Guys, I've been on these forums for several years now but one thing I've never understood is why offroaders put so much emphasis on putting the tallest possible tires on their trucks. Is it simply a matter of trying to get as much ground clearance as possible or is it something else? I'll need to be buying new tires soon and I want to consider some options. Thanks.

 

that and it give you more side wall to deflate when needed

 

The taller the tire the farther your diff is from the ground. In my opinion if you've never needed more clearance then why change and lose mpg? I have larger tires on one of mine and they spend more time giving me a little more space to crawl under than they do keeping me from being hi-centered.

 

X1 diff clearance as another 1" to 1.5" under the diff is a huge amount offroad. It also depends on use and offroad vs highway as larger wheels and/or tyres can cost mpg's and more noise. Also the highway handling grip and wheel balancing becomes less easy and more critical. These guys on here are better to advise you as I only do greenlaning, no wading or boulder trekking/scrambling. Bear in mind stones and boulders rip your diff out if you're unlucky.

 

Bigger tyres (bigger overall circumference) will also make it easier to climb up a kerb/rock/bump. I really notice the difference with the 18" wheels on my D2 compared to the 15" wheels on my Jeep.

 

Another advantage of a tire with taller sidewalls is less chance of damaging a wheel. Going over boulders and rocks (or big enough pot holes), especially at speed or with enough force can dent, bend, or even crack a wheel. A taller sidewall provides more cushion to minimize those forces.

A disadvantage with a taller sidewall is more tread squirm on the road due to more sidewall flexing, which is why sports cars use low-profile tires to minimize flexing.

 

I had Michelin 4X4 O/R - 7.5 "pizza cutters" installed on my disco (that's what my jeep friends call them). I have 235/85/16 now which is about the same. i have more clearance and for me i get stuck less in mud because they are skinny and tall. I don't notice road noise because i always play music when i drive. I don't really notice any handling differences when it come to highway driving from my stock 18 because i don't have front sway bars installed so im used to more than normal body roll.

Michelin 4X4 O/R - 7.5


235/85/16

 

I would suggest reading this :Expeditions West: Tire Selection for Expedition Travel

It's an excellent writeup on why skinny tires are better than fat tires (think Jeep-bro) in most situations.

 

Where did you buy the michelins? I like...

 

TIRE MICHELIN XZL 7.50 x 16 - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts