Tires, Tires, Tires.......................What To Do

[08SolarFlareH3]

I am getting ready to finally order a set of tires for the H3T steel wheels in my closet but debating on what to do. I keep thinking I should stay with a 305/70R16 or 33x12.5R16 but I can't help but be tempted by a 35". They both have there pros and cons and we all know what they are but I still can't decide. Let the suggestions begin!

 

[Cincyj]

Whatever you do, look at Pep Boys. Buy 3 get the 4th free.

 

[ahana]

35" is the way to go! it had to be like this from stock!

 

[M22KLARS]

Wait a minute... I thought you had some swampers? These for DD?

 

[06 H3]

ask Cbetts he contemplated this decision and went with 35's

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Whatever you do, look at Pep Boys. Buy 3 get the 4th free.

Why would I buy from the competition :wink:

 

[Portager]

I wrestled with this decision and the fact that the vehicle was supposed to have 33" tires. I decided I wanted maximum reliability so I choose to stay with the stock 33" diameter tires, but I went to the wider 305/70R16 profile. The next issue was if you go to 305/70R16 for the spare and keep it under the bed, you will lose an inch of ground clearance under the spare. So I went with 285/75R16 for the spare. If you go with BFG KM2 the 305 and 285 have the same revolutions per mile so it won’t mess up the all wheel drive. Then I started doing off road trips with the local H4O group, and I found that everybody else was running 35" tires and I was the most ground clearance challenged in the group. The long wheelbase of the H3T and the weight of the Slant Back and cargo slide add to the ground clearance challenge.

My recommendation is if you plan to off road with other Hummers, get the 35" tires. If you’re only going to drive on roads or easy to moderate trails then stay with 33" tires.

It cost less to do it right than to do it over.

 

[Paladine71]

35s are the perfect size for this platform, in my opinion. I had the same choice to make about a year ago, went with 35's and haven't regretted it at all.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Wait a minute... I thought you had some swampers? These for DD?

I had them ordered but Interco or 4 Wheel Parts left me hanging on the other 4 tires (they both blamed each other for the mix up, figures). I received the first one fast from 4 Wheel Parts fast but they said the other four would be drop shipped from Interco. Guess what showed up 3+ weeks later? Freaking Thornbirds, WTF? After numerous calls they paid to have them shipped back. I was tired of dealing with them, so I cancelled the order. I would prefer something I could purchase from one of our tire vendors at works, to avoid the hassle and shipping.

 

[Steve #1]

Whatever you do, look at Pep Boys. Buy 3 get the 4th free.

I'd go with the buy 3 get the 4th free Pro Comps.

Last time I bought tires gas was hitting $4.00 and I was about to make a cross country trip so I went with 33s. Now I need new tires and gas is dropping. The decision is a little harder.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I wrestled with this decision and the fact that the vehicle was supposed to have 33" tires. I decided I wanted maximum reliability so I choose to stay with the stock 33" diameter tires, but I went to the wider 305/70R16 profile. The next issue was if you go to 305/70R16 for the spare and keep it under the bed, you will lose an inch of ground clearance under the spare. So I went with 285/75R16 for the spare. If you go with BFG KM2 the 305 and 285 have the same revolutions per mile so it won’t mess up the all wheel drive. Then I started doing off road trips with the local H4O group, and I found that everybody else was running 35" tires and I was the most ground clearance challenged in the group. The long wheelbase of the H3T and the weight of the Slant Back and cargo slide add to the ground clearance challenge.

My recommendation is if you plan to off road with other Hummers, get the 35" tires. If you’re only going to drive on roads or easy to moderate trails then stay with 33" tires.

It cost less to do it right than to do it over.

Thanks for you input Portager. I will be keeping my 305's and stock alloys for daily. The new tires and wheels will only be used off road and the commute to and from the trails which could be up to 200miles one way (Rausch Creek). My reasons for wanting to staying with 33's are the same as yours (reliability/drivability).

 

[Portager]

In that case go with the 35" and be gentile on the skinny pedal.

P.S. That is what I'd do if I have a do over.

 

[Bigunit]

Thanks for you input Portager. I will be keeping my 305's and stock alloys for daily. The new tires and wheels will only be used off road and the commute to and from the trails which could be up to 200miles one way (Rausch Creek). My reasons for wanting to staying with 33's are the same as yours (reliability/drivability).

If that is the case, then IMHO, it's a no brainer - go with the 35s for your second set (for offroad/trail commuting only). I would want that extra ground clearance offroad. I know that it may not seem like much of a difference, but in my experience, every little bit more of ground clearance makes a big difference offroad - especially with a T. That's what I ended up doing. I have a second set of trail/trail commute-only wheels and tires and I am really glad that I had that option. It's made a big difference for me.

 

[Hans3T]

My next set will be 35" -- and I cannot wait!

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Well thats one problem solved and now just one left :wink:. Choices, choices, choices.....

 

[JonBishop]

i have 35" BFG A/T's an it was the best thing ever, i didnt wanna even think bout going 33's

 

[Portager]

Well thats one problem solved and now just one left :wink:. Choices, choices, choices.....

So, what tires are you considering? MTZ, KM2, STT, MTR amazing how they are all TLA!

 

[cbetts]

I think the BFG KM2s are the best bang for your buck. Not as good on the pavement but they rock on mud, snow and well . . . rock! They are a little noisier but nothing the stereo can't drown out.

 

[TrailBreaker]

I have a set of Yokohama Geolander M/T+ on my 3T. I have about 20,000 miles on them, and i would say about half worn at this point. They are directional though wich is the only drawback I can see. They are a little loud on the road, but are really good in the mud/rocks/snow and even do well in ice.

Another plus is they are very light, about 8lbs lighter than the BFG MT each, and while it may not seem like alot, every bit counts.

One drawback I have noticed is the sidewalls are very flexy. In Moab while most guys were down to 18psi, I had to run about 25psi and my sidewalls still flexed more than most everyone else. It can be an issue in sharp rocks or rooted out trails.

Heres a decent pic:

I would most probably do a set again.

 

[Portager]

BF Goodrich KM2's are top rated mud tires. I have them in the 305/70R16 size. At http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse.com/Pro_Comp_Tires.cfm?pn=BFG-24970&pID=500 the LT315/75R16 are $262.72.

The Micky Thompson Baja Radial MTZ's are also a top rated mud tire and from the reviews I've read maybe slightly quieter on the highway. At http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/mic...nt=GoogleShopping&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping the LT315/75R16 cost $291.99

I think the Cooper STT's are essentially equivalent to the Mickey Thompson Baja Radial MTZ (Cooper make both the STT and the MTZ). At http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse.com/Discount_Tires.cfm?pn=CT-76126&pID=2601 the LT315/75R16 are $249.58.

I hope this helps.

 

[Hunner]

Your right about the Coopers and MTZ. Made in Texarkana, USA. They have that same Armor Tech 3 carcass and it is 3 ply with one laterally. I have had both and would say it is a toss up as to either one being better at this point. I have scraped them on "sharp" rocks as we have here and have not cut a sidewall, yet.
I have always preferred tires with some siping on the lugs. We have lots of worn asphalt roads that get really slick when it first rains and afterwards. I think that also helps on ice and smooth areas of rocks. I can hear them chirp. Neither one has chunked out in rock as I have seen some others do.
I have been behind pickups or Jeeps running Unico with a tread similiar to the BFG and you can see if they have gotten them dirty and then run on pavement only the two center rows of lugs are cleaned off by contacting pavement. Not much rubber on the road. I ran some BFG only for a few days that came with some wheels and would have to drastically change my driving habits on wet pavement to run those. I sold them.
Both the Cooper and MT are M=S rated, load range D, 1ply nylon,2 ply steel,3ply poly and 3 poly sidewalls.
I'm trying to get out of here but I hope to get one more STT today if they can find one in town. Then begins the wrestling match to mount it on a Hutchinson.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

So, what tires are you considering? MTZ, KM2, STT, MTR amazing how they are all TLA!

Currently, the KM2 is on the top of my list. I want something I can get from our tire vendors at the shop. I can get several brands from four different vendors but there are only two other tires I can get from them that I would consider, the Cooper Discoverer STT and Toyo Open Country M/T. Like I said, the KM2 is first but the STT is a close second.

 

[Portager]

Both are good choices! I have KM2's now and my next tire will probably be the STT. To me it is a coin flip between the MTZ and STT, with price favoring the STT. Unless someone can explain why the MTZ is worth the extra ~$50 per tire.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

Both are good choices! I have KM2's now and my next tire will probably be the STT. To me it is a coin flip between the MTZ and STT, with price favoring the STT. Unless someone can explain why the MTZ is worth the extra ~$50 per tire.

The name, Mickey Thompson. Not saying that makes them worth $50 more but I would assume that is what you are paying for. I just checked pricing from our local tire vendors and the STT is $50 cheaper then the KM2 and they also have a $75 rebate. :huh:

 

[Portager]

The name, Mickey Thompson. Not saying that makes them worth $50 more but I would assume that is what you are paying for. I just checked pricing from our local tire vendors and the STT is $50 cheaper then the KM2 and they also have a $75 rebate. :huh:

Yea, I'm not the guy that spends extra for a name. Unless there is some substantial benefit, I'm going with the STT over the MTZ.

Do I detect a reversal on your tire list?