Another Tire Thread - Picking The Right Size

[JL]

Hi everyone, I hate to beat a horse that's already been dead for years, but I'm having a hard time finding good info on this.



I want to get a set of tires for my H3 but I'm having a hard time picking out the size. A little bit of background here first, but my H3 is my first 4x4 and I'm just getting into the off-road thing. I opted for an H3 with the luxury package but without the adventure package. Everyone already knows this, but stock tire size is 32".



My question is this, knowing that I don't have lockers, what is going to be the effectiveness of bumping up to the typical 35" that most people are doing on the H3? I've been pricing out some M/Ts and I can get a set for $1000-$1200 which, as anyone who has bought a set of M/Ts knows, it a pretty smokin deal, but again this is in a 32" tire, stock size.



I've never really believed in buying the base model only to upgrade it to what I could have already bought, so if down the road in a year or two I'm still enjoying the off-roading then I'd happily trade in for an H3 Alpha with adventure package or an H2. But even with that said, as far as having fun off-road and working with what I do have, are the 35" skins worth the extra cash? I don't know how to 'rate' the effectiveness of bigger tires, but in your own words what do you think of 32" vs. 35"?

[T.C.]

[quote name='JL' date='08 March 2010 - 07:18 PM' timestamp='1268093904' post='14113']

Hi everyone, I hate to beat a horse that's already been dead for years, but I'm having a hard time finding good info on this.



I want to get a set of tires for my H3 but I'm having a hard time picking out the size. A little bit of background here first, but my H3 is my first 4x4 and I'm just getting into the off-road thing. I opted for an H3 with the luxury package but without the adventure package. Everyone already knows this, but stock tire size is 32".



My question is this, knowing that I don't have lockers, what is going to be the effectiveness of bumping up to the typical 35" that most people are doing on the H3? I've been pricing out some M/Ts and I can get a set for $1000-$1200 which, as anyone who has bought a set of M/Ts knows, it a pretty smokin deal, but again this is in a 32" tire, stock size.



I've never really believed in buying the base model only to upgrade it to what I could have already bought, so if down the road in a year or two I'm still enjoying the off-roading then I'd happily trade in for an H3 Alpha with adventure package or an H2. But even with that said, as far as having fun off-road and working with what I do have, are the 35" skins worth the extra cash? I don't know how to 'rate' the effectiveness of bigger tires, but in your own words what do you think of 32" vs. 35"?

[/quote]



All I can say is...yes bigger is better...BUT....for off-road you need good tires...beadlocks.....so you can air down to 15 to 20 psi...this will help big time large footprint..........locker you can always add later....I had mtr's...Toyo right now...and I am very happy with them....my 2 cents <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

[Khamul]

To add my two cents..... You want the biggest tires possible that won't compromise the integrity of the front end. As Nick and I have discussed - the 35" tires aren't reccomended with the 3.7 engine but I say why not. Nick has them and so does Karl and haven't had any issues related to those. You are further in a good position as starting in 2008 - the H3's went to a 18mm tie rod from a 16 for added strength.

Reason for the larger tires is that is the best way to get "true" ground clearance. Your rig is only as high as the lowest point. You can get a massive lift kit only to still have your differential bottom out on the rocks. I would go with 35" and crank 2 turns on your torsion bars to lift the front end to allow the clearance.

Only thing I'm concerned about with the Base H3's is yours was the second to have a similar issue happen with the linkage. I have put my Alpha through worse terrain and never had a problem so not sure what the difference is. Next time we go offroading - I will bring it as I do think I prefer the H3 offroad.... much more agile and thinner!

[shotgun-cam]

Ok most H3's come on P265 the rest is the same rhino now sits on LT285's this is an alternate size. see picture Modzilla and Black Rhino. Two we've destroied two front diffs and transfer cases on a 08 H3 Alpha non adventure package.

[JL]

Thanks for the input everyone. I've got some driveline armor on order so next time I should be safer with the low clearance if I don't have skins by then.



Got my eye on these kumho's... They're reviewing well and prices like at AT! Kl71 I think they are... anyone tried them before??

[shotgun-cam]

Ok here's Rhino on his Kumho Roadventure KL71's on stock rims







We are now 8,000 kms on road with them.If you change then get 5 (spare as well)

[JL]

Thanks for the picture, they definitely have the look to them... Are those 35s?



Good looking pair of Hummers!

[shotgun-cam]

[quote name='shotgun-cam' date='10 March 2010 - 03:32 PM' timestamp='1268253163' post='14269']

Ok here's Rhino on his Kumho Roadventure KL71's on stock rims







We are now 8,000 kms on road with them.If you change then get 5 (spare as well)

[/quote]

Ok the Kumho's on Black Rhino are LT 285 / 75 R 16 the OEM Wranglers were P 265 / 75 R 16 the difference was enough that the dealer drum head cover would not fit properly. The LT 285's are an alternate size for H3's. The H2 in the picture is Derek's Modzilla. PS they cost about 1800. tax fast shipping and mounted for 5 from Superior Tire

[Sugarphreak]

I paid about 300$ per tire for my 315/75 Toyo MT O/C's... and that was a pretty decent deal. With the H3 AWD system you want to ensure you hav a full size spare with a matching diameter as well, you can't run a different diameter or your traction control will go nuts and you risk damaging your drivetrain too.



35's are the max I would run with my truck, they feel big and heavy compared to the 33's. I think I will be looking into a PCM tune fairly soon to try and correct my speedo and also see if I can get a touch more top end power for steep grades.



You could probably go with a 33" tire pretty easily and not have to change a thing, the stock size for the adventure pacakge is 285/75/R16. If I was considering 33's, I would be looking at an even wider set to get more traction and a nicer stance.



As far as brands go... I would say Toyo is the Alberta way <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... /smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> Brian, Steve & Myself all run the same tires... so they are a proven brand for our trails.

[Khamul]

Where did you get yours?..Trying to find a better price than $600 per tire for the 38's I want....