I recently purchased a set of tires... Achilles Desert Hawk XMT LT 205/80R16 110/108Q D (8 ply) MT M/T Mud Terrain Tire.

I thought they would work on my original Series III wheels; although they are currently for tubes.

Finding out they will not work on those wheels -- QUESTION is would you purchase new wheels for tubeless (another $1500). OR would you simply use tubes in these tires ($100 cost) ?? And if yes tubes, do you have a recommendation of size to fit those tires/wheels?

Or any practical/ credible advice would be welcome. Thank you. GSS

 

I know that they came with tubes originally. I ran my 1963 with no tubes for years (and no leaks).

 

And, if you’re still concerned about it, couldn’t you just put the appropriate sized tube inside a tubeless tire? I don’t think that at a max speed of about 65 there’d be any problem.

 

At least two of my wheels are leaking with the tires mounted. I'm also thinking inserting tubes could work, but unsure of what size tube or would it be any general 16" tube size?

 

2 second Google search-- https://www.tiregeek.com/products/16...3-rubber-valve

 

AFAIK Tubeless tyres are rough on the inside, so putting tubes in them might not be the best idea.

Tyres meant for tubes are smooth on the inside. Therefore not likely to get scuffed, which will cause then to leak.
Hope this helps.

 

I don’t think it would be difficult to seal up the seam to prevent any leaking.

 

It's not really the seam. It's because of the roughness of the inside of the tyre.

It wears away the tube, and then you have problems.

 

Is all this talk about the 'dangers' of using a tube in a tubeless tire just armchair speculation, or anecdotal experience? I've used tubes in tubeless tires in literally dozens of vehicles, over decades, some with 100k miles/per year, hauling very heavy loads, and have had ZERO failures. I currently run tubes with tubeless tires on my Series, on 3 motorcycles, and a Chevy truck that hauls a gooseneck 2-car carrier.

Michelin seems to think it's OK too... https://www.michelin.co.uk/classic/m...top-inner-tube

 

My comment is about sealing the seam and ditching the tubes. That’s how I ran my 1963 2A for over 25 years.