New user, TC Tire questions
I'm new to the forums and eagerly awaiting delivery of my Arctic Fox 811 (my first TC). I have extensively read the forums here researching this purchase and have settled on the Arctic Fox mated to a SRW F350. I will install both upper and lower stable loads as my first suspension improvement to the stock truck with a sway bar and potentially Timbrens down the road.
When it comes to tires I feel like I have a few options. I will wait until I take delivery of the TC and get a chance to both drive it and weigh it before making a tire/wheel purchase.
I see 3 legitimate options to increase tire/wheel capacity of my stock truck. OEM wheels appear to be rated at 3615# based on a rear axle rating of 7230#, tires are 3640# per tire. My rear axle weighs 3180# unloaded. Based on others AF811 weights I am guessing 4200#+ wet which puts me above the OEM ratings.
The 3 options I am considering are:
Method HD wheels rated to 4500# each mated to:
A.) Nitto Ridge Grappler 305/65/18 F 128
This tire has an F load rating but a 128 (3960#) load index
B.) Nitto Ridge Grappler 295/70/18 E 129
This tire has an E load rating but a 129 (4080#) load index
C.) Vision 19.5" wheels rated at 4500# mated to:
Michelin XDS2 245/70/19.5 H 136 (4940#)
I have read tons of opinions on 19.5" vs 18" and talked to my local tire supplier regarding this choice. I drive on logging/forest roads frequently and in the snow. Wet roads are normal here 6+ months out of the year. I have never had a need to air down my tires with my previous truck, unlikely that will be an issue with the new truck.
My questions are:
1.) Is there a benefit to the F load rated tire over the E rated tire ? Obviously, the E rated has a higher weight capacity, but is there a stiffness or robustness advantage to the F rating?
2.) The un-sprung weight of 19.5 wheels/tires is unappealing (126# vs 100# per tire/wheel) BUT from my research it appears the increased sidewall stiffness of the 19.5 is a big advantage for hauling a truck camper. Is there a huge difference between these options? Will I regret not going 19.5?
3.) Traction with the wider 18" tires will be far superior to the narrower 19.5" tires. Because I am a skier and in the snow 6 months out of the year will the 19.5" tires be a major downgrade from the OEM 275/70/18 Goodyear Wrangler Adventure tires?
I have considered keeping the OEM tires if I go 19.5 to use in the winter.
4.) Because I am very close to the OEM ratings does it make sense for me to go to 19.5 with all the disadvantages (cost, unloaded ride, etc.) ?
This community seems amazing and I have found answers here no one else could provide, hoping to glean some insight from the experienced users here!
Thanks!
When it comes to tires I feel like I have a few options. I will wait until I take delivery of the TC and get a chance to both drive it and weigh it before making a tire/wheel purchase.
I see 3 legitimate options to increase tire/wheel capacity of my stock truck. OEM wheels appear to be rated at 3615# based on a rear axle rating of 7230#, tires are 3640# per tire. My rear axle weighs 3180# unloaded. Based on others AF811 weights I am guessing 4200#+ wet which puts me above the OEM ratings.
The 3 options I am considering are:
Method HD wheels rated to 4500# each mated to:
A.) Nitto Ridge Grappler 305/65/18 F 128
This tire has an F load rating but a 128 (3960#) load index
B.) Nitto Ridge Grappler 295/70/18 E 129
This tire has an E load rating but a 129 (4080#) load index
C.) Vision 19.5" wheels rated at 4500# mated to:
Michelin XDS2 245/70/19.5 H 136 (4940#)
I have read tons of opinions on 19.5" vs 18" and talked to my local tire supplier regarding this choice. I drive on logging/forest roads frequently and in the snow. Wet roads are normal here 6+ months out of the year. I have never had a need to air down my tires with my previous truck, unlikely that will be an issue with the new truck.
My questions are:
1.) Is there a benefit to the F load rated tire over the E rated tire ? Obviously, the E rated has a higher weight capacity, but is there a stiffness or robustness advantage to the F rating?
2.) The un-sprung weight of 19.5 wheels/tires is unappealing (126# vs 100# per tire/wheel) BUT from my research it appears the increased sidewall stiffness of the 19.5 is a big advantage for hauling a truck camper. Is there a huge difference between these options? Will I regret not going 19.5?
3.) Traction with the wider 18" tires will be far superior to the narrower 19.5" tires. Because I am a skier and in the snow 6 months out of the year will the 19.5" tires be a major downgrade from the OEM 275/70/18 Goodyear Wrangler Adventure tires?
I have considered keeping the OEM tires if I go 19.5 to use in the winter.
4.) Because I am very close to the OEM ratings does it make sense for me to go to 19.5 with all the disadvantages (cost, unloaded ride, etc.) ?
This community seems amazing and I have found answers here no one else could provide, hoping to glean some insight from the experienced users here!
Thanks!
