Tyres - 285 v 305

Thanks Paul,
I have a quote for 305 & 285 Maxxis MT at the same price!!!

How about on road ability?

initially i ran the muddies full time for 47k,had no issues in the wet or dry,handles better with the wider muddies than with the A/Ts on the cruiser.if you can get them at the same price go the 305s i reckon.they have done a few rough tracked trips and i think they will do a couple more before retirement.cheers Paul

Thanks RM,
265 are out of ratio with the 2.5" lift now so I would hate to see what 235's would look like. Why would a narrow tyre have a better 4wd ability especially on a LC..... 2.5t sitting on pizza cutters.

I am running VSI LPG so $15 per 100km is hardly putting a dent in the wallet. I am prepared to pay for wider boots and greater surface traction.

The only people who snap things are the one's who only think about entertaining an audience.

Hi Chris

Your correct - there is no need to necessarily break things , I have it done a couple of times now on overtyred cruisers when I was part of the audience.
That extra rotating mass can be 6kg or so per wheel.
I don't run my reference set of 265/75/16 very often although I should because they are 6 years old now, but when chaning from them to the 235's I mostly run around town its like a breath of fresh air , even though the wheel/tyre combination is only 4 kg per wheel lighter the whole steering setup feels more precise and responsive.

It really does get down to what one's objectives are and wether or not your like to optimize things with tyre pressure changes.

Some of those cruiser models came with 190 size standard (7.50) then they went to 235 which I felt was about right.

As for 4wding , I would agree that the 305 would have most friction and aquaplanning if left at a constant pressure.

If you can alter the pressures to match the conditions the narrower (but not to narrow) tyres will be better.

The real power loss occurs through the energy required to microbend the tread where it meets and leaves the road surface.
So a 305 width of tread requiring bending obviously takes more energy than a 235 width assuming the appropriate air pressure is in each tyre.
Its this same width difference sweeping a path along a road looking for nails or sharp rocks that also concerns me.

Ultimately though the better traction provided by a more appropriate contact patch shape for the same contact patch area is what provides the better 4wding performance - but again only if aired down accordingly.