Tyre & Rim Sizes - Opinions ?

[Mick_n_Sal]

Hey guys, was just looking at tyres to go on the middy - curious to know peoples thoughts. 33x12.5/r15 or 285-75/16

Either way I would have to buy rims. I've been told that 16" tyres generally have stronger sidewalls and resist staking better.

Would you choose 15s or 16s, and why?

Mick_n_Sal

[ISUZUROVER]

Really just a matter of personal preference. I prefer 16's (and have 285/75/16 MTR's). I think 16's may be easier to keep on the rim without beadlocks and may be a bit harder to stake because of less sidewall area, but probably not much of a difference.

[hottiemonster]

also 16" tims and tyres are dearer generally.

[-Scott-]

Of the two sizes you list the 16" tyres have significantly higher load ratings. What this means in the real world, I'm not sure...

Scott

[bogged]

15's are cheaper for tires AND rims..

[steel]

285/75R16 = 11.2 inches wide. 33/12.5/15 = 12.5 inches wide.
Similar rolling diameter though.
33/12.5/15 has taller sidewall which allows increased lengthening of tyre
's foot print whan deflated

[Ryano]

I'd go the 16".
16" tyres have a higher load rating/stronger case construction, and are more modern technology.
They also handle better on the bitumen due to less sidewall flex.
They will handle offroad better due to the stronger carcass strength. Performance of the actual pattern will be the same as long as you are comparing apples with apples.
They will deflate and have similar "Bagging" qualities, just at different pressures than the 15" (Unless you are running sub 10psi ).

I recently had the opportunity to drive a new Patrol with 17x9 rims and 33x12.50R17 Mickey Thompson Radial Claws.
We took it up to the Gulf travelled through plenty of varying conditions. At the right pressures it went everywhere....sand, dirt, scrub the lot.
Thing that really stood out for me was the on bitumen handling of the vehicle. Really clung to the road. No tyre roll to speak of.
So my opinion.....go the 16" even with a slightly dearer price tag.

[Sixty]

also there is more room around the brakes -more airflow, easier to clean,etc

[4Speed]

I've been told 35"s on 15" rims are now in the hwy patrol book of defects, has anyone else heard that?
Maybe I should just ring the RTA.

[bogged]

I've been told 35"s on 15" rims are now in the hwy patrol book of defects.

Shane h that runs the GQ list, he got defected for a seat that was ripped, a brake pedal rubber that was worn, SPONGY BRAKES (how the fuck would they know without drivin' the truck?) and a cracked screen..

Dangerous vehicle then 4 defects - he was told to get it towed...

[chimpboy]

On this topic, which would weigh more for the same patch on the ground? A 33 on a 15" rim or a 33 on a 16" rim? In other words, does an inch of rim weigh more, or an inch of tyre?

I would probably go for the lighter option. To my mind that is the difference that would have the most obvious benefit, as opposed to theories about sidewall strength, beadlocking etc that noone could agree on.

Jason

[ISUZUROVER]

On this topic, which would weigh more for the same patch on the ground? A 33 on a 15" rim or a 33 on a 16" rim? In other words, does an inch of rim weigh more, or an inch of tyre?

I would probably go for the lighter option. To my mind that is the difference that would have the most obvious benefit, as opposed to theories about sidewall strength, beadlocking etc that noone could agree on.

Jason

Since there is a HUGE variation in both tyre and rim construction (and hence weight) you cannot answer that unless you were comparing the exact same brands of rims and tyres in 15 and 16.