moving from 225R75/16 to 235R85/16 PROBLEMS
Hi, More problems have reared their heads. The E-450 has a different rear axle, than the F-450. The F-450 will allow up to a 245 width with no change of rim size for the rear duals. The E-450...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,
After discussions with the tire dealer, I've decided on Toyo tires because the rubber compound is slightly more flexible (lower tread mileage life) and they may ride better. They are also cheaper, but that did not enter the discussion.
Just an FYi - Tread rubber has nothing whatsoever to do with ride quality. Ride quality IS related to the stiffness of the lower sidewall - which is hard to quantify. But better ride quality is sacrificed to get good handling (as in quickness of steering response and resistance to sway).
One way to explain this is that compared to the tire casing, the tread rubber is so much more flexible that changes in tread rubber hardly affect the ride quality.
- BUT -
There is a technology triangle involving treadwear, traction (especially wet traction), and rolling resistance (fuel economy). So a tire with a lower tread wear rating MIGHT have better rolling resistance (fuel economy) or better traction or both. The problem here is that a lower treadwear rating might mean the tire is worse for BOTH traction and treadwear, but much better for rolling resistance. If the tire manufacturer doesn't tell you what the difference is, you will not know for sure.
