Narrow vs wide tires (video)

For those that have not seen this video it is well done and very informative. Just putting it out there for those interested.

 

That's interesting.

The one thing that bugged me about pizza cutters was the cost. But I might be buying a set regardless.

 

It is just kind of a pet peeve of mine when people talk tire size and don't referrer to all the details. You at least mentioned the aspect ratio but so many people will just say "285".

 

I have one question with all of this. If narrow is better in damn near every aspect why in the world isn't I further embraced overall and why don't manufacturers offer a better skinny selection? We still want more than a 33. Also wheel manufacturers really need more narrow offerings to make it a reality.

 

I find skinnies break free more easily on pavement, which is where most trucks spend their time. My 245 winters always surprise me on sharp turns.

It's rare we see 235s or 255s at my shop. They are usually mocked, they look like bicycle tires.

 

Narrows are better with that one brand and model. We can't assume all tires will have similar deltas between sizes.

It would also be interesting to see if mud, sand, and snow favors a wide patch or a long patch.

 

They certainly make the truck look like it skipped leg day from the front or rear. Buddy of mine went from 285 to 255 then back to 285's a year later due to it felt loose in a sense of the tirewas flexing alot side to side.
The day it won't cost 4g for me to try them I may consider it once there's more available in the 255/85r17 size available.

Untill then I'm perfectly content with my 285 winters and 295 summers

 

I'm sitting hear waiting on tinkerers Long term update on it. I do t think it's a fair representation throwing a well used km3 in as I bet that tire has softened up a bit in its age. But the apples to apples comparison does show that the science holds up and it "should" remain consistent when always comparing the same series of tire side by side only changing the overall width.

Application is a totally different manner that would be so difficult to replicate.

 

Its definitely enough for me to spend the extra to drop from 265's to 255's when I buy tires in the next month or two.

 

^ You can cherry pick wide tires as well.

 

Only one thing that wide tires excel. Flotation and airing down. Sand and snow. Why is there even a video? That's common sense, or it was in my era.

 

Sand yes, I have yet to see wide tires perform better in snow than skinnier versions

 

I prefer skinny tires to fat tires. Not only does it look better but my experiences with 285/75/16 and 255/85/16 back to back on my 2nd gen showed a clear advantage lay with the 255s.

 

What do you mean by "break free" and "surprise"? Good or bad? Slipping/sliding or recovering grip?

 

Tromping on it sharp turn will spin the right rear tire, this has a lot to do with my winter tread, but tire width has a factor to do with it.

The limited 4runners with 245s actually squeal more on hard turns.

20mm makes a difference!

 

33/10.5/17's are comparable to 285's, not a lot of options though

 

So sounds like you're saying 265s were noticably better than 245s, in your observations?


I don't have a solid opinion yet.
I went round and round on this looking at different takes and comparisons when considering what to get for winter tires, and sometimes based on the last legit sounding test results and speculation, it sounds like it can go either way even in the same conditions and the contact area is not necessarily that different. So on the third hand, maybe tread patterns, material properties of the rubber, air pressure are bigger factors????

 

I like that skinny's don't throw mud all of the place nearly as bad as wide tires

 

Yes I run 245 and 265 on my daily so its my easiest reference.

I drive lots of 285s but very few 235s.

I like the idea of 235s but it really depends on the trail. When it comes to paddling wet mud I want a wider tread rather than trying to hit the bottom.

But when it comes to snow and ice I want skinny.

I can say I've driven 305s and wider on ice and snow and hate it. It easily sucks you into tracks and ruts.