The SKINNY on skinny tires

This is a common misconception. In reality, contact patch is 2 dimensional so a 1 dimensional cross section doesn't tell the whole story. Widening the tire will widen the contact patch side to side but it also reduces the contact patch front to back. There are a ton of variables when talking about contact patch size so it's really hard to use broad generalizations.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cu...ught-you-knew-points-of-contact-tire-patches/
https://youtu.be/6wAJAOxh8LE?si=6i8eRU-Y-TyNBtoj

 

Thank you. A few years back I was skateboarding actively, and this was a topic among skaters. They're aware that they don't understand the relationship between contact patch and grip.

Well. Anyone driven 235/80r17 on a 4runner? The limiteds come with 245 widths . . .

 

I wouldn't be surprised if skateboard and automobile tires are completely different in that regard - specifically because deformation of a urethane wheel is going to be minimal whereas it's pretty significant for a rubber tire. That's interesting, never thought about skating in terms of grip, only doing tricks, haha.

 

I think it’s funny how much they care about difference of wheels sizes, material, weight, etc. when it comes to street, comp., and vert skating. Ricta 4 lyfe

 

As a tire widens it has the effect of reducing the down pressure of the vehicle (it spreads its weight across a larger area, making it "lighter"). This down pressure has a direct influence on traction. If the tire gets wide enough it's labeled a 'flotation tire" in my industry. How much traction do you think that gets?

Many years ago we were wheeling in the strip mines. A buddy and I had just came up a slime covered hill with a hard base in 2-wheel drive with 10.5" wide tires. We were sitting there burning one when a Bronco came up with at least 12.5. In 4WD he spun out and covered every inch of that road from side to side. Our tires cut through the slime to the hardpan, his road on it.

 

At low psi, will C load tires (and passenger rated) generally debead more easily than E load? And I have a second question . . . How does a stretch or squeeze on the actual rim width shake out compared to test rim widths?These screens are specs for the milestar patagonia a/t pro. The 235 lists with a 6.5" wheel and the 275 lists with an 8". I'd use my 7" wheels, is this going to change the diameter or contact patch of the tires (will the 235 get smaller and will the 275 get bigger on 7")?




It appears many 255/75r17 are C load and list at a lower service description load number thingy than my 4runner door, which says 113.

We just got done confirming that narrower tires of the same sidewall height have a larger contact patch and so better traction than the wider tire. I'm not completely following you. Also what happens when it's not hard under there? And yes I have seen how my toyoat3 dug sand and then packed up in the damp sand below.


gonna freewheel some thoughts on my setup out here, as much as for your comments as for my own reference. In an edit.

 

Then a wide tire would be your best bet. In sand dunes I'd want a wide tire with ag lugs (paddles) on it.

 

Double checking 5th gen 4runner info here. Thank you tacomaworld. There are many numbers each day.

255/80r17 allegedly will not clear metal parts on a stock 4runner . . . can anyone confirm that? I would like to be able to bottom out and not womp my fender.

 

Ok, round two for skinny’s on the Tacoma. Got about 60k on the Cooper ST MAXX 255/85/16 I just took off (kept the best for a spare) and just mounted the Falken M/Ts in the same size.
Only two miles home from the shop so far but they seem to have similar handling and much less road noise. More pics in the daylight tomorrow.

 

I've heard the st maxx ride very rough. I've seen a few sets in person and was never a fan of the tread design in the center. Curious to see how you find the falkens ride in comparison? My geolander g003s are the smoothest 10 ply tire I've ever had at 34psi on my pro. Others were 305/6518 k02 (silverado) 285/70r17 duratrac and 35/12.50r17 k02 (both on colorado zr2) I hate k02s and love duratracs lol

 

@Rexfordian13 congrats on your tire purchase! That's a very rugged and capable looking tire. Looking forward to more personal reviews.

 

Just put 255/80R17’s Falken Wildpeaks on my 2022 TRD Sport - stock wheels 1.25 inch spacers, 5100s up front at 1.5 inches 5100 in he rear. The alignment was a hot mess with the camber adjustment. The adjustment reached its limit. The tires rubbed on the front flaps so those have been removed. Going to add some aftermarket adjustable UCAs to get the adjustability for the camber, to get the alignment correct.

Anyone else have any alignment issues?

 

my spc ucas made the alignment a breeze. i specified that I wanted the wheels moved forward an inch and they had no problem doing it. i knew going into it that the mud flaps would be coming off!

 

I'm currently running 265 75 16 geolandar mts and I am getting about ready for a new set of tires. Looking into the nitto trail grappler mt or any other mt that's a 10 ply tire. Looking for some suggestions on what everyone is running for mt tires currently that will still do good on the road wanting to try something different than the yokohamas.

 

I have 35x12.5 Trail Grapplers on my wife’s JLU Wrangler. They’re decent, somewhat of a loud tire, but that’s expected. They wear nice if you keep them rotated, like any tire. I got about 60K on my first set. I replaced them with the same tire. That being said, I have Wildpeaks on my Tacoma.

 

Are you running an offset wheel on the 255?

 

Been a big fan of Toyo M/T on my old FJ and now on my new Taco. Extremely capable off-road, in mud, rocks, and deep snow. I liked the look and specs on the Nitto Trail Grappler too, but they don't come in 255/85R16, so decision made.

BTW: Nitto is a division of Toyo, so there are a lot of similarities between the tires. If you compare the LT lineups, you see many clear parallels. Some online references say the MT and Trail Grappler are built on the same carcasses, and it's only the tread/sidewall design and slightly harder rubber on the Toyos that distinguish them. In Canada, both have a 5-year material and workmanship warranty, but neither has a treadlife warranty (mud tires, duh). If you are staying with 265/75R16, you could simply let the sidewall design (and price) help you decide.

According to Toyo (parent company website) the Nitto brand is about "freedom innovation and creativity" and "has an overwhelming reputation in niche markets." The Nittos are definitely aiming at a more aggressive look for the LT lineup, and have the "Mud Grappler" and "Dune Grappler" styles, whereas Toyo has nothing quite like them. You won't see lizard skin or flames on the sidewalls of any of the Toyos.

 

Have any of you been able to find a good P or even C-rated tire in 255/80/17 in an all terrain? It seems most are e rated tires

 

I've been trying to keep a good list of available skinnies with weights and other info but I haven't found what you're looking for. Sure would be nice though. I'm seriously looking at the Toyo Open Country A/T III in 34x10.5R17LT. It's still an "LT" tire but it has a D rating rather than E. I'm beginning to think this is the sweet spot size, too bad more manufacturers don't make one.

Are you looking for a non-E rated tire for comfort or weight? Or both?

 

I called my local mechanic last week asking about 255/80r17, he only had wildpeakz and open countries available (E). No milestar, no linglong. Personally not interested in GY / MT.

I forgot to ask about nitto. Maybe next year I will look into that 34x10.5 D load toyo. Gotta make everyone else happy for the next 6 weeks first.

oh yeah, I forgot to ask about kenda too