This blog has been defunct for too long, and I’d considered taking it offline. However, it continues to get measurable views everyday, without me posting a single word. During the 19-month hiatus a few new readers even subscribed, apparently looking forward to future posts should any be forthcoming… So instead of killing the blog, here is a small revival effort. Thanks for visiting RoadTraveler.net.
James
Low Pressure Off-Highway Rollin’
With the travel trailer repairs completed, it was finally time for some off-pavement travel. I dropped the front and rear tires to 25 and 20 psi respectively, which was on the high side for me but low enough for the truck, tires, and terrain. The F-350 carries much weight above the front axle so keeping the pressure slightly higher than on a lighter rig helps insure the beads don’t unseat, and is better for handling, control and safety on the faster sections.
Mud Terrain tires look cool, but I’m old and wise enough that looks alone don’t drive my choices. If I didn’t want a high-void tire for rugged backcountry use I’d pick something else, possibly a tread with less noise and better potential longevity. However, I use this truck for plenty of off-highway travel and in the LT255/85R16 size, tread choices are few and most are aggressive traction tires.
The notably high quality construction and roundness of most Toyo tires allows balancing with relatively little weight, which contributes to their good road manners. With only a few exceptions most Toyo M/Ts are constructed with a 7-ply tread and stout 3-ply sidewalls. Though friends have criticized me in the past for using tires with mere 2-ply sidewalls, my reply has always been; all tires are soft balloons, and are punctured relatively easily. For decades most tires have had 2-ply sidewalls, only in the past few years have 3-ply sidewall enthusiast rubber become both popular and offered in several flavors.
But, when I needed to make a choice between the Maxxis Bighorns or the Toyo M/T, it was this rugged reputation, quality construction, and 3-ply sidewalls that made the Toyos the arguably better choice for an old F-350.
Let’s just see about that.
Copyright © 2014 James Langan/PhotoWrite Intl.