Simpson Desert and skinny tyres

Submitted: Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 13:57
ThreadID: 58134 Views:3184 Replies:9 FollowUps:5
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We are doing the Simpson in July East to West.
I have always had skinny split rim wheels on my Cruiser and have managed to stay out of trouble in most places.
If anyone has done the Simpson with skinny tyres how did you go. What sort of pressures were you running and any advise is welcome.
Mag
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Reply By: MrBitchi (QLD) - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:06

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:06
Skinny tyres will be fine, as long as you deflate to around 15 PSI or so. On sand it's not really the width that counts, more the length of the contact patch, which is governed by pressure.
AnswerID: 306506

Follow Up By: Mag - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:33

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:33
Thanks
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Follow Up By: blown4by - Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 19:06

Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 19:06
MrBitchi is spot on. I have done the CSR on 7.50x16 Goodyear Custom Hi-Milers and 7.50x16 Dunlop Roadtrack Majors. You will find the skinny tyres pick up a lot less stake injuries as well & split rims are really the only way to go in that country as you can strip & re-assemble them to change or vulcanise tubes, etc.
The extra care when re-inflating split rims is sound advice and a few taps around them with a hammer to ensure they are correctly seated as you re-infate them will ensure they are seated correctly
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Reply By: Member - Footloose - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:08

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:08
Did it way back in the 80's with skinny's. Top pressures around 21 and when I got into strife it was down to 15psi. Never really had major hassles with the tyres. I did have to dig myself out once, but that was my fault.
AnswerID: 306507

Reply By: Nick R (VIC) - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:12

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:12
if you do a search Willem did an extensive post on this
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AnswerID: 306508

Reply By: Trevor W(Brisbane) - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:23

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:23
We were out there Last July and the Problem you are going to Face is the number of other Vehicles out there in the School Holidays. From Birdsville for 2 days ,we had to watch every Dune and the only problem was getting stuck near the Top and having to reverse down,Pressures were around 18 to 20 and the Split Rims went fine,only requiring a couple of Dunes with second and third run-ups.You need to listen in on Channel 10 and have a second Radio for coms with other vehicles in your Group. If you can delay your trip to avoid Holiday Period please do so. You will enjoy it so much more. What is really scary is the Vehicles that you meet with no radio and no Sand Flag.
AnswerID: 306509

Reply By: MEMBER - Darian (SA) - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:46

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 14:46
Jol Fleming from The Alice is a 'local' to that area - out there a lot of time with his tagalongs - article on his site may be instructive ....
[ http://www.direct4wd.com.au/tours/TYRE%20PRESSURE.htm ]
- there are other articles on the site too - good value.
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Reply By: Member -Signman - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 16:20

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 16:20
Also good info on the 'Pink Roadhouse' site..

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Reply By: Gramps (NSW) - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 17:37

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 17:37
Did the Simpson with Skinnies/split rims on the Hilux in 05. No problems at all, just watch your tyre pressures. As others have stated, somewhere between 15 and 20 psi depending on your load and the condition of the sand at the time.

AnswerID: 306556

Follow Up By: Mobi Condo - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 19:56

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 19:56
Could I add a safety warning here!

When "airing up" after low pressure travel PLEASE make sure you have a Safety webbing around the tyre rim in case the Split Ring has gotten sand or grit in the seating rim and is NOT fully seated.

There has been more than one serious lower arm / hand injury due to a ring suddenly departing the rim as pressure is built up when "airing up" after sand country low pressure travel!

Very similar to when one is replacing a tyre etc and re-inflating after puncture repair!

There has been fatalities when the ring has come off!

Never the less with proper care and diligence it should be a safe procedure.

Cheers - Mobi
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Follow Up By: Gramps (NSW) - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 20:09

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 20:09
Mobi Condo,

I understand your concern but can you point me to any documented occurrence of such an incident happening with your normal garden variety 4wd ? I've only seen reference to incidents with heavy vehicles.

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Follow Up By: Mobi Condo - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 22:04

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 22:04
Now that's a hard one as I read widely - several forums and 4x4 mags - for anecdotal references and for work some OH&S stuff. Right now I believe the reference I had in mind was a NRMA or similar report or maybe it is writing in 4x4 Mag "Australian 4WD Action" either late 2007 or early 2008, plus 4x4 Training through professional providers both on a private basis and of course work basis.
So! Sorry I can not give you a definitive Chapter and dot point reference, but I am very carefull with my own tyre work as a result of an aquaintance dying in his work shop in the early 1980's when a split ring neatly cut him up!
There is at least one Off Road accessory lot which has a safety harness to strap around wheels for such work!
Cheers - Mobi
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Reply By: marq - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 20:20

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 20:20
Should be ok - just don't over load your vehicle and don't be afraid to let the tyres down to 12 to 16psi

Marquis
Simpson and Travel Notes
AnswerID: 306591

Reply By: Gossy - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 17:23

Friday, May 30, 2008 at 17:23
di d this last year (and leaving again tmw for a double crossing).
Carried all our own gear plus food and water for 6 motorbike riders and their gear so very very heavy car. Did not get bogged once. Drive for the conditions, power on only when needed and let down your tyres.

Enjoy,
AnswerID: 306783

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