(These posts seem to run in batches...lol)
I see my name coming up in post 42442 re Tyre Pressures and also about Split Rims.
Lets make one thing clear about Split Rim Tyres:
They are old technology
They could be more difficult to repair out bush
They could suffer balancing problems
Depending on which type of tyre (and tube) you use, they could suffer more punctures
Tubeless tyres are:
Easier to repair by plug out bush
Do not deflate in a rush
Are easier to balance
Are difficult to remove from rim out bush unless to have the right tools
They normally give better mileage.
Now, some of my
treks take me to where few other travellers would venture. It is my adventurous nature to want to go to these
places. In 2006 I went out on three
treks, which included some hard-core cross-country driving. Unfortunately there wasn’t time or the opportunity to switch to split rims with Cross Ply tyres and so I ventured out with Cooper STT and Eldorado tyres. Because of the nature of the terrain I had to drop my tyre pressures to 15psi on the GQ and 10psi on the trailer. The results of my 2006 travels were 14 punctures, which included 4 wrecked tyres. I suppose I should have had more punctures but I was very careful where I put my wheels in the 1000km or so of Off Track driving.
Tubeless tyres are just not made for Off-track driving.
After a long search I was able to locate some Nissan Split Rims and have shod them with MRF 12ply Super Traction Cross Ply tyres. They have 12plies in the tread and the thickness of the sidewalls could be 20mm or more. These tyres are really good on gravel roads and rough terrain. A desert crossing will come up this year to
test the tyres in sand at low pressures.
If you are running Split Rims, then to safeguard against punctures, you should always buy the best tubes obtainable on the market. Each year you should remove all the tyres and clean the rims with a wire brush and repaint. This will make for easier removal should you have to during the year. Radial tyres on Split Rims are probably more prone to punctures due to the heat build up in them and the perforation of the tubes by the heat.
Like in most cases one has to drive to the conditions and apply the right tyre pressures for your journey.
I have respect for the two outback characters named in the thread as
well. They are both experienced travellers. Their advice on the use of Split Rims may not be pertinent to my use of Split Rims but they are entitled to their opinion.
Cheers