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Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 15 Dec 2006
NCR NCR is offline
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Location: Lisboa, Portugal
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TLC 80 tire size

Hi,

I'm thinking of upgrading my BFG AT 275/70R16 that I run on the cruiser to BFG Mud Terrain 305/70R16 or 285/75R16. I'm looking for traction (sand, but also mud and rocks) and clearance.
Is it too much for the cruiser's transmission and bearings???
Thanks for your help.
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  #2  
Old 15 Dec 2006
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Keeping options open

Hi

don't think a cruiser would struggle at all with either size of tire - they produce more than enuff torque to cope.
Just make sure the wheel bearings are in good nick before you start - or expect to change somewhere along the line

Chris
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Old 19 Dec 2006
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Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
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Hi NCR,
rather than going wider 285/305, go a bit narrow and taller - try some 255/85 16s BFG Muds - 33.3 inches tall.

The wider tyres IMO give you more rolling resistance in sand - taller narrower tyres give you a longer (greater area) footprint when aired down - and less resistance.

You will also get a better turning circle and less bearing wear.

The BFG MT's are a great tyre and are tough for rock/sahel travel, also suprisingly capable in sand.

remember, you wont find this tyre/size in North/West Africa

see this post for some more info:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...tlc-80-a-24144
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  #4  
Old 20 Dec 2006
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I agree with the above, wider offers little benifit in sand but increases strain on suspension and steering. In sand a tall tyre aired down is much better

fat tyres reduce Traction in mud because the tyre tends to skate over the surface rather than biting in.

7.50x16s and their equivalent are available anywhere in the world you find toyotas or landrovers, i.e. anywhere!! you may need to buy one locally if you damage one of yours, which is very possible.

fat tyres are for posers!!
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