, agree, a great tyre for the Pinzgauer!

rubicon4wheeler · Post by **rubicon4wheeler** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:45 pm

Here is the tire I'm talking about: http://www.intercotire.com/site32.php

Here's what it looks like on a Pinz:

Those last two pics are linked from this page: http://www.pinztrek.com/pinz/mods/pinz_mods.htm#tires

IwanaPinz · Post by **IwanaPinz** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:16 am

Well Since I can't get the Coopers in a 255 I will go with the Cooper STT 265/75/16.
I do want a radial design.

I thank you all for you advice and time. When they are mounted I will send pictures.

Brian

ka · Post by ka » Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:37 pm

has anyone had any experience with the tsl/thornbirds? the description (written by the sales dept) sounds great.