Strongest Wheel/Tire Combination

[TurboSandman]

I want to replace my current stock steel wheel (16 X 6. 5) and tire (245/75-16 E rated) combination with something meatier while improving load carrying capacity. I like the BFG MT KMs, and was all set to put on 315's (I have the Skyjacker leveling springs/control arms, not yet installed) but the Interco TRXUS 285's have 10 ply sidewalls rated at 3750 lbs per tire. That is really sucking me in as the 285's are a little less extreme than the 315's and the higher load carrying capacity is certainly more practical.



The problem I am having is which wheels to use? I wanted to go with the forged Alcoa Classics rated at 3745 lbs, but they only come in 16X7 while the Interco's require a 16X8. Alcoa M/T Classics (still a forged wheel) come in a 16X8 but are only rated at 3000lbs; is this a conservative rating or are they really that much weaker? The American Eagle 058 is a very similar looking CAST wheel but is rated at 3400 lbs in a 16X8. Is this CAST aluminum wheel really stonger than the Forged Alcoa; does it matter?



This is my daily driver (6 mile commute), farm/hunting/off road/hauling TRUCK and I really don't care about ride or tire noise as I have other vehicles to make nice nice for other people. I can only get my wife in the truck at gunpoint as it is.



Any thoughts?

 

[TurboSandman]

Sorry, I forgot signature.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The axles are rated 4850 lb front and 6500 lb rear. I think the main point for a HD wheel is to resist bending etc. not related directly to load capacity. The stock wheels seem to get out of true rather easily. I went to the Alcoa but then I only use 255-85-16 tires rated at 3000 lb each. Remember too that heavier and larger diameter tires make for more inertia--harder on the brakes etc. Another consideration is that 16" wheels and tires are the "safety bead" type while 16. 5" are not. Airing down a 16. 5" can result in it popping off the wheel easily. The mounting area/bead are squared off on the 16 while are on a steep slope with 16. 5, making it easy for them to slip.

Best wishes on your quest.

 

[Idaho CTD]

Eagle 589's and Truxus tires

I have a set of these waiting for my other tires to wear out. I believe the 589's are rated to 3400lbs. I have a set of modern type 58's on the truck now with Bridgestone dueller MT's. They seem to handle the weight ok I just wanted to go up to the E load tires too. I haul a lot of weight in the bed all the time is my reasoning. If I was to spend the money again I would get the Mickey Thompson classic II wheels with the truxus tires from Desert Rat. The MT wheels are fully polished even inside the holes and are rated close to the Eagles for weight. They also have steel inserts in the lug holes.



Nathan

 

[TurboSandman]

Thanks, Joe and Nathan; I guess it is much ado about nothing. I will probably go with the Interco TRXUS in 285 and the Eagle 058's. I was just surprised the Alcoa FORGED 16X8's were rated weaker than the CAST Eagles. The 16. 5's were never a consideration as I had read of the bead problem in a previous post, probably from you Joe.



Thanks again for the help.



Steve

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Beware that the Classic II Mickey Thompson wheels are cast. The original Classics are Alcoa forged. A 4wd magazine recently tested stock steel, cast al, forged al, and as expected found the forged aluminum far stronger than cast.

 

[Idaho CTD]

Cast or not there cool looking

Joe,

Was there a huge difference between the cast and forged wheels?

I just like the looks of the Classic II's better. Sounds like they were both better than steel anyhow. Price wise there is a huge difference between the classics and the II's also. I think it was over 50. 00/wheel. Also, I haven't had any problms to date with my cast 58's and they have been abused. Not to mention if the trail gets to rough the motorcycle or quad comes out.



Nathan