put my 19.5s on today

bka0721 wrote:

twodownzero wrote:
I've only quoted part of your post because I agree with much of it, but I want to point out where we differ.

Tread design is only part of the discussion. If it weren't, tire companies would make mud tires out of very hard compounds and they would last just as long as any other tire, or at least almost as long (the void ratio on a mud tire is going to increase wear even all else equal). Instead, they make mud tires out of softer compounds. Why is that? It's because they know that those who really desire an aggressive tire desire the traction that a softer compound provides.

A medium duty tire cannot over this. Because of the heavy load rating, they have to be careful to assure that the tire can handle the rated load. That means that the tread design has to favor load capacity first and traction second. In other words, a tire with an inch high of squirmy, soft tread isn't going to be rated load range G or H. The engineers know they're trading off some traction for weight capacity and safety, but they have to do it to design a tire for a tow truck or a garbage truck--a vehicle that will be operated under heavy load day in and day out.

That's not to say there aren't some good tread designs to be found in 19.5s and even 22.5 for that matter. But the primary purpose for those tires is carrying a load first and traction second.

I certainly agree with everything you say here. But you didn’t say that in your first post. While you are perfectly in your right to say and post whatever you would like, but when you use a fully dipped paint brush to paint a broad point, you should expect myself and others to point out your “failure to communicate.” (Boy I love that line from Cool Hand Luke).

I had been racing cars for over 20 years, grading compounds, working with Ford on their performance vehicles development you certainly have and had my attention with tires, their compositions and handling. But, Truck Camper people tend to push the limits in how and where they use their rigs. For the most part, they do it safely and come home safe, albeit a few scratches along their camper sides. I hope you continue to post here, but understand that there is a wealth of experience and users out there that are happy to share their experiences and knowledge. I hope you do too, albeit with less paint on your brush and more substance.

b

I have to agree! As it is in the world there will hardly ever be total agreement...We TCer's are a unique subset of this population...and the limits we each choose to push is what we do and the equipment we choose to do that with is ours as well...stating facts, ideas and opinions is to make each one of think. It is raining, sure glad I had the boat out yesterday on Puget Sound, hi 70's and calm...great boat ride and lunch with good friends. ONWAND.