Troopys (and Bushcampers): why split rims?

Submitted: Sunday, Nov 04, 2012 at 16:31
ThreadID: 98857 Views:13615 Replies:8 FollowUps:28
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The earlier thread about tyre pressures included a link to Adam Plate's tyre pressure graphic:click here to see the graphic

I found that interesting because he is critical of the tyre/wheel set-up on Britz's Troopy-based Bushcampers. That's the vehicle I used during my 2008 visit. =) In particular, he describes their split rims and tube tires as poor-performing and unreliable. I didn't reduce my pressures during my trip, but of course I also didn't tackle any really rough tracks or deep sand. I also had no tyre problems during my trip.

This led me to do a little research about these split rims. After reading about them, and the hazards of working with them, the more I wonder why Toyota uses them? With particular regard to pressure, numerous sources include statements such as: "Under-inflated tires on multi-piece or split rim wheels may be re-inflated while the wheel is on the vehicle only when pressure has not dropped below 80% of the recommended pressure."

I drop the pressure on my own 4WD (tubeless BFG AT's on one-piece alloy rims) as low as 15 PSI cold for some situations. Then when I'm done I simply pull out the compressor and air them back up. As I understand it, this could not be done safely with the split rims/tube tires as on the Troopy.

There must be some advantage to the split rims/tube tires? Or some reason why Toyota went with them?

One other note regarding Adam's graphic. I've always been advised to run the same pressure front and rear. He advocates equalizing the footprint front and rear, which often means running quite different pressures front and rear.
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